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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Tree on June 7, 2003, at 11:24:38
I told my doctor about my sleeping woes and she gave me something new to try. It's Elavil. I'm supposed to take it at 8pm, but last night I was out with my daughter so was afraid to take it till I got home, about 11. I had a hard time getting going this morning and just started feeling alive around noon. I'm sort of afraid of this medicine. Anybody know something about it?
Also, has anyone had something happen with their hair as an effect of medication? I have this section of hair right in the back-middle that has become extremely dry and fragile. I have sort of long hair, so it really seems noticeable. Am I crazy, or can this be from the drugs?
Thanks,
Tree
Posted by daizy on June 7, 2003, at 12:02:10
In reply to Two Things, posted by Tree on June 7, 2003, at 11:24:38
Taking new meds is always scary at first for me too! There is no reason to be scared of this med, so dont worry!
Im on it too! The first few months it did put me out like a light at night, but now I think im more used to it, so it takes a while longer but it still works. As for the feeling sleepy, it should wear off as you get used to it.Im not sure about the hair, if you cant think what else it could be then maybe it is the meds. I have dry hair from dying it too much, try some conditioning treatments they work well. Hair suppliments also work well.
Good luck!
> I told my doctor about my sleeping woes and she gave me something new to try. It's Elavil. I'm supposed to take it at 8pm, but last night I was out with my daughter so was afraid to take it till I got home, about 11. I had a hard time getting going this morning and just started feeling alive around noon. I'm sort of afraid of this medicine. Anybody know something about it?
>
> Also, has anyone had something happen with their hair as an effect of medication? I have this section of hair right in the back-middle that has become extremely dry and fragile. I have sort of long hair, so it really seems noticeable. Am I crazy, or can this be from the drugs?
>
> Thanks,
> Tree
Posted by Snoozy on June 7, 2003, at 13:07:46
In reply to Two Things, posted by Tree on June 7, 2003, at 11:24:38
Hi -
Elavil is a tricyclic antidepressant, the older generation of antidepressants. Most of the tricyclics cause symptoms such as drowsiness, dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension, sometimes weight gain. I personally have never been able to tolerate the TCA's because I have low blood pressure and I was blacking out every time I stood up when I took them. But they are often used to help with sleep, and do work for some. Oh, I forgot - some of the TCAs are also used to help treat chronic pain.
Here are the medline sites where you can find more information about Elavil:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a682388.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202055.html
How's it going with the Wellbutrin? The hair thing I have never been able to figure out. I've read a lot of dermatologists say that because hair is dead, it can't be affected by medication. When it comes out of your scalp, it's dead, so if you start taking a medication, it's not going to do anything to the hair down around your shoulders. But it might do something to the hair before it grows out of the scalp. Then I know a lot of people and hairstylists who swear that it's done something. I'm sure that was helpful to you!! Have you been doing anything different with your hair - different products, different styling? Or wearing it up? Or wearing it down if you always wear it up?> I told my doctor about my sleeping woes and she gave me something new to try. It's Elavil. I'm supposed to take it at 8pm, but last night I was out with my daughter so was afraid to take it till I got home, about 11. I had a hard time getting going this morning and just started feeling alive around noon. I'm sort of afraid of this medicine. Anybody know something about it?
>
> Also, has anyone had something happen with their hair as an effect of medication? I have this section of hair right in the back-middle that has become extremely dry and fragile. I have sort of long hair, so it really seems noticeable. Am I crazy, or can this be from the drugs?
>
> Thanks,
> Tree
Posted by Beastress on June 7, 2003, at 15:44:05
In reply to Two Things, posted by Tree on June 7, 2003, at 11:24:38
Hi Tree,
My doctor suggested that I try a TCA for pain/depression. I haven't made a decision yet and would really like to hear more about your experience with it.You might try a search on selenium supplentation for the hair problem. Larry Hoover and others have posted some very useful info about it. I hope things work out well for you.
Leigh
Posted by Tree on June 7, 2003, at 19:11:55
In reply to Re: Two Things, posted by Beastress on June 7, 2003, at 15:44:05
I wonder why she would give me an anti-depressant for sleep, instead of just a sleeping pill, especially since I'm already on an anti-depressant - Wellbutrin.
I like the energy I get from W., just the insomnia is rough. I chose it because it's one of the only ones I could come up with that shouldn't cause weight gain. If I gain weight from the Elavil, I will be mad. I am trying to eat low-carb, but I always seem to crave that kind of food. Supposedly, the insomnia will subside when my body adjusts to the Wellbutrin, but if I am taking meds for sleep, how will I know?
I really need to lose about 20 pounds and have a very healthy diet, because I must do everything possible to prevent a recurrance of cancer. You'd think that would be motivation enough, but as you know, addiction is powerful. Since Wellbutrin is used to help people stop smoking, I thought it might help me stop over-eating. Maybe that takes a while to kick in too?
Daizy, what are "hair supplements"?
Thanks for the suggestions and I will check out those websites.
Peace,
Tree
Posted by Snoozy on June 7, 2003, at 19:21:39
In reply to Re: Two Things, posted by Tree on June 7, 2003, at 19:11:55
Hi Tree-
When I had trouble with insomnia when I first started the Wellbutrin, I found it helpful to take a lower dose for a few days, then go back to my previous dose (From 300 to 200). The lower dose eased the insomnia and I was able to get more sleep so that I could go back up to the higher dose and not be driven mad by lack of sleep. You may want to ask your doctor about this if you're looking to minimize the medications you're taking. But please talk to your doctor before changing the Wellbutrin on your own!
Posted by daizy on June 8, 2003, at 11:57:04
In reply to Re: Two Things, posted by Tree on June 7, 2003, at 19:11:55
well it has sedative effect which would put you to sleep at night. I think maybe she is using that because it isnt addictive? Not sure on that though.
As for the weight gain, yes, I did gain weight on this med, I was just binge eating, and still not being able to satisfy my hunger.Takes will power to stop, which Im not so hot on! Try sticking to lots of fresh fruit and veg insted of sweet things like chocolate?
Yes hair suppliments, I meant vitamins for the hair, thats what the ones I have are called. its iron, zinc, B12, and lots more.... they contain everything that is needed to make hair stronger and healthier. seems to work, cant be sure though, just an Idea! :-)
> Daizy, what are "hair supplements"?
>
> Thanks for the suggestions and I will check out those websites.
>
> Peace,
> Tree
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