I seem to be a world class panic attack owner and I’m looking for a little re-assurance or possibly some advice.  I have a panic attack roughly once every three years (total of 5 so far), but when I have them, they are INTENSE. I normally am unable/barely able to walk, have great difficulty speaking, and feel numbness on my left side.  I KNOW, that sounds like a stroke, believe me, I’ve seen doctors.  Tons of tests have been taken, and every time I get the same diagnosis.  There is nothing wrong with you, go home.  NONE of them have been willing (able?) to diagnos them as Anxiety.  I normally feel AWFUL for a week or two following the attack, then I slowly start to recover after that point.  I would have continued to seek doctors if I hadn’t noticed one symptom that tends to make me think that this is anxiety-related. After roughly 15 minutes of "stroking out", I get uncontrollable full- body shakes that last for about 10-15 minutes. My question is:  Does anybody else get attacks of this frequency (roughly once every 3 years) and intensity with similar symptoms? Should I continue to seek out Doctors, or accept this as my lot in life? I should also say that I do not medicate.  I hate the thought of taking drugs for the rest of my life.  I’m very healthy for 3 years or so, then I have these "Grand Mal" episodes with no warning. Thanks in advance for any thoughts. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I seem to be a world class panic attack owner and I’m looking for a little re-assurance or possibly some advice.  I have a panic attack roughly once every three years (total of 5 so far), but when I have them, they are INTENSE. I normally am unable/barely able to walk, have great difficulty speaking, and feel numbness on my left side.  I KNOW, that sounds like a stroke, believe me, I’ve seen doctors.  Tons of tests have been taken, and every time I get the same diagnosis.  There is nothing wrong with you, go home.  NONE of them have been willing (able?) to diagnos them as Anxiety.  I normally feel AWFUL for a week or two following the attack, then I slowly start to recover after that point.  I would have continued to seek doctors if I hadn’t noticed one symptom that tends to make me think that this is anxiety-related. After roughly 15 minutes of "stroking out", I get uncontrollable full- body shakes that last for about 10-15 minutes. My question is:  Does anybody else get attacks of this frequency (roughly once every 3 years) and intensity with similar symptoms? Should I continue to seek out Doctors, or accept this as my lot in life? I should also say that I do not medicate.  I hate the thought of taking drugs for the rest of my life.  I’m very healthy for 3 years or so, then I have these "Grand Mal" episodes with no warning. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

the numbness on only one side is troubling to me-the rest seems rather pedestrian as far as a panic attack of high intensity goes-the week or two post episode is rather troubling as well. Not knowing what tests you have had I cannot comment further with anything other then guesswork or assumption. Having something of this magnitude every three years seems a small price to pay for being alive, provided it is purely panic driven-there are those who have multiple high intesnity panic attacks per day every day. I would recommend a consult with a vascular specialist, a neurologist followed by a psychiatrist.  If it is panic, Alprazolam can be given while the attack is occuring at a moderate sublingual dose that could abort the progress of a panic attack and it can be further used for a few days post episode-this hardly constitutes a medical regimen of drugs being used prophylactically for events that occur every three years or so… You could be having tia’s which are not really diagnosable after the fact except possibly with a pet scan and a great pair of eyes evaluating it-a 24 hour blood pressure and holter monitor shoud be done several times to see what may be happening if anything in your vasculature-numbness relating to panic and hyperventilation is stereotypical meaning it would be both arms-left side is highly suspect of a major vascular disruption — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My question is:  Does anybody else get attacks of this frequency (roughly once every 3 years) and intensity with similar symptoms?

No, mine were more frequent and only at specific times (driving on the highway) but they were just intense. I felt like I was having a heart attack and like I was literally going to jump out of my skin. Should I continue to seek out Doctors, or accept this as my lot in life?

Yes, by all means continue to seek out doctors until you find one who will listen to you and treat your problem. I should also say that I do not medicate.  I hate the thought of taking drugs for the rest of my life.  I’m very healthy for 3 years or so, then I have these "Grand Mal" episodes with no warning.

I understand your reluctance to medicate, as I felt the same way for years. However, nothing else helped my panic attacks and they were severely affecting every aspect of my life, so I gave in. I now take . 05 mg of Klonopin twice a day and I haven’t had a panic attack in six months. Look at it this way; if you had high blood pressure or diabetes, and the only way you could keep it under control was to take medication for the rest of your life, you’d do it, right? This is pretty much the same thing. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

You’re welcome, hope this helped. Joe — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I cannot drive on benzos (Clonazepam) because of tough scary new laws here. I drive fine on them, but still probably dangerous for legality. I cannot work without taking benzos, and even then, no guarantee. I have tried most/all SSRIs for anxiety, but they don’t work like benzos. What to do ? I live in exurbs in parents’ basement apartment sort of arrangement (own closed space, lower rent, pay my own way on ther things of course), and it is almost impossible to get anywhere without a car, especially on weekends and evenings. Can commute to work for now if downtown. Father can’t drive anymore, mother ok, but they are up there in age. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I cannot drive on benzos (Clonazepam) because of tough scary new laws here. I drive fine on them, but still probably dangerous for legality. I cannot work without taking benzos, and even then, no guarantee. I have tried most/all SSRIs for anxiety, but they don’t work like benzos. What to do ? I live in exurbs in parents’ basement apartment sort of arrangement (own closed space, lower rent, pay my own way on ther things of course), and it is almost impossible to get anywhere without a car, especially on weekends and evenings. Can commute to work for now if downtown. Father can’t drive anymore, mother ok, but they are up there in age.

Almost everybody I know is driving on benzos.  Seriously, would you rather have someone on the road who is anxious and nervous, or someone who is calm and cool.  It all depends on how the benzos affect you.  For me they make me normal again.  The last time I got stopped the officer and I had a nice conversation and he sent me on my way — forgot to turn my lights on when I left a gas station. Without the benzos I would not have been driving at all, and if I had been driving and stopped by a cop without my benzos I probably would have freaked out. If the benzos put you in a drunken state, obviously you should not be driving or working.  The word here is "normal."  When you take your meds are you more normal?  If yes, I wouldn’t worry about it.  If they make you sluggish and sleepy you should not be driving on them. Do they slow your reflexes?  Probably, but what about coming up on a situation where you have to hit your brakes or swerve to avoid an accident? In a calm state you will probably do the right thing.  In an anxious state you may do nothing. It all depends on how you feel when you drive.  I can’t tell you to break the law, but if your meds bring you back to center, and they are prescribed by a doctor, I doubt you will get into trouble. Anyway, that’s my two cents.  Let’s see what others have to say. Sheldon — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I cannot drive on benzos (Clonazepam) because of tough scary new laws here. I drive fine on them, but still probably dangerous for legality. I cannot work without taking benzos, and even then, no guarantee. I have tried most/all SSRIs for anxiety, but they don’t work like benzos. What to do ? I live in exurbs in parents’ basement apartment sort of arrangement (own closed space, lower rent, pay my own way on ther things of course), and it is almost impossible to get anywhere without a car, especially on weekends and evenings. Can commute to work for now if downtown. Father can’t drive anymore, mother ok, but they are up there in age.

If the drive I am about to take is an anxiety provoking one, I’m better off TAKING the benzo.. That keeps both me and the other drivers safe!! Depends on your level of anxiety, but unless you take a large amount, or if you are super sensitive to them – benzos should not be a problem for anyone who has an anxiety disorder. They will make you feel normal, not impair you. If the dosage you are on is too strong, try a half or a quarter.. Are you new to taking this medication? When I first began taking Xanax, before I learned what dose worked best for me, they would make me sleepy – but that only took a few weeks to sort out and now, I take them so I can just feel like a normal person feels. Anxiety is a worse impairment for me than my meds. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I cannot drive on benzos (Clonazepam) because of tough scary new laws here. I drive fine on them, but still probably dangerous for legality. I cannot work without taking benzos, and even then, no guarantee. I have tried most/all SSRIs for anxiety, but they don’t work like benzos. What to do ? I live in exurbs in parents’ basement apartment sort of arrangement (own closed space, lower rent, pay my own way on ther things of course), and it is almost impossible to get anywhere without a car, especially on weekends and evenings. Can commute to work for now if downtown. Father can’t drive anymore, mother ok, but they are up there in age. Almost everybody I know is driving on benzos.  Seriously, would you rather have someone on the road who is anxious and nervous, or someone who is calm and cool.  It all depends on how the benzos affect you.  For me they make me normal again.  The last time I got stopped the officer and I had a nice conversation and he sent me on my way — forgot to turn my lights on when I left a gas station. Without the benzos I would not have been driving at all, and if I had been driving and stopped by a cop without my benzos I probably would have freaked out. If the benzos put you in a drunken state, obviously you should not be driving or working.  The word here is "normal."  When you take your meds are you more normal?  If yes, I wouldn’t worry about it.  If they make you sluggish and sleepy you should not be driving on them. Do they slow your reflexes?  Probably, but what about coming up on a situation where you have to hit your brakes or swerve to avoid an accident? In a calm state you will probably do the right thing.  In an anxious state you may do nothing. It all depends on how you feel when you drive.  I can’t tell you to break the law, but if your meds bring you back to center, and they are prescribed by a doctor, I doubt you will get into trouble. Anyway, that’s my two cents.  Let’s see what others have to say. Sheldon

I would have to agree with you.  I wish my mother-in-law was on benzo’s when she drives.  Sheesh.  I don’t know who stresses out more, me or her! kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I cannot drive on benzos (Clonazepam) because of tough scary new laws here. I drive fine on them, but still probably dangerous for legality. I cannot work without taking benzos, and even then, no guarantee. I have tried most/all SSRIs for anxiety, but they don’t work like benzos. What to do ? I live in exurbs in parents’ basement apartment sort of arrangement (own closed space, lower rent, pay my own way on ther things of course), and it is almost impossible to get anywhere without a car, especially on weekends and evenings. Can commute to work for now if downtown. Father can’t drive anymore, mother ok, but they are up there in age. Almost everybody I know is driving on benzos.  Seriously, would you rather have someone on the road who is anxious and nervous, or someone who is calm and cool.  It all depends on how the benzos affect you.  For me they make me normal again.  The last time I got stopped the officer and I had a nice conversation and he sent me on my way — forgot to turn my lights on when I left a gas station. Without the benzos I would not have been driving at all, and if I had been driving and stopped by a cop without my benzos I probably would have freaked out. If the benzos put you in a drunken state, obviously you should not be driving or working.  The word here is "normal."  When you take your meds are you more normal?  If yes, I wouldn’t worry about it.  If they make you sluggish and sleepy you should not be driving on them. Do they slow your reflexes?  Probably, but what about coming up on a situation where you have to hit your brakes or swerve to avoid an accident? In a calm state you will probably do the right thing.  In an anxious state you may do nothing. It all depends on how you feel when you drive.  I can’t tell you to break the law, but if your meds bring you back to center, and they are prescribed by a doctor, I doubt you will get into trouble. Anyway, that’s my two cents.  Let’s see what others have to say. Sheldon I would have to agree with you.  I wish my mother-in-law was on benzo’s when she drives.  Sheesh.  I don’t know who stresses out more, me or her! kili — The charter is available at:http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm – Show quoted text –

Since my panic attacks started while driving on the freeway, and since my doctor prescribed them for me to take specifically while driving, I don’t worry about it being legal. In my opinion (and obviously my doctor’s), I’d be more dangeorus without them then with them. Besides, I’m on such a low dose (0.5 mg) that I don’t worry about it impairing my driving in any way. Joe — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay.  I will start off with an odd introduction here.  I’ve been diagnosed with recurrent depression, GAD and PD since 2003.  I started a regimen of 25mg paxil and 1mg clonazepam.  Over a course of four years I’ve had it upped to 3mgs (well within the accepted dosage range for controlling panic and anxiety which to my knowledge is 1-4mgs) and discontinued paxil without any withdrawal that wasn’t bearable (only lasted a week, it was more annoying than anything). Now, come late March of this year and my pdoc asks me to start weaning of clonazepam.  I was warned a while ago from someone on an anti- benzo board about extremely dangerous withdrawal symptoms (they told me I wouldn’t even be able to started weaning without going insane… yeah right).  So that added a bit of paranoia and anxiety to someone predisposed to both on top of weaning off anti-anxiety medication. After months of being on anti-benzo boards which perpetuated a self- destructive state of mind, more hope fell apart as I was told things such as: "well, if you haven’t experienced extreme withdrawal yet, wait till you hit 0.Xmgs"; "you absolutely cannot wean directly off clonazepam dry cutting pills, you’re insane" etc, etc.  This at first didn’t put me off, but instead added to an INTENSE state of depression and panic.  I’m predisposed to both as I’ve said, and have had long stints of unemployment and suicidal ideation unmedicated.  Now, I think my self-preservation instincts are kicking in but it’s a tad bit late… but not too late.  I’m just broke, not in college and jobless.  I can remedy that situation once I resolve this issue that I might go bananas when I eventually quit clonazepam. The first step to get better for me is to stay far away from those anti-benzo places since all they throw around is paranoia and self- destruction (in one group, a moderator actually told me to use an online pharmacy to purchase more drugs to slow my taper even more (this taper is already a year long!  yeesh)).  The next step is to say, yes, I’m at a pretty low dosage and haven’t experienced ANY moderate withdrawal symptoms looking back on it all.  At first if I had a headache I’d think w/d.  Not attribute it to that we all get headaches all the time!  Or if I was anxious I’d think "here comes a seizure i think!"  Now, who needs to live in that shell-shocked existence?  I’ve been living like that for the past 6 months, and from now on I’m going to just take it as it comes, since nothing bad has happened yet which pretty much means nothing bad will happen as long as I follow this weaning schedule properly. Now, my perspective on why there’s so much panic about benzos is that there were a few who abruptly discontinued or detoxed rapidly from benzodiazepines and then spread their plights across the internet and through the medical community.  This creates a very negative atmosphere for anyone trying to wean off a benzodiazpeine, since ONLY the negative (and rare) side gets advertised.  The ones that never suffered any ill-effects never join an anti-benzo board, and their numbers are far more vast since I actually have 3 people in my family that had no problem whatsoever with benzo discontinuation even after years of use.  I’m down to 1/2 mg from 3 mgs.  I’m told on all of the anti-benzo boards I’m doing this wayy too quickly and I might drop dead if I continue.  Well… so far so good, so why the scare?  I think so that their methods aren’t tarnished by someone who can withdrawal differently. Sorry for the long introduction.

The mind is a very powerful thing.  You can psych yourself into panic attacks and withdrawal symptoms, or you can psych yourself into having no withdrawal at all.  Look at how many people are cured by the placebo in drug testing.  While getting off these meds may be difficult, some people have problems and some don’t.  It is what it is, and everybody is different. Don’t assume you’re going to be the one who has problems, and don’t immerse yourself in the Internet looking up withdrawal symptoms or you will go nuts. If 3 people in your family did it why not assume you have the same genes and you’ll do it, too.  "If" things get bad talk to your doc and slow it down. He/she should comply, especially with someone prone to anxiety. Hang in there and good luck. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I did a slow wean off Klonopin over the course of several months and suffered no withdrawal symptoms. However, I did have the return of panic attacks while driving on the freeway. Once the Klonopin was restarted the panic attacks ceased. chip

Chip, I could have written this myself, line-for-line. Joe — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Okay.  I will start off with an odd introduction here.  I’ve been diagnosed with recurrent depression, GAD and PD since 2003.  I started a regimen of 25mg paxil and 1mg clonazepam.  Over a course of four years I’ve had it upped to 3mgs (well within the accepted dosage range for controlling panic and anxiety which to my knowledge is 1-4mgs) and discontinued paxil without any withdrawal that wasn’t bearable (only lasted a week, it was more annoying than anything). Now, come late March of this year and my pdoc asks me to start weaning of clonazepam.  I was warned a while ago from someone on an anti- benzo board about extremely dangerous withdrawal symptoms (they told me I wouldn’t even be able to started weaning without going insane… yeah right).  So that added a bit of paranoia and anxiety to someone predisposed to both on top of weaning off anti-anxiety medication. After months of being on anti-benzo boards which perpetuated a self- destructive state of mind, more hope fell apart as I was told things such as: "well, if you haven’t experienced extreme withdrawal yet, wait till you hit 0.Xmgs"; "you absolutely cannot wean directly off clonazepam dry cutting pills, you’re insane" etc, etc.  This at first didn’t put me off, but instead added to an INTENSE state of depression and panic.  I’m predisposed to both as I’ve said, and have had long stints of unemployment and suicidal ideation unmedicated.  Now, I think my self-preservation instincts are kicking in but it’s a tad bit late… but not too late.  I’m just broke, not in college and jobless.  I can remedy that situation once I resolve this issue that I might go bananas when I eventually quit clonazepam. The first step to get better for me is to stay far away from those anti-benzo places since all they throw around is paranoia and self- destruction (in one group, a moderator actually told me to use an online pharmacy to purchase more drugs to slow my taper even more (this taper is already a year long!  yeesh)).  The next step is to say, yes, I’m at a pretty low dosage and haven’t experienced ANY moderate withdrawal symptoms looking back on it all.  At first if I had a headache I’d think w/d.  Not attribute it to that we all get headaches all the time!  Or if I was anxious I’d think "here comes a seizure i think!"  Now, who needs to live in that shell-shocked existence?  I’ve been living like that for the past 6 months, and from now on I’m going to just take it as it comes, since nothing bad has happened yet which pretty much means nothing bad will happen as long as I follow this weaning schedule properly. Now, my perspective on why there’s so much panic about benzos is that there were a few who abruptly discontinued or detoxed rapidly from benzodiazepines and then spread their plights across the internet and through the medical community.  This creates a very negative atmosphere for anyone trying to wean off a benzodiazpeine, since ONLY the negative (and rare) side gets advertised.  The ones that never suffered any ill-effects never join an anti-benzo board, and their numbers are far more vast since I actually have 3 people in my family that had no problem whatsoever with benzo discontinuation even after years of use.  I’m down to 1/2 mg from 3 mgs.  I’m told on all of the anti-benzo boards I’m doing this wayy too quickly and I might drop dead if I continue.  Well… so far so good, so why the scare?  I think so that their methods aren’t tarnished by someone who can withdrawal differently. Sorry for the long introduction. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

I did a slow wean off Klonopin over the course of several months and suffered no withdrawal symptoms. However, I did have the return of panic attacks while driving on the freeway. Once the Klonopin was restarted the panic attacks ceased. chip

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay.  I will start off with an odd introduction here.  I’ve been diagnosed with recurrent depression, GAD and PD since 2003.  I started a regimen of 25mg paxil and 1mg clonazepam.  Over a course of four years I’ve had it upped to 3mgs (well within the accepted dosage range for controlling panic and anxiety which to my knowledge is 1-4mgs) and discontinued paxil without any withdrawal that wasn’t bearable (only lasted a week, it was more annoying than anything). Now, come late March of this year and my pdoc asks me to start weaning of clonazepam.  I was warned a while ago from someone on an anti- benzo board about extremely dangerous withdrawal symptoms (they told me I wouldn’t even be able to started weaning without going insane… yeah right).  So that added a bit of paranoia and anxiety to someone predisposed to both on top of weaning off anti-anxiety medication. After months of being on anti-benzo boards which perpetuated a self- destructive state of mind, more hope fell apart as I was told things such as: "well, if you haven’t experienced extreme withdrawal yet, wait till you hit 0.Xmgs"; "you absolutely cannot wean directly off clonazepam dry cutting pills, you’re insane" etc, etc.  This at first didn’t put me off, but instead added to an INTENSE state of depression and panic.  I’m predisposed to both as I’ve said, and have had long stints of unemployment and suicidal ideation unmedicated.  Now, I think my self-preservation instincts are kicking in but it’s a tad bit late… but not too late.  I’m just broke, not in college and jobless.  I can remedy that situation once I resolve this issue that I might go bananas when I eventually quit clonazepam. The first step to get better for me is to stay far away from those anti-benzo places since all they throw around is paranoia and self- destruction (in one group, a moderator actually told me to use an online pharmacy to purchase more drugs to slow my taper even more (this taper is already a year long!  yeesh)).  The next step is to say, yes, I’m at a pretty low dosage and haven’t experienced ANY moderate withdrawal symptoms looking back on it all.  At first if I had a headache I’d think w/d.  Not attribute it to that we all get headaches all the time!  Or if I was anxious I’d think "here comes a seizure i think!"  Now, who needs to live in that shell-shocked existence?  I’ve been living like that for the past 6 months, and from now on I’m going to just take it as it comes, since nothing bad has happened yet which pretty much means nothing bad will happen as long as I follow this weaning schedule properly. Now, my perspective on why there’s so much panic about benzos is that there were a few who abruptly discontinued or detoxed rapidly from benzodiazepines and then spread their plights across the internet and through the medical community.  This creates a very negative atmosphere for anyone trying to wean off a benzodiazpeine, since ONLY the negative (and rare) side gets advertised.  The ones that never suffered any ill-effects never join an anti-benzo board, and their numbers are far more vast since I actually have 3 people in my family that had no problem whatsoever with benzo discontinuation even after years of use.  I’m down to 1/2 mg from 3 mgs.  I’m told on all of the anti-benzo boards I’m doing this wayy too quickly and I might drop dead if I continue.  Well… so far so good, so why the scare?  I think so that their methods aren’t tarnished by someone who can withdrawal differently. Sorry for the long introduction. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Rob, I’m quite sure that any of us here would respond appropriately to any clear, cut and dried threat. We may not do so well with the "what ifs", because we overthink the possibilities and create too many scenarios in our imaginations. Taking a decisive action simply removes a lot of the "what ifs". Good on you for NOT  caving to "stuffing your feelings". Keep moving ! Sue Western Maine

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good news out of bad news.     The girl I was seeing and was upfront about me being nuts and all and I broke it off yesterday. I just found out she was with someone else and not around so much.    Now, for what reason I have had no panic attacks, stress, or depressive instance. Not like I’m glad it’s over or anything. That always sucks but I felt empowered by holding my ground and looking at this in a "reality" view/perspective.  It really helped, no joke. Thanks for all that advice on other issues. It sure helped here. I guess you can all take comfort on the advice you have given me- It’s working! No changes in meds. No doc’s no chat. Nadda. Reality 101 only.            Thanks again!                        Rob — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Good news out of bad news.     The girl I was seeing and was upfront about me being nuts and all and I broke it off yesterday. I just found out she was with someone else and not around so much.    Now, for what reason I have had no panic attacks, stress, or depressive instance. Not like I’m glad it’s over or anything. That always sucks but I felt empowered by holding my ground and looking at this in a "reality" view/perspective.  It really helped, no joke. Thanks for all that advice on other issues. It sure helped here. I guess you can all take comfort on the advice you have given me- It’s working! No changes in meds. No doc’s no chat. Nadda. Reality 101 only.            Thanks again!                        Rob

Rob, The truth is more powerful (and empowering) than what we can make up and react to neurotically in our minds. You don’t need a gf who is not faithful anyway, nobody needs that. You dust yourself off, and try again when you are ready and the right woman appears. Good for you. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Good news out of bad news. ::    The girl I was seeing and was upfront about me being nuts and all and I ::broke it off yesterday. I just found out she was with someone else and not ::around so much. ::   Now, for what reason I have had no panic attacks, stress, or depressive ::instance. Not like I’m glad it’s over or anything. That always sucks but I ::felt empowered by holding my ground and looking at this in a "reality" ::view/perspective.  It really helped, no joke. Thanks for all that advice on ::other issues. It sure helped here. I guess you can all take comfort on the ::advice you have given me- It’s working! No changes in meds. No doc’s no ::chat. Nadda. Reality 101 only. Dear Rob, While I’m sorry this relationship didn’t work out…….I believe it’s healthier to be in no relationship than one that is dysfunctional. Wishing you peace and healing. Jackie ~*~~*~When you find yourself the victim of other people’s bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse.  You could be them~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Thanks for the support.   I don’t think it’s being in a relationship that’s the problem. It’s the person I’m in it with.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a self-admitted work-a-holic when it suits me. I am set in my ways but in the past I would get all spun up and do the "what if" thing over, and over, and over. No more.  I don’t know what is changed or if I’m just growing up but settling for less is just not for me.  A crappy mix with depression and anxiety one must admit. I take a lot of the blame but as whacked as it sounds, like I said. I feel solid about this. Something I can’t say I have felt in years.  Living in flux sucks. Too bad it took me so long to "grow a set"

Maybe that relationship wasn’t right. I hope things go better for you from now on Rob. Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

   Now, for what reason I have had no panic attacks, stress, or    depressive instance. Not like I’m glad it’s over or anything. That always sucks but I felt empowered by holding my ground and looking at this in a "reality" view/perspective.  It really helped, no joke. Thanks for all that advice on other issues. It sure helped here. I guess you can all take comfort on the advice you have given me- It’s working! No changes in meds. No doc’s no chat. Nadda. Reality 101 only.

        Wow!  That WONDERFUL, Rob!  Usually in a situation like that I ruminate over it a long time afterwards!  I’m going through that right now over my last job.  You did great, and I’m glad you stood your ground.   Dennis — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Glad to hear this, Rob.  Whenever there’s no anxiety, etc., it’s a good thing. Hugs, Di

Good news out of bad news.    The girl I was seeing and was upfront about me being nuts and all and I broke it off yesterday. I just found out she was with someone else and not around so much.   Now, for what reason I have had no panic attacks, stress, or depressive instance. Not like I’m glad it’s over or anything. That always sucks but I felt empowered by holding my ground and looking at this in a "reality" view/perspective.  It really helped, no joke. Thanks for all that advice on other issues. It sure helped here. I guess you can all take comfort on the advice you have given me- It’s working! No changes in meds. No doc’s no chat. Nadda. Reality 101 only.           Thanks again!                       Rob

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Thanks for the support.   I don’t think it’s being in a relationship that’s the problem. It’s the person I’m in it with.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m a self-admitted work-a-holic when it suits me. I am set in my ways but in the past I would get all spun up and do the "what if" thing over, and over, and over. No more.  I don’t know what is changed or if I’m just growing up but settling for less is just not for me.  A crappy mix with depression and anxiety one must admit. I take a lot of the blame but as whacked as it sounds, like I said. I feel solid about this. Something I can’t say I have felt in years.  Living in flux sucks. Too bad it took me so long to "grow a set" Sorry about your breakup. Maybe a relationship for now was too much for you. Or maybe that one didn’t work out. Good you are feeling better. You can always post here whenever you feel like it. Mary

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good news out of bad news.     The girl I was seeing and was upfront about me being nuts and all and I broke it off yesterday. I just found out she was with someone else and not around so much.    Now, for what reason I have had no panic attacks, stress, or depressive instance. Not like I’m glad it’s over or anything. That always sucks but I felt empowered by holding my ground and looking at this in a "reality" view/perspective.  It really helped, no joke. Thanks for all that advice on other issues. It sure helped here. I guess you can all take comfort on the advice you have given me- It’s working! No changes in meds. No doc’s no chat. Nadda. Reality 101 only.            Thanks again!                        Rob

Sorry about your breakup. Maybe a relationship for now was too much for you. Or maybe that one didn’t work out. Good you are feeling better. You can always post here whenever you feel like it. Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Good news out of bad news.     The girl I was seeing and was upfront about me being nuts and all and I broke it off yesterday. I just found out she was with someone else and not around so much.    Now, for what reason I have had no panic attacks, stress, or depressive instance. Not like I’m glad it’s over or anything. That always sucks but I felt empowered by holding my ground and looking at this in a "reality" view/perspective.  It really helped, no joke. Thanks for all that advice on other issues. It sure helped here. I guess you can all take comfort on the advice you have given me- It’s working! No changes in meds. No doc’s no chat. Nadda. Reality 101 only.            Thanks again!                        Rob — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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My doctor just added this to my daily regimen.  It is for depression for which I have been taking Prozac for ages.  I’m on a ton of other drugs – lorazepam, in particular.

This is a little late, but maybe you will see it.  Years ago I tried Nortriptyline and it was the first drug that touched my depression. Wishing you good luck, Tony — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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::My doctor just added this to my daily regimen.  It is for depression for ::which I have been taking Prozac for ages.  I’m on a ton of other drugs – ::lorazepam, in particular. :: ::Any comments on possible side-effects and what not?  This is not really ::off-topic because I’m afraid that something might go wrong.  My concern ::stems. I think, from a spate of panic attacks and the consequence of a fall ::I had in Dec ‘06. Dear Info, Just wanted to wish you lots of luck and success with your new med! I know life’s been tough for you lately. Keep us updated! Jackie ~*~Not only is life a bitch, but it is always having puppies~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::My doctor just added this to my daily regimen.  It is for depression for ::which I have been taking Prozac for ages.  I’m on a ton of other drugs – ::lorazepam, in particular. :: ::Any comments on possible side-effects and what not?  This is not really ::off-topic because I’m afraid that something might go wrong.  My concern ::stems. I think, from a spate of panic attacks and the consequence of a fall ::I had in Dec ‘06. Dear Info, Just wanted to wish you lots of luck and success with your new med! I know life’s been tough for you lately. Keep us updated! Jackie ~*~Not only is life a bitch, but it is always having puppies~*~

I read the warning-caution-indication pamphlet on it when it got here and I am not going to take it, yet.  The possible side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, and what not.  I’m emailing my doctor today. I’m too freaking tired from the sleep apnea and with all the anticonvulsants, neuropathy, and other stuff I take I don’t want another load of that.  It also can harden stool.  I already take a stool softener because of the anti-convulsants. I sleep five hours a day in addition to 10 hours a night because of the apnea.  Guess what?  Starting Monday, workmen will be in my bedroom all day working on the repair of the outside of this building. Oh, joy unbounded! Maybe, just, maybe I’ll check into a hotel for the week. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My doctor just added this to my daily regimen.  It is for depression for which I have been taking Prozac for ages.  I’m on a ton of other drugs – lorazepam, in particular.

It is a good med to augment the antidepressant effects of an SSRI. Nortrip hits norepinephrine and the SSRI hits serotonin. The drugs (or combo of drugs) that affect two or more transmitters seem to be more effective for depression. The MAO inhibitors affert 3 neurotransmitters, and seem to be the most effective antidepressants. I’m on a similar combo: desipramine and Zoloft to prevent recurrant depression. And Klonopin to keep the anxiety level down. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ::My doctor just added this to my daily regimen.  It is for depression for ::which I have been taking Prozac for ages.  I’m on a ton of other drugs – ::lorazepam, in particular. :: ::Any comments on possible side-effects and what not?  This is not really ::off-topic because I’m afraid that something might go wrong.  My concern ::stems. I think, from a spate of panic attacks and the consequence of a fall ::I had in Dec ‘06. Dear Info, Just wanted to wish you lots of luck and success with your new med! I know life’s been tough for you lately. Keep us updated! Jackie ~*~Not only is life a bitch, but it is always having puppies~*~ I read the warning-caution-indication pamphlet on it when it got here and I am not going to take it, yet.  The possible side effects are dizziness, drowsiness, and what not.  I’m emailing my doctor today. I’m too freaking tired from the sleep apnea and with all the anticonvulsants, neuropathy, and other stuff I take I don’t want another load of that.  It also can harden stool.  I already take a stool softener because of the anti-convulsants. I sleep five hours a day in addition to 10 hours a night because of the apnea.  Guess what?  Starting Monday, workmen will be in my bedroom all day working on the repair of the outside of this building. Oh, joy unbounded! Maybe, just, maybe I’ll check into a hotel for the week.

The nice workmen just told me they need to be here for only a couple hours on Monday.  Their stupid notice says two to three weeks.  Go figure The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My doctor just added this to my daily regimen.  It is for depression for which I have been taking Prozac for ages.  I’m on a ton of other drugs – lorazepam, in particular. Any comments on possible side-effects and what not?  This is not really off-topic because I’m afraid that something might go wrong.  My concern stems. I think, from a spate of panic attacks and the consequence of a fall I had in Dec ‘06.

snip: IMO, I would make a list of all the meds and over the counter drugs including vitamins, etc. you take and give it to your pdoc and pharmacist.  The pharmacist would probably have more information about them.  I would not take it without voicing my concern with my pdoc. I’m concerned about the Prozac/Nortriptyline combo.  Food for thot. -frizz — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My doctor just added this to my daily regimen.  It is for depression for which I have been taking Prozac for ages.  I’m on a ton of other drugs – lorazepam, in particular. Any comments on possible side-effects and what not?  This is not really off-topic because I’m afraid that something might go wrong.  My concern stems. I think, from a spate of panic attacks and the consequence of a fall I had in Dec ‘06. Thanks — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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07/08/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Arthur   Have you ever thought that your therapist should, perhaps, be paying you, rather than you paying them? Jackie "Be Who You Are.. And Say What You Feel.. Because Those Who Mind Don’t Matter.. And Those That Matter Don’t Mind…"    ~~ Dr. Seuss — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Have you ever thought that your therapist should, perhaps, be paying you, rather than you paying them?

        I’ve thought the bad ones owe me restitution.  :-) Dennis — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Have you ever thought that your therapist should, perhaps, be paying you, rather than you paying them?         I’ve thought the bad ones owe me restitution.  :-) Dennis —

I have never been to a real therepist, but I have been to several doctors for panic attacks. My doc and my psychiatrist both like to complain about their jobs to me. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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07/08/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Arthur Have you ever thought that your therapist should, perhaps, be paying you, rather than you paying them?

I’ve had that experience so I quit going to him. — Ron P Member of the invisible generation — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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I believe in learn and live.  If the therapist isn’t giving you what you need, find a new one… smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 07/08/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Arthur Have you ever thought that your therapist should, perhaps, be paying you, rather than you paying them? Jackie "Be Who You Are.. And Say What You Feel.. Because Those Who Mind Don’t Matter.. And Those That Matter Don’t Mind…"   ~~ Dr. Seuss — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

07/08/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Arthur Have you ever thought that your therapist should, perhaps, be paying you, rather than you paying them?

No. But my first psychiatrist (1966-67) was really sick (neurotic). I think she did me more harm than good. One time I came to her office feeling really good cause I had just bought a new golf jacket. She couldn’t stand seeing me feeling good cause my feeling bad made her feel good. So she went to town on me. And told me I must be REALLY sick if nothing but a new jacket made me feel that good. Hearing that made me feel BAD, and I went back into my depressed mode. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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07/08/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own Arthur  

Have you ever thought that your therapist should, perhaps, be paying you, rather than you paying them? Yes indeed, a couple of my pdocs.  I know one of them was on drugs (he had a huge Haldol mug on his desk and I know there wasn’t coffee in it cause I looked.  We had a group therapist who was afraid of the group and left after the second session — he actually set up off on a dead end path of discussion.  One of my pdocs actually handed me her script pad and told me to write my own (she was sticking it to me cause I was asking so many questions — questioning her knowledge). I like Elise’s answer.  I’ve walked out on at least one.  Luckily I’m happy with the pdoc I have now; altho, I wish he would off label prescribe. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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sometimes its helpful to mention it ; especially when they arent listening and dont plan to; saying something like, sometimes it seems like each of us are on the wrong side of the desk can startle them. ~v~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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The most common effect of smoking on drug disposition in humans is an increase in biotransformation rate, consistent with induction of drug-metabolising enzymes. Induction of hepatic enzymes has been shown to increase the metabolism and to decrease the plasma concentrations of imipramine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine and trazodone.

I’m not sure how to interpet this. Does it mean I’m getting more or less fluvoxamine? The way it started to feel was I was getting less, since I got the same symptoms I had while tapering off paxil. Clinically, reduced drowsiness in smokers receiving chlorpromazine, and benzodiazepines, compared with nonsmokers has been reported. Increased clearance of the benzodiazepines alprazolam, lorazepam, oxazepam, diazepam and demethyl-diazepam is found in cigarette smokers

And that could explain the increased tiredness I’ve been experiencing the past few day. Although my entire bio clock seems to be turned around. I’m tired most of the day, yet I can’t sleep at night. I don’t take naps tho, I just sleep 3 or 4 hours at night. this is from medline

A lot of techical terms Still very valuable information. At least it sets mymind at ease that it’s not really someothing to worry about. I just need time to ajust again. luvox is a very unstable and potent inhibitor of many oxidative mechanisms and is actively effected by all kinds of other drugs ingested-its serum levels may very well have been supressed by smoking-I would implore your doc to reduce your luvox dose on a trial for a week.

He didn’t want to hear of that. He did suggest to either try gums or patches, wich I refused (hey, I just detoxed!! Why put the poison back in?!) or up my xanax dosage, wich I refused too. I already take 0.5mg a day and Philip said luvox doubles the effect. So that would make it 1mg a day, effectively. I think that’s more than enough. I applaude your new non smoking life-that deprivation sensation you now have will go away-stick with it!

Thank you. Although it’s hard, I fully intend to tough it out. It’s tough when you know that relief is just a puff away. But this is only temporarily. I’ve been doing great on my meds so far and I think it will only get better after I ajusted. The dreaded break-through anxiety hasn’t bothered me either, so far, knock on wood. Thanks margrove — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Hi, Inky, Congratulations to you!  I would assume these feelings will pass in time. Try to keep yourself distracted so you don’t notice them as much and stay on your mission to become smoke free. Best wishes! smiles, Elise

Thank you, Elise It’s getting better. Knowing the cause makes it a bit easyer to deal with too. I was getting worried that this was one of the dreaded detox symptoms that would make my quit fail again. Today I spent most time in my "safe room", the bedroom, where smoking is an absolute No No — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Hi Inky: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  Best thing you could do for yourself and others. I’d bet what you are going thru (I know I quit cold turkey in 2001) is your body readjusting.  It took mine about a year with a lot of ups and downs for my body to settle down.  Its not only the addiction but the habits (putting something to your lips 200 times a day, etc) that have to be overcome. Hang in there.  You’ve gone this far — it does get easier but you have to ride the bull (so to speak).  Best of luck!!

Thanks Frizzie Yea, I heard it more often that the 1st year is most crucial to get throught. But you’re never really off the hook for the rest of your life. It’s the law of addiction, a recovering alcoholic can never drink again, drug addicts can never use again and ex-smokers can never take another puff again without the major risk of relapse. I was amazed how easy the 1st week had been, really, so this hit me rather hard and unexpectedly. Wow! so 6 years of freedom for you!! This is great — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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It’s probably the withdrawal.  Congratulations Inky!  Keep up the good work and keep us posted. Thanks Di, I try to post a little more. I’ve already ajusted to non- smoking at the computer already and believe me, I spent a lot of time puffing along at the comp LOL I’ve just been tired a lot so I rest most fof the time.. but I can’t sleep..

Oh that’s good Inky.  I hope you can sleep soon though.  Take it one day at a time.  {{{{{{{Inky}}}}}}} Di — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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cigarettes are certainly horrible arent they? we have to really work together to stay away from them. ~v~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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:: ::Thank you Jackie. Sorry I don’t write much lately. Just this week I ::been to the Dr’s office 3 or 4 times already, for myself and my ::daughter. (she has an infection to the lungs somewhere and we’re ::trying to pin it down). Hey! almost 2 weeks now! 1 week, 6 days and 17 ::hours Dear Inky, How’s the quitting coming along? I hope it’s going better. Didn’t you have a psych appt earlier this week? Was wondering how it went. Sorry your daughter is sick. Speedy get well wishes being sent her way. (((((Inky & Daughter))))) Jackie "Be Who You Are.. And Say What You Feel.. Because Those Who Mind Don’t Matter.. And Those That Matter Don’t Mind…"    ~~ Dr. Seuss — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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How’s the quitting coming along? I hope it’s going better. Didn’t you have a psych appt earlier this week? Was wondering how it went. Sorry your daughter is sick. Speedy get well wishes being sent her way.

Still not a puff Daughter is still coughing tho. I’m not sure how it’s called in english but it’s that nasty long lasting cough that kids tend to get. But her lungs are clear now so that’s a relief. I been to the pdoc on the 10th. Nothing much has changed yet but I think things will speed up now, for myself and for my kids. But it’s a too long a story for in here. I’ll e-mail you an update as soon as I know more {{{{Jackie}}}} — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Hi, Inky, Great job of no smoking.  Good for YOU!!! smiles, Elise – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Still not a puff Daughter is still coughing tho. I’m not sure how it’s called in english but it’s that nasty long lasting cough that kids tend to get. But her lungs are clear now so that’s a relief. I been to the pdoc on the 10th. Nothing much has changed yet but I think things will speed up now, for myself and for my kids. But it’s a too long a story for in here. I’ll e-mail you an update as soon as I know more {{{{Jackie}}}} — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How’s the quitting coming along? I hope it’s going better. Didn’t you have a psych appt earlier this week? Was wondering how it went. Sorry your daughter is sick. Speedy get well wishes being sent her way. Still not a puff Daughter is still coughing tho. I’m not sure how it’s called in english but it’s that nasty long lasting cough that kids tend to get. But her lungs are clear now so that’s a relief. I been to the pdoc on the 10th. Nothing much has changed yet but I think things will speed up now, for myself and for my kids. But it’s a too long a story for in here. I’ll e-mail you an update as soon as I know more {{{{Jackie}}}}

Good for you for not smoking, Inky.  I hope your daughter’s cough goes away soon.  Keep us posted. Hugs, Di — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Great job on quitting. I quit 24 years ago, also cold turkey (it was the only way I could do it). It was difficult to the point that I thought the craving for a smoke would never go away – but it did. Now I’m actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI.

That’s not surprising. Some Dr.s actually subscribe an SSRI (Wellbutrin) to people who are trying to quit somking. Nicotine is a highly addictive chemical, and you are going through withdrawl. You’ll feel like it’s getting worse, but very shortly, you’ll feel like it’s getting better. Keep it up! Joe — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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::Still not a puff Daughter is still coughing tho. I’m not sure how ::it’s called in english but it’s that nasty long lasting cough that ::kids tend to get. But her lungs are clear now so that’s a relief. Great news about not smoking! I am so proud of you Does your daughter have croup? Wishing her a speedy recovery. (((((Inky & Daughter))))) ::I been to the pdoc on the 10th. Nothing much has changed yet but I ::think things will speed up now, for myself and for my kids. But it’s a ::too long a story for in here. I’ll e-mail you an update as soon as I ::know more Look forward to hearing from you. Jackie ~*~I have seen the sea when it is stormy and wild; when it is quiet and serene; when it is dark and moody. And in all its moods, I see myself~*~      ~~Martin Buxbaum — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey.

Hi Inky: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!  Best thing you could do for yourself and others. I’d bet what you are going thru (I know I quit cold turkey in 2001) is your body readjusting.  It took mine about a year with a lot of ups and downs for my body to settle down.  Its not only the addiction but the habits (putting something to your lips 200 times a day, etc) that have to be overcome. Hang in there.  You’ve gone this far — it does get easier but you have to ride the bull (so to speak).  Best of luck!! -a — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

It’s probably the withdrawal.  Congratulations Inky!  Keep up the good work and keep us posted.

Thanks Di, I try to post a little more. I’ve already ajusted to non- smoking at the computer already and believe me, I spent a lot of time puffing along at the comp LOL I’ve just been tired a lot so I rest most fof the time.. but I can’t sleep.. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Dear Inky, Congrats on not smoking for 11 days! That is awesome. Sorry about the weird sensation in your head. I do hope it passes quickly.

Thank you Jackie. Sorry I don’t write much lately. Just this week I been to the Dr’s office 3 or 4 times already, for myself and my daughter. (she has an infection to the lungs somewhere and we’re trying to pin it down). Hey! almost 2 weeks now! 1 week, 6 days and 17 hours — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey. But I been feeling rather strange the past days.. 1st it was like ants crawling through my brain. Today it felt more like my brain on overdrive. Now I’m actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI. I’ve been to my GP and asked if maybe my dossage should be ajusted, now that I quit smoking. He said no, 150mg luvox was the ideal dose. I don’t feel anxious, depressed. No panic attacks, just this feeling in my brain and it’s driving me insane! — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey. But I been feeling rather strange the past days.. 1st it was like ants crawling through my brain. Today it felt more like my brain on overdrive. Now I’m actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI. I’ve been to my GP and asked if maybe my dossage should be ajusted, now that I quit smoking. He said no, 150mg luvox was the ideal dose. I don’t feel anxious, depressed. No panic attacks, just this feeling in my brain and it’s driving me insane!

Many psychiatric patients smoke, and are believed to be heavier smokers than those without psychiatric disorders. Cigarette smoking is one of the environmental factors that contributes to interindividual variations in response to an administered drug. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in cigarette smoke induce hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylases, thereby increasing metabolic clearance of drugs that are substrates for these enzymes. PAHs have been shown to induce 3 hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) isozymes, primarily CYP1A1, 1A2 and 2E1. Drug therapy can also be affected pharmacodynamically by nicotine. The most common effect of smoking on drug disposition in humans is an increase in biotransformation rate, consistent with induction of drug-metabolising enzymes. Induction of hepatic enzymes has been shown to increase the metabolism and to decrease the plasma concentrations of imipramine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine and trazodone. The effect of smoking on the plasma concentrations of amitriptyline and nortriptyline is variable. Amfebutamone (bupropion) does not appear to be affected by cigarette smoking. Smoking is associated with increased clearance of tiotixene, fluphenazine, haloperidol and olanzapine. Plasma concentrations of chlorpromazine and clozapine are reduced by cigarette smoking. Clinically, reduced drowsiness in smokers receiving chlorpromazine, and benzodiazepines, compared with nonsmokers has been reported. Increased clearance of the benzodiazepines alprazolam, lorazepam, oxazepam, diazepam and demethyl-diazepam is found in cigarette smokers, whereas chlordiazepoxide does not appear to be affected by smoking. Carbamazepine appears to be minimally affected by cigarette smoke, perhaps because hepatic enzymes are already stimulated by its own autoinductive properties. Cigarette smoking can affect the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of many psychotropic drugs. Clinicians should consider smoking as an important factor in the disposition of these drugs. this is from medline luvox is a very unstable and potent inhibitor of many oxidative mechanisms and is actively effected by all kinds of other drugs ingested-its serum levels may very well have been supressed by smoking-I would implore your doc to reduce your luvox dose on a trial for a week. I applaude your new non smoking life-that deprivation sensation you now have will go away-stick with it!   — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Inky, Congratulations to you!  I would assume these feelings will pass in time. Try to keep yourself distracted so you don’t notice them as much and stay on your mission to become smoke free. Best wishes! smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey. But I been feeling rather strange the past days.. 1st it was like ants crawling through my brain. Today it felt more like my brain on overdrive. Now I’m actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI. I’ve been to my GP and asked if maybe my dossage should be ajusted, now that I quit smoking. He said no, 150mg luvox was the ideal dose. I don’t feel anxious, depressed. No panic attacks, just this feeling in my brain and it’s driving me insane! — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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It’s probably the withdrawal.  Congratulations Inky!  Keep up the good work and keep us posted. Hugs, Di 1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey. But I been feeling rather strange the past days.. 1st it was like ants crawling through my brain. Today it felt more like my brain on overdrive. Now I’m actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI. I’ve been to my GP and asked if maybe my dossage should be ajusted, now that I quit smoking. He said no, 150mg luvox was the ideal dose. I don’t feel anxious, depressed. No panic attacks, just this feeling in my brain and it’s driving me insane!

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::1 week, 4 days without smoking. I quit cold turkey. But I been feeling ::rather strange the past days.. 1st it was like ants crawling through ::my brain. Today it felt more like my brain on overdrive. Now I’m ::actually beginning to feel like I’m weaning off SSRI. I’ve been to my ::GP and asked if maybe my dossage should be ajusted, now that I quit ::smoking. He said no, 150mg luvox was the ideal dose. :: ::I don’t feel anxious, depressed. No panic attacks, just this feeling ::in my brain and it’s driving me insane! Dear Inky, Congrats on not smoking for 11 days! That is awesome. Sorry about the weird sensation in your head. I do hope it passes quickly. (((((Inky))))) Jackie "Be Who You Are.. And Say What You Feel.. Because Those Who Mind Don’t Matter.. And Those That Matter Don’t Mind…"    ~~ Dr. Seuss — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::My dear family; :: ::Yesterday I had a very bad day, ::I was driving in the car and I had a P/A, I could not drive anymore. ::My GOD it was terrible. ::And it is still there,it’s not over. ::The worst thing was that I could not drive anymore, and it was on the ::highway. ::Today I had to go with the car, but I didn’t. ::It;s fine by me I stay at home. Dear Diana, I’m so sorry about your panic attack. Healing thoughts being sent your way. (((((Diana))))) Jackie ~*~I’m not trying to change the world. I’m trying to stop the world from changing me~*~    ~ Ammon Hennacy ~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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My dear family; Yesterday I had a very bad day, I was driving in the car and I had a P/A, I could not drive anymore. My GOD it was terrible. And it is still there,it’s not over. The worst thing was that I could not drive anymore, and it was on the highway. Today I had to go with the car, but I didn’t. It;s fine by me I stay at home. Love Diana. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My dear family; Yesterday I had a very bad day, I was driving in the car and I had a P/A, I could not drive anymore. My GOD it was terrible. And it is still there,it’s not over. The worst thing was that I could not drive anymore, and it was on the highway. Today I had to go with the car, but I didn’t. It;s fine by me I stay at home.

Dear Diana, Its so disappointing and annoying when that happens. At least you must have managed to get off the highway safely, so that part was good. Perhaps for now, you can just drive on city streets and not on the highway. I had a bad driving phobia 4.5  years ago when I had severe vertigo while driving, and couldn’t drive for a few weeks, but very gradually I drove further and further each time I drove.I do not have panic attacks, but did have severe anxiety when driving and was sure I would faint and be dizzy, but I kept driving even if it was just to the end of my street and back. It was very hard, but I felt I could not give up my independence unless absolutely essential. My need to be independent pushed me. Sometimes the driving phobia comes back, but its not so severe and I am much better than I was 4.5 years ago. I don’t go on the highway near whre I live. Its very busy and its safer for me and others that I do not go on the highway. And I think so what if I can’t go on the highway. I stick to city streets and thats fine with me. Just because this happened to you today, does not mean you cannot drive again. Drive again when you feel not so anxious and start slow by not driving too far, but keep driving a little further every time you drive. Don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself to do things you don’t feel it is safe to do.Just my opinion. Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

days ahead. Love, Di

My dear family; Yesterday I had a very bad day, I was driving in the car and I had a P/A, I could not drive anymore. My GOD it was terrible. And it is still there,it’s not over. The worst thing was that I could not drive anymore, and it was on the highway. Today I had to go with the car, but I didn’t. It;s fine by me I stay at home. Love Diana.

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi Diana- First, thank you Mary for your post! I suffer with a driving phobia and have for the past 5 years. I am working on it and I am SLOWLY progressing but PLEASE Diana don’t let this get you. Mary is right, you had the wits about you to get off the side of the road and didn’t harm yourself or anyone else. I know how horrible it is, we all do here but please dont give up driving. You know if you do give up now how hard it will be to go back to it when the time comes. You know as well as I do you cant stay home forever although we’d like to. Please keep your head up and keep tallking to us! Kellie — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Hi, Diana, I’m sorry you had a bad experience while driving.  Please don’t let this stop you from trying again. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My dear family; Yesterday I had a very bad day, I was driving in the car and I had a P/A, I could not drive anymore. My GOD it was terrible. And it is still there,it’s not over. The worst thing was that I could not drive anymore, and it was on the highway. Today I had to go with the car, but I didn’t. It;s fine by me I stay at home. Love Diana. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My dear family; Yesterday I had a very bad day, I was driving in the car and I had a P/A, I could not drive anymore. My GOD it was terrible. And it is still there,it’s not over. The worst thing was that I could not drive anymore, and it was on the highway. Today I had to go with the car, but I didn’t. It;s fine by me I stay at home. Love Diana.

Sorry to hear that. I’ve been struggling with the same kind of P/As for over 5 months. Just started out of the blue. Been trying to manage it with Klonopin and sheer will power. Glad to hear you came out of it okay. It was just a setback. Don’t let it get you down. Joe — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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My mom has told me countless times that she thought I was retarded because I never said a word.  Then, around 2 and a half years of age, I started speaking in full, clear sentences. <g I was the same but with me it was the pediatritian who told my mother I was retarded… *she* thought the pediatritian was, cause she was jumping to conclusions based on just the one factor (speech). Aha, you’re another one of us!  :~)

SHHHHHhhhhhhh! Remember- there is no "us": we are normal humans, we will do nothing to stand out, we will blend into society until the time comes to… er- is this decoder ring on? — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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[late-talking toddlers] I’m thinking we were just being perfectionist toddlers: "can’t talk like the grown-ups do, so I shan’t!". I agree!

Welll- it’s that or we just hadn’t come across anything interesting enough to talk about? — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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[late-talking toddlers] I’m thinking we were just being perfectionist toddlers: "can’t talk like the grown-ups do, so I shan’t!". I agree! Welll- it’s that or we just hadn’t come across anything interesting enough to talk about?

Thats another possibility. Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My mom has told me countless times that she thought I was retarded because I never said a word.  Then, around 2 and a half years of age, I started speaking in full, clear sentences. <g I was the same but with me it was the pediatritian who told my mother I was retarded… *she* thought the pediatritian was, cause she was jumping to conclusions based on just the one factor (speech). Aha, you’re another one of us!  :~) SHHHHHhhhhhhh! Remember- there is no "us": we are normal humans, we will do nothing to stand out, we will blend into society until the time comes to… er- is this decoder ring on?

I can’t tell.  (Shhhhhh…..I’m not supposed to speak about it.)  :~) kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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I never liked school until I went to college.

Sally, what were your favorite subjects? Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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No but I learned reading and writing in kindergarten because I showed a lot of interest in a very big box with letters in nice colours. The box was probably ratyer small but I myself was smaller at the time

I could read and write at age four and nowadays I earn my daily bread doing it…. Philip

Smoochhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Anna — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ::ABC’s before school, etc? I honestly don’t remember. Jackie ~*~How do I love thee? Hang on  a second …let me Google the ways~*~     ~~ Christine Geary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Anna schreef: No but I learned reading and writing in kindergarten because I showed a lot of interest in a very big box with letters in nice colours. The box was probably ratyer small but I myself was smaller at the time I could read and write at age four and nowadays I earn my daily bread doing it…. Philip Smoochhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Anna

You’re after my money, I can smell it Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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I never liked school until I went to college. Sally, what were your favorite subjects? Chip

I loved my English classes, the Comp and the Lit (American). I love Biology, Sociology, Psychology, Comparative Studies and the math. I love Algebra (I LOVE ALGEBRA) and I also really enjoyed an Applied Math course I took a few years ago. That was very interesting. I can work math problems and my anxiety levels go down for hours afterward. Stuff I loathed .. Chemistry. I still have no idea what any of that is about. I must have a mental block with regards to Chemistry. Took me weeks to figure out what a mole was. Astronomy – had constant panic attacks in those classes..Also didn’t care much for the Government or History classes. They bored me.The very worst two classes I took were Speech (duh) and Anthropology. Those were also the only two classes I ever dropped, too. I ran from them. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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06/10/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster   Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc?

Nope. It was in fact *discouraged* by the school… strongly frowned upon. This resulted in me arriving in England just before my 6th birthday, not being able to read or write. The headmistress at the new school came up with a really "clever" form of encouragement: whenever I finished one of those Ladybird books, I should visit her office to read a little from it and tell her what it was about in return for a sweetie from the jar on her desk. That didn’t last long, apparently multiple visits per day weren’t her intention.<g — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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My mom has told me countless times that she thought I was retarded because I never said a word.  Then, around 2 and a half years of age, I started speaking in full, clear sentences. <g I was the same but with me it was the pediatritian who told my mother I was retarded… *she* thought the pediatritian was, cause she was jumping to conclusions based on just the one factor (speech).

haha. My oldest daughter did not talk much till she was around 2 years old, then she just suddenly started to talk one day and could say everything. I guess she was processing information in her head, then suddenly all the words came together. Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My mom has told me countless times that she thought I was retarded because I never said a word.  Then, around 2 and a half years of age, I started speaking in full, clear sentences. <g I was the same but with me it was the pediatritian who told my mother I was retarded… *she* thought the pediatritian was, cause she was jumping to conclusions based on just the one factor (speech). haha. My oldest daughter did not talk much till she was around 2 years old, then she just suddenly started to talk one day and could say everything. I guess she was processing information in her head, then suddenly all the words came together.

I’m thinking we were just being perfectionist toddlers: "can’t talk like the grown-ups do, so I shan’t!". — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My mom has told me countless times that she thought I was retarded because I never said a word.  Then, around 2 and a half years of age, I started speaking in full, clear sentences. <g I was the same but with me it was the pediatritian who told my mother I was retarded… *she* thought the pediatritian was, cause she was jumping to conclusions based on just the one factor (speech). haha. My oldest daughter did not talk much till she was around 2 years old, then she just suddenly started to talk one day and could say everything. I guess she was processing information in her head, then suddenly all the words came together. I’m thinking we were just being perfectionist toddlers: "can’t talk like the grown-ups do, so I shan’t!".

I agree! kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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My grandmother taught me my abc’s and numbers.  My mother taught me how to read the summer before I started school. d

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 06/10/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc? Jackie ~*~I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives~*~   ~~Tracy Chapman — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

06/10/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc?

No. Mary — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc?

Yeah, my mom works with infants and toddlers and she made sure I was raised good and smart. Im grateful for that. In grade four I remember eading Stephen king books lol, i still love reading. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

06/10/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc?

No but I learned reading and writing in kindergarten because I showed a lot of interest in a very big box with letters in nice colours. The box was probably ratyer small but I myself was smaller at the time I could read and write at age four and nowadays I earn my daily bread doing it…. Philip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

06/10/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc?

No. I learned from the older kids in the neighbourhood. — Ron P Member of the invisible generation — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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06/10/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc? Jackie ~*~I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives~*~    ~~Tracy Chapman

Are you kidding? As a small child I was raised by my mom and grandma. Both elementary teachers. When I got to first grade, I was tested and scored on a sixth grade reading level. I only have one vague memory of wanting to be able to read and not being able to yet.. I remember seeing newspaper comics and not understanding what the symbols said..I was somewhere around 2 or 3 then.  I could read at an early age, it was part of our fun time at home to learn reading and math. I never considered learning as something unfun until I got to school – that was not a bit fun. It was boring, and I never liked school until I went to college. Sally — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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06/10/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc?

My mom read to me until I was about 3 and then I told her that I would read to her.  She thought it was funny until she realized that I actually *could* read.   My mom has told me countless times that she thought I was retarded because I never said a word.  Then, around 2 and a half years of age, I started speaking in full, clear sentences.  I guess I was studying the language?  The thing that I hated, though, was being in Kindergarden at age 4 and having to read to the class.  I hated being the "smart" kid.  :-P kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc? Yeah, my mom works with infants and toddlers and she made sure I was raised good and smart. Im grateful for that. In grade four I remember eading Stephen king books lol, i still love reading.

I was reading Nathaniel Hawthorne and such by grade 4 or 5.  You’re just like me! kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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One of my sisters was a year older from me so I learned a lot while she was being reinforced with her school work. smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 06/10/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc? Jackie ~*~I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives~*~   ~~Tracy Chapman — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My mom has told me countless times that she thought I was retarded because I never said a word.  Then, around 2 and a half years of age, I started speaking in full, clear sentences.  

<g I was the same but with me it was the pediatritian who told my mother I was retarded… *she* thought the pediatritian was, cause she was jumping to conclusions based on just the one factor (speech). — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

My mom has told me countless times that she thought I was retarded because I never said a word.  Then, around 2 and a half years of age, I started speaking in full, clear sentences. <g I was the same but with me it was the pediatritian who told my mother I was retarded… *she* thought the pediatritian was, cause she was jumping to conclusions based on just the one factor (speech).

Aha, you’re another one of us!  :~) kili — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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06/10/07: Today’s question is being brought to you by our very own anon poster   Did a parent or guardian work with you as young child?  Count steps, learn ABC’s before school, etc? Jackie ~*~I’ve seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives~*~    ~~Tracy Chapman — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide ::prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, ::please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest ::possible crisis center in your area. With over 120 crisis centers across the ::country, :***our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone ::seeking mental health services***. Call for yourself, or someone you care ::about. Your call is free and confidential. Forgot the link, here it is…. http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Thank you for your reply. This is for my sister in Suffolk County LI NY, who is totally housebound and alone. She is not suicidal, but having bad panic attacks. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Thank you for your reply. This is for my sister in Suffolk County LI NY, ::who is totally housebound and alone. She is not suicidal, but having bad ::panic attacks. Hi, That’s where I live Here is some info for your sister. These hotlines are located in Suffolk county. http://www.responsehotline.org/ABOUT.HTM Crisis Response of Suffolk County – (631) 751-7500 Suffolk County Mobile Crisis – (631) 952-3333 Long Island Crisis Center – (516) 679-1111 I highly recommend your sister find a local support group for people with anxiety disorders. Here are some local ones she can look into… Center Moriches Wednesday 6:00 P.M. Public Library, 235 Main Street Contact:(631) 776-2410 Ellen Q. or (631) 724-5190 or Patchogue Tuesday 7:30 P.M. United Methodist Church, South Ocean Avenue & Church Street Contact:(631) 363-0629 Louise F. or (631) 724-5190 or Ronkonkoma Thursday 12:45 P. M. Success-Skills Inlimited, 222069 – 3 Ocean Avenue Contact: (631) 580-5319 Diane S. West Islip Monday 7:00 P.M. West Islip Library, Higbie Lane & Montauk Highway Contact:(631) 921-9094 Marlina S. or (631) 724-5190 St. James Tuesday 7:30 P.M. St. James Episcopal Church, 490 N. Country Rd., Rte. 25A Contact:(631) 265-5236 Bonny V. or (631) 724-5190 Does your sister have a computeror Web TV? Good luck to your sister! Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Hi…small world! Thank you so much. I saved this. That is the problem, she is housebound. She has a back problem, and can’t even go downstairs, let alone outside. When she has these if she has someone to talk to it calms her. She can’t be alone, and recently has become so. Some people are keeping her company on and off, but I know that there will be times she will be alone, and will need someone to talk to. No webbie or computer. Thank you again. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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::Hi…small world! Thank you so much. I saved this. That is the problem, ::she is housebound. She has a back problem, and can’t even go downstairs, ::let alone outside. When she has these if she has someone to talk to it ::calms her. She can’t be alone, and recently has become so. Some people ::are keeping her company on and off, but I know that there will be times ::she will be alone, and will need someone to talk to. No webbie or ::computer. Thank you again. Hi, Encourage your sister to call those support groups. They may be able to offer support via the phone. When I was very agoraphobic I received a lot of support on the phone from the founder of a local support group.  It wouldn’t hurt to have her call the psych dept at Stony Brook. Maybe a psychologist could make a house call to help your sis. Good luck! Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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Are there any hotlines, that a person, alone and housebound, can call just to talk (like the suicide hotlines they have) when they are in a panic attack? Thank you. — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::Are there any hotlines, that a person, alone and housebound, can call ::just to talk (like the suicide hotlines they have) when they are in a ::panic attack? Thank you. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis. If you need help, please dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255). You will be routed to the closest possible crisis center in your area. With over 120 crisis centers across the country, ***our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services***. Call for yourself, or someone you care about. Your call is free and confidential. If you can tell me what state you live in I can try to find something in your area. Don’t hesitate to use this group for support. Someone is usually around to give support or advice. Jackie ~*~If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude~*~  ~~ Maya Angelou quote — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

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