[SIDE EFFECTS]  06/01/2012: Debbie from Geneva, Il, Usa: "HELP! 2 months ago I had a severe case of cellulitis in my lower left leg. MD put me on 500mg of Leviquin for 2 months now. It has gotten to the point where I can no longer stand up without assistance. Switched MD's. Ordered off the leviquin. Today is better but pain in knees, forearms and shoulders still present. I started Oil Pulling a week ago, along with ACV in water. Is there anything else I can be doing to flush this nasty drug and its side effects out of my system? I have to add that the fear that was instilled in me of the possiblity of losing my leg kept me from stopping this drug. Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me."

06/01/2012: Lisa from Jax, Fl replies: "I took levaquin for a couple of weeks, 4 months apart and had tendonitis in my arm and hip inflammation. I ended up getting physical therapy at the hospital for the pain. It helped tremendously. I used MSM mostly, the cream and the pills. But I don't think I did enough in general. The issue with levaquin is the effect on the joints and the inflammation. I would look on the site and see what is good for that. Sorry I am not much more help, but just wanted you to know others have experienced this also."

06/01/2012: Tina from Houston, USA replies: "I was on Leviquin for a while and it nearly runied my health.

I have been eating plenty of probiotic rich foods several times daily (even a tablespoon at a time is fine) of homemade sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, kimchi and lacto-fermented veggies. I also juice daily AM a green veggie juice to increase the enzymes in my body. Juice contains celery cucumber, ginger, parsley and juice of 1 lemon.

I can say I am 95% back to normal now.

You can fine more info on feremented foods and hot to make them cheaply at home at this link http://culturedfoodlife.com/

If you buy any of these items in a grocery store, get them from the refrigerated section which will allow the probiotic strands to stay alive, otherwise it is useless in terms of getting well.

Let me know if you have any specific questions, and good luck :)"

05/09/2013: Teresa from Eu: "Hi, is it safe to take high amount of antioxidants while on medication? I presume they help the body detox? Will it interfere with efficacy of medication, or even stop them from working? Thanks."

05/29/2008: BEV from SPRINGFIELD, MA: "HELLO EC AND FANS OF EC ! I WOULD LIKE YOU TO START A NEW PAGE WITH INFO REGARDING MEDS THAT CONTAIN HARMFUL THINGS SUCH AS MEDS THAT CONTAIN FLUORIDE ! I DID NOT KNOW THAT MY ADVAIR(ASTHMA MED) CONTAINED IT UNTIL I READ IT HERE I AM TOO TRUSTING OF MY MD AND WE ALL NEED TO DO MORE RESEARCH ABOUT WHAT WE CONSUME. THANKS AGAIN."

11/02/2010: Richard from Menlo, Iowa: "I'm looking for input from anyone who has ever had anything like this happen to them. First a little background. This last year has been the longest and worst of my 58 years. It started with Gout that took 8 months to get diagnosed. I was put on Prednisone, Allopurinal & Colchicine. The Pred. caused my heart to pound and skip beats so I was put on Bystolic for that in June, although it zapped my energy my blood pressure and heartbeat were fine.

Then the first week of Sept. The muscle in my left eye started having spasms with caused my vision to bounce all over(very upsetting) I went to two different Md's and an Ophthalmologist, then to a Neurologist who did an MRI(which turned out fine) They all told me to stay calm and it would settle down in a week or so. Well it took just over a month before it stopped.

Then about a week later I got a little twitch in my left thumb, in the next couple of days I had them in my toes, arches, calves, knees, thighs and just about any place that has a muscle to twitch. I went back to the Neurologist. He says that I have Myokymia and wanted to give me an anti-seizure drug to try, he said it wouldn't cure it but it might help. He said it was more like a band aid. I took a pass on it for now. I started Transderal Magnesium Therapy 12 days ago hoping for some relief from this, thinking I might be magnesium deficient. So far there may be some slight improvement. I also asked all these doctors if any of my meds would have anything to do with this. I got a no from all of them.

Anyway here's my list of meds. Terazosin 5mgs, fosinopril 20mgs, allopurinol 200mgs, colchicine 0.6 mgs 2 X a day and the last one is bystolic 5mgs that was added to the mix about 10 weeks before all this started. If anyone has any thoughts or input, it would be greatly appreciated."

11/02/2010: Jb from Atlanta, Ga Usa replies: "Sounds like you have gotten into the vicious circle of trying to cure one thing & now chasing side effects from the drugs. Unfortunately, drugs do not cure. Even one of your doctors said that. For your original problem, gout, it's a diet related dis-ease. Clean up your diet. Then you can get off the drugs. Bet the other problems will disappear."

11/03/2010: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "Hi Richard,

I would be asking the Dr why you are on three medications for blood pressure one of which has as a possible side effect of Hypomagnesemia. This may explain the twitches. Also why the two different medications for gout. As gout can cause hypertension you may not need the meds once your gout is gone. Gout can be treated naturally. Cherries or cherry juice are amazing. There is info here about gout, just do a search but tick the highlight box to make it easier.

My husband got gout out of the blue one morning, the Dr put him on Voltarin even though he had previously had a stomach ulcer, well it took only one tablet for the stomach pains to start. We got a bottle of cherry juice and that fixed it. At the time we were away from home so diet played a part in getting it. Five years later not one more bout. Some studies say 8 cherries a day, whilst some say only 6. About 15 years ago my father started on the gout meds, since then he still gets bouts of gout even though he is on meds. He now takes other meds for side effects. He would not try anything natural so he continues on the roundabout. Good luck in finding your answer."

11/03/2010: Richard from Menlo, Iowa replies: "JB, I tried every Gout remedy out there from change of diet, ACV, cherrys, green tea, baking soda, you name it I did it. Nothing worked. It's not all about diet. Even vegatareins get Gout. If there's a history of it in your family you can get it. It can also be triggered by high blood pressure pills that have a diuredict in them. When your in so much pain you can't walk 15 feet to the bathroom without it bering tears to your eyes. And that goes on for months. You will try anything to take the pain and swelling away. The Pred. did that for me but it may have also started my heart acting up. The Allopurinol keeps the uric acid level down and the Colchichine (which I hope to get off of in the next few months) keeps the pain at bay. The Terazosin and the Fosinopril are for high blood pressure and I've taken them for years with no problems. That's why I'm leaning toward the Bystolic which I started about 10 weeks before the spasms kicked in. I'm going to call my heart doctor later to get his thoughts on this but since he put me on the Bystolic I'm sure he'll say it couldn't be that. I would like to hear other opinions on this. Thanks Richard"

11/03/2010: Richard from Menlo, Iowa replies: "Maria, as I said I tried everything to cure my Gout. No luck. As far as the meds. The Hytrin is for both HBP and prostrate health. The Fosinopril dosen't have the water pill in it so I don't if it leaches out Magnesium or not. The Bystolic stopped my heart for skipping beats and pounding. But if it's causing the muscle spasms I'm sure there's another med I could take that would do the same. Thanks for the replies. RICHARD"

11/07/2010: Richard from Menlo, Iowa replies: "Well it's been two weeks since I started the Magnesium soaks and it doesn't seem to be doing any good. Anyone know how long it takes for your body to get the full effects of this? One site that sell the oil says 6 to 12 weeks but people on here have said it works for them in a few days. Last night was awful my body was twitching all over. I got very little sleep the mental side of this is worst I don't know how much more of this I can take. I'm still thinking the Bystolic may have triggered this. Any thought and prayers would be welcome. Thanks. Richard"

11/07/2010: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "Hi Richard, Personally I never got relief from muscle twitching by using foot soaks or baths with magnesium in them. Although I have never used magnesium chloride only epsom salts. It certainly helped with muscle pain though. For me I found the magnesium had to be taken internally to work for the twitching."

04/20/2011: Helpy Helperton from Dublin, Oh replies: "You may be surprised to know that it's not too much meat or heredity that is causing your gout. You are likely consuming too much high fructose corn syrup, which is NOTORIOUS for raising uric acid levels AND causing hypertension. It IS all related to diet, you just haven't been given all the facts. Read labels, they stick corn syrup in everything from bread to catsup and more. Good luck!"

04/20/2011: Addy from Flowery Branch, Ga replies: "I agree with the diet. If you have frequent bouts with gout, it shouldn't be too difficult to discover whats causing it.

My husband has a pretty bad weakness when it comes to chocolate peanut butter cups not one or two at once.. It was the whole package!

Anway, his gout would flare up on a bi-weekly basis. After we moved in together, he put on quite a few pounds and started cutting back and he behaved hisself. Really, when it came to meals nothing changed. Then I realized it had to be the chocolate. I tested it one night.. We both sat on the couch and pigged out on peanut butter cups. Sure enough, next morning he woke up ready to cut his own foot off!

He misses it badly but not enough to go through that again! Good luck finding your trigger food(s)!"

02/27/2009: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "What I do know is during that time of Gulf war vaccines which cause Gulf War Syndrome were of U.S. origins. In any event, much of Saddam Husseins bioweapons were technologies developed also by the U.S. to support his war. As a result, my guess is to find a remedy to counter whatever was used during that period. At the time, I believe microbiologist's interest in biowarfare was at its peak on the issue of fungus, mycotoxins,as a bioweapons on killing off the population slowly. The others were probably unique virus strains and bacteria. I have no way of knowing those except superficial observations of symptoms only. These are more secretive then CIA's experiment on Tuskagee or spraying on unsuspecting civilian population in New York Subway or Chicago subway.

At the time of the development, the vaccines were suppose to contain high amounts of fungus as the cause of autoimmunity and blood fungal infections and toxicity from fungus. As to the live virus and bacteria in those vaccines they can kill the immune system also, biggest problem is once they take hold inside the body getting rid of them is another thing, which is isn't easy.

Mycoplasma was virtually unknown before the 1980s (not widespread), but because of the discovery for use as a bioweapons by the U.S. military (you can find their U.S. patents), the mycoplasma is now virtually everywhere contaminating petri dishes in laboratories throughout the world. As a result the most interesting remedy against the Gulf War syndrome is to deal with these mycoplasma. It's major mechanism is autoimmunity and immune suppression, depending on the species.

As to the bacterium and virus, which can last forever inside a human body found in vaccines, I haven't quite be able to deal with that except to some extent through the use of trace chlorine dioxide through the use of sodium chlorite 25% drops reacted with citric acid or vinegar, in only reducing their numbers found inside the body introduced from the vaccines.

So my main concern appears to be the fungus and fungal toxins, which they do thrive in presence of high heavy metal preservatives and chemical preservatives. Their weaknesses appear to be alkaline, most ammonium compounds, chromium, copper, boron (found in borax), manganese, acetates (as in vinegar), chlorides (as in Hydrochloric acid) and molybdenum, based on my own observations.

Those fungus feed on them are sugar, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms, peanuts, and mollasses. Those that encourage their growth are the hydrocarbons (benzene, gasoline fumes), aspartate, aspartame, Equal, and many artificial sugars, except for polyol sugars such as xylitol, mannitol, and mannose for example. The one major problem are that most sugarless gums contain aspartame in a xylitol chewing gums and aspartate is found in many supplements. It makes for a boon in unethical supplements as people do not generally read the labels, these common ingredients are aspartate in potassium supplements, aspartate in other forms such as magnesium aspartate.

Today in the development of bioweapons, it's even more difficult through bioengineering and altering the human genes through introduction of GMO and gene altering viruses if added to vaccines. Therefore the approach of the remedy is likely to focus on the simpler things: fungus (mycobacterium, mycoplasma) and heavy metals.

Don't ask me about reversing changes in genetic level in making people sick. There's no way I can find a remedy for that one! A new strain of deadly viruses are somewhat more manageable than the use of genetic engineering as a weapons to kill enemies through dispersion techniques such as chemtrails, GMO, GMO pollination through spraying. Those are very difficult to counter with any known remedies, but I believe the success of any major population reduction (current policy is 90% reduction) will be the creation of a benign common cold virus that changes human DNA on a genetic level which prevents human reproduction through alterations of hormones or destruction of the immune system. Hormone alterations are more difficult since preparations in a vaccines to prevent pregnancy are almost akin to a homeopathic vaccine preparation so the body can reject it s own hormones inducing miscarriage, which is presently use as I understand through WHO programs and was found out by the Phillipine hospital at the time.

As to a way to counter these newer viral vaccines is through our own ability to prevent virus from entering into the system (e.g. catching colds and extensive use of vaccines with live virus that alters DNA at a genetic level). I think lysine and magnesiun chloride my help only a little.

Most vaccines, perhaps especially the Gulf War vaccines very likely contains high amounts of fungus, mycoplasma, mycotoxins (such as aflatoxins). Those have a unique ability on two things depending on the kinds of fungus, either suppresses the immune functions or cause the glandular systems such as thyroid to be either hypothyroidism (by fungal irritants) or hyperthyroidism (by blocking nutrients) and also killing off the thymus, which is the body's major immune system. Obviously getting employment through the use of chest x rays, vaccinations will shorten a person's lifespan by killing off body's normal immune system to virtually zero. At the presence the success of this policy can be seen where children today are not expected to have a life expectancy longer then their parents.

Since your inquiry into the skin that is currently having the strength of a tomato, or skin that just gets loose as easily it appears that the skin is rotting through a flesh eating sort of bacterium but the drying of the skin appears to be certain fungus which requires oil as its major food source.

The only flesh eating I have experience is the staphyloccus bacteria kind, not the Ebola virus type. To counteract these, I would take plenty of magnesium such as magnesium citrate, magnesium chloride form. I would NOT use magnesium aspartate or any aspartate form as these are excitotoxins.

A magnesium chloride solution such as a 25% solution is applied thinly without rinse for an hour or to to neutralize some of them. As another possibility to restore the skin's suppleness if the drying of the skin were due to fungus content in the Gulf War vaccines, the simplest remedy is to soak the skin for about anywhere from a couple of seconds to a hour, depending on the extent of the skin damage and dryness, using plain White distilled vinegar, as it is cheaper to use this since large quantities will be used or applied, to kill off the fungus which caused the drying skin.

Vinegar's strong points are that they kill off fungus if they are soaked for 30 minutes, such as the feet to restore the skin's dryness back when they were used in Chinese remedy against a foot or toenail fungus. This can be applied also on Gulf war syndrome on drying skin from the fungus feeding on the skin to dryness. I think it should be soaked about twice a day.

In other application I used it as a skin washing solution to remove the unremovable dirty skin on the sole feet for example, and cracking feet as well as certain cases of cracking skin induced by a fungus or excessive calcification of the skin. In excessive calcification of the skin, if that were at issue, I would use Tetrasodium EDTA as a soap solution to wash off the excessive calcification, which is responsible for cracking skin, but not necessarily drying skin as in the use of vinegar.

In any event a vinegar kills the fungus and has some properties which dose remove excessive calcium from the skin causing cracking of the skin too. So the use of ACV is helpful in giving suppleness of the vascular system of the body and it's tissue so the body function.

However, I don't agree to the use of honey as they are sugar and in proper dilution actually allows the fungus to feed off from higher blood sugar. Therefore, I would much prefer the use of 2 tablespoon of ACV plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, taken several times a day, mixed in 1/2 to 1 glass of water. But to reduce cost, I may use the vinegar as an applicator or a skin wash to be applied for a couple of minutes and then rinse off a couple of times during the early evening hours, so the next day most of the vinegary smell (which do exist after rinsing) should mostly be gone the next day.

It should be noted that other supplements helpful in killing off mycoplasma are as follows:

1. Potassium citrate (technical name tripotassium citate) with Sodium bicarbonate. That's 1/4 teaspoon of each in a glass of water, three times a day.
2. Chromium. Usually 1500-2000 mcg. a day.
3. Copper , usually in form of amino acid chelate, 2 mg for a couple of weeks, before spacing them to only once a week, then later perhaps once a month.
4. Vinegar with baking soda is better then ACV with honey as it doesn't disturb the body's pH buffering mechanism such as bicarbonates. The vinegar remedy I prefer is 2 tablespoon of vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass or 1/2 glass of water. Perhaps twice a day.
5. Manganese is 25 mg taken for about a month before gradually reducing them to a couple of times a week.
6. Molybdenum, is taken at 10 mg, if you can find them! In the form of sodium molybdate, but they can be taken I think at higher dosage without problems.
7. Borax is dissolved 1/4 teaspoon in one liter of drinking water.
8. Reduction of heavy metals to starve the fungi such as cilantro.
9. Support of the liver function by detoxification through hydrogen peroxide drops and granulated lecithin. The hydrogen peroxide food grade drops are 10 drops of 3% H2O2 per glass of water. The granulated lecithin are at least one tablespoon per day.

If weakness is noted, those are more often virus being introduced in vaccines, common contaminants are Epstein Barr virus and perhaps many others. Perhaps 1000 mg - 3000 mg of Lysine to kill off those. But alto helpful are the addition of 500 mg of Magnesium citrate or magnesium chloride. I don't use any magnesium aspartate as they do more harm then good. If malic acid can be found, then I would use 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of malic acid plus equal amounts of baking soda to neutralize the acid. The malic acid seems to kill off certain virus causing fibromyalgia and also gives the cells the energy needed to detox as well as malic acid is a good chelator of aluminum.

Most sulfur compounds reduce mercury buildup that is used in vaccines, and MSM 1000-4000 mg, and sodium thiosulfate 10% solution used as drops added t drinking water may help, but cannot be taken at the same time with a hydrogen peroxide remedy.

In any event, the healing of the skin may be help with this mixture: 5% lavedner oil plus 95% aloe vera oil applied to the skin only after washing the skin with vinegar solution for a couple of minutes followed by a simple water rinse and dry it before applying them is a possibility. Some vitamin E added to the mix help reduce scars. It's applied only thinly to the skin area. If wound are opened larger, perhaps vaseline gauze may help prevent infection afer applying iodine tincture to the area.

If taken the supplements for a while, some vitamin B complex is required to reverse the weakness and vitamin C sodium ascorbate to help healng, such as B50 once a day and 1000 mg of sodium ascobate vitamin C.

In any event, the legalization of Codex Alimentarius by the U.S and Canada through Bill C-51 would virtually guarantee that this remedy can't be use because none of these supplements can be obtained.

Therefore, to understand whether you will have supply problems or not by the end of 31 December 2009, a couple of introductory videos might be helpful here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyLI8UVdTzQ

or slightly longer
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5266884912495233634&ei=hqWoSev5JYKywgPBmY2LAw&hl=en

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=451097355502728465&ei=UKWoSYClF5CSwgPiqY0i&q

Enjoy!

Ted"

02/28/2009: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Some analysis of the medication:

Prednisone this may have caused the weight gain. Baking soda and potassium citrate, or alkalization remedy may reduce the inflammation. A carbicarb with potassium might work better, that's 1/8 teaspoon sodium carbonate (washing soda) 1/8 teaspoon sodium bicarbonate plus 1/8 teaspoon of potassium citrate. Certain hormonal substitute against inflammation causes less problem, such as weight gain, but a larger dose maybe necessary that I think maybe helpful is pregnenolone, anywhere from 10-50 mg. A DHEA may have anti inflammatory properties too at 25 mg, and in some cases 50 mg. but has an opposite effect in causing weight loss as opposed to weight gain. Both of these, DHEA and pregnenolone I also take them together. Magnesium citrate 250-500 has anti-inflammatory properties too. If inflammation is caused by mycoplasma or mycobacterium, from those vaccines, magnesium helps in that case, as well as chromium at 1000-3000 mcg. Selenium 200-1000 mcg is also helpful against mycoplasma induced inflammation.

Nexium. I used baking soda with potassium to reduce most major acid reflux as mentioned above. WHen the body's bicarbonates are low and fungus like bacteria grows, they might even cause the acid reflux. A hydrogen peroxide drops might help also that's 10 drops at 3% per glass of water. Baking soda usually 1/2 teaspoon twice a day is often taken for about 2-3 weeks before the symptoms of acid reflux reduce. Potassium also helps, but in the form of potassium citrate.

Prevastatin. A suitable natural substitute is the granulated lecithin one tablespoon taken before each meal will dissolve some of the cholesterol. Lemon juice with a small amount baking soda also helps. Red yeast rice is another one. Green tea helps. However, switching to almost all vegetarian diet for a month at least should see a major fall in cholesterol levels. The vegetables should generally be eaten raw. Vegetable soups and salads are some examples. And this major one month switch should have major effect in increasing the body's enzyme.

To further confirm the fungus theory of Gulf War, a hair mineral analysis sent by email to me, I should be able to determine their fungus footprint. In any event their pattern is seen from hair mineral analysis as low in the following: potassium, chromium, boron, manganese, tungsten, magnesium, selenium, and molybdenum. The actual hair mineral analysis won't cover everything. While it will be high in calcium, sodium, fluoride, In some cases victims of war also reported high in uranium in the hair mineral analsysis from depleted uranium used in weaponry A viral or bacterial footprint of hair mineral analysis however, won't give the same patterns, however.

Ted"

03/02/2009: Rosy from Orlando, Fl replies: "You could try coconut oil on your skin. It might help with the ringworm, and rash. It is an antifungal, and smells fantastic. I would wait to try eating it, as your body might have a really bad die off. When you take that many meds you insides have become more hospitable to bad bacteria. You may also want to look at Lacto-Fermented foods such as kefir, ginger beer, and sauerkraut."

03/04/2009: Mari from Pittsburgh, PA replies: "Debi, I highly recommend getting off the Prednisone asap - my experience is it really does beat down the immune system. Also, I have heard of a clinic --my chiropractor tells me they may be able to help you in overcoming the effects of these drugs - you are on a lot of things right now. I saw a photographic exhibition of people who are very ill having worked at the World Trade Center after 911. Many of them are on 10-12 drugs a day. I have an associate who takes so much prednisone that I see her body breaking down slowly but surely. You really have to concern yourself with getting your immune system back in balance right now.

The ACV will definately help you with the weight loss. Drink LOTS of spring water to help with that too. Good luck."

11/17/2010: Qiagen from Albany, New York: "I took Naproxen Sodium for pain relief from joint pain. After taking it for two weeks I developed a very painful mouth. My doctor states I had burned my mouth with this medication. It has been a month now and I still can't taste my food. How long will it take for the taste to return? What can I do to enhance the taste of foods?"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/06/2011: Maria23 from Manila, Paranaque, Philippines: "3 Weeks ago, I went to the dentist to have my impacted tooth removed. He has given me Augmentine antibiotics and Ponstan SF painkillers. I have drank the Ponstan 3 times a day bet. 4-6 hours and for a week. On the 7th day, my stomach was really paining beyond words. I was rushed to the ER. The doctor said it is bad to drink painkillers as well antibiotics all at the same time and in a very near time interval. Since then on, the pain in my upper stomach never vanished. The cramps pain alot especially in the morning then it subsides through out the day but still there is a constant pain. I went to the first doctor and I had endoscopy. He saw erosions in my stomach and concluded it was Gastritis. He gave me Prevacid and Vometa as my medication. After 1 week I went back to him and he is hesitant why the pain has not yet lessen. I got fed up I went to a 2nd doctor. He told me not to be worried. He gave me Mucosta, Pantoprix and Ganaston for my Gastritis. Now almost a month, I cry every morning because of the pain and yet nothing has been changed. I have been taking my 2nd medication for a week now. But how I wish there is at least little improvement. I'm waiting to finish my meds. Next week and go to see the doctor again. I am very depressed because nothing seems to work. Has anybody experienced the same experience as mine? Can anybody please help me how to go through this and at least feel a little relief. I am drinking camomile tea for 2 days now. I'm trying everything I can to improve my situation. I need to be well since I need to Migrate to another country. Please help me in your own little way. THANKSSSSSS!"

[WARNING!]  02/24/2011: Jill from Rochester, Kent United Kingdom: "Last December I had a radioactive tracer injection (TecheScan) prior to a bone scan. I have been extremely unwell ever since. I have been told repeatedly there are no side effects to this medication and therefor my health problems must be caused by something else. I have looked up the (rare) side effects of this injection, I have many of them. The quality of my life is nil. I am getting gradually worse. I am now unable to eat. I am 68. Has anyone else had a problem with this medication. Any suggestions will be gratefully received. Jill"

02/24/2011: Tommy from North York, On, Canada replies: "Hi Jill,
Bone scan is done by injection isotops of Iodine. You should take Iodine supplements to push the radioactivity away. Antioxidants also might help you. The so called modern medecine is irrational and Doctors believe it's rational. There is no serious studies about theses new scans and imageries. Some studies show that there is a high risk of cancer from CT scan. They use so much radiation that can cause all kinds of cancer to detect cancer. What a joke."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  11/08/2009: Bb from Usa: "Paxil/SSRI Withdrawal

I am really hoping someone can offer some help. I had written in a while ago before starting to taper off my Paxil- I was at 20 mg and over a month ago cut it down to 10 mg. I recently within the last week went to 5 mg daily- but I've been having horrible withdrawal. I am constantly dizzy, cannot ride in a car without horrible dizziness/nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and just feeling generally weird and spacey. It took me a while to adjust to the first drop- but for some reason this time seems harder. Any advice would be helpful- part of me wants to go cold turkey at this point bc I'm afraid that going from 5 mg to nothing will be another round of withdrawal since I already feel awful now- maybe it's best to get it over with. I've been off work sick, but am going to have to go in tomorrow- hoping I can handle it. I am really hoping someone can help me. And to those that are considering going on any type of SSRI- take my advice- know that you are likely to have withdrawal which can be extremely debilitating and unpleasant if you ever stop the medicine. I for one am determined to get off of it- but I fear what damage I may have already done from taking it so long- I hope the long-term effects are reversible. NO one at any point EVER warned me about withdrawal- I had to find it out on my own the first time I had to go off my SSRI and I felt horrible and did my own research and finally put the dots together. It was not the ideal way to find out, that's for sure. Thanks for your help!"

11/09/2009: Tryhelp from Campinas, Brazil replies: "I don't know anything about aiding a body in paxil withdraw, but if I were you I would do my best to make sure your body is in the best "shape" to handle the change in brain chemistry so the odds of a smooth transition are better. Really, your body was made perfect, but at some point got off track. Put it back where it should be, it is the perfect machine and also capable of miracles!

Think of cutting off sugar, caffeine, bad fats, processed food, drugs. Replace them with real foods, foods that are grown and fresh and alive. Eat high in natural fiber so you have good cleansing bowel movement at least once a day. Lot's of fluids!

Did you know that serotonin (regulated by these meds to change neuro activity)is produced in the gastrointestinal tract of animals, including humans? No wonder people are miserable more and more everyday... you can't produce proper brain chemicals unless your diet is also proper to your genetics and environment!

Good luck, stay strong, this is only temporary. Your brains will re-learn how to function in its designed frequency. You'll get there, but don't hesitate to seek professional help if you few things are just a tad too much."

06/26/2012: Gill from Marblehead, Ma replies: "I know that you need to go slow, theres a book called your drug may be your problem, by Peter breggin and david cohen, they reccomend doing 10% less each time.

I know there is also website called either theroadback.com or.org that helps people come off psych meds. They sell supplements that help you to taper off with less withdrwal symptoms and they even have stuff to take before you start withdrawing. They will support you over the phone and talk with you when you need to.

Doing it too fast will only make withdrawal worse and can cause very severe reactions. If you go slow it will end up being faster in the long run.

I dont have exp with coming off paxil, but I slowly came off risperdal and it went pretty smoothly.

Hang in there and good luck."

09/10/2009: Pr from Houston, Texas replies: "Get the book "Break Your Prescribed Addictions" by Dr. Sahley. The book tells you how to use amino acids and cutting your dose of SSRI down. I used this without any withdrawal symptoms; this does work."

06/24/2010: Hmariewv from Parkersburg, Wv replies: "I want to ask Bee how taking the 5-htp is working now. I have weaned off SSRI medications and have just started taking 5-htp. I heard you have to take B6 in order for the 5-htp to work."

07/21/2009: Jane from Charlotte, Michigan: "Having a near fatal reaction to the sulfur drug this last winter, I am reading all labels. I find out my shampoo and conditioner all have this sulfur in them. I have natural curly hair and need help finding something out there that does not have any sulfur in them. Please can someone help? Janey"

EC: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfonamide_(medicine)

[SIDE EFFECTS]  01/10/2010: Ripples from Denver, Co, Us: "Synthroid and anxiety

Has anyone experienced anxiety with Synthroid? I recently changed from Armour thryoid to Synthroid and now seem to have constant anxiety. Anyone else?"

01/11/2010: Linda from York County, Maine replies: "Hi - have you had bloodwork since the change in med? I wonder if the dose could be reduced??"

01/12/2010: Ripples from Denver, CO replies: "Linda,

Had my bloodwork done last Tuesday, my TSH was 6.56 (they didn't test the T3 levels). The nurse wanted me to UP my Synthroid from 50mcg to 75mcg. She said that there may be more anxiety as a result of the higher dosage :/ and that I should get a full bloodwork panel done in one month.

Sorry, I couldn't wait one more month with this kind of anxiety. What seems to help temporarily is flower remedy tinctures for anxiety, and homeopathic sleep aids. I also take holy basil tea at least 3-4x a day.

So I opted to change to a endo/naturopath. I'm keeping the dosage at 50mcg on the Synthroid until I talk to the new doc/pa.

I'll keep you posted."

01/13/2010: Linda from York County, Maine replies: "Yes, do please keep us posted....I like the Flower Essences and my experience with homeopathic tablets has been very good. Once 'regulated' I was on 225 mcg of med for several years until my M.D. reduced to 200 mcg about 6 months ago...I feel quite a bit better, tho' still have bouts with exhaustion and racing heart!"

01/14/2010: Ripples from Denver, Us replies: "Went to the NP/naturopath, she said it may be lack of estrogen/progesterone as well as the Synthroid medication. She's trying me on 50 mg troche of progesterone (that's a gel-like lozenge you dissolve under your tongue) just for the anxiety and sleeplessness. I tried 1/4 tab yesterday during the day and it worked great. She also prescribed Armour 30mg (as I have a-fib) and I'm taking this as well. Am also using the progesterone cream topically, and overall my axiety levels have seemed to drop--just since yesterday, and I'm not worrying about everything. I'm hoping the Armour starts taking effect in about a week, so that I won't have to take the progesterone forever, although maybe that's not a bad thing. NP/naturopath wants me on estrogen, says it's the best thing ever.

A local pharmacy hand-compounded both prescriptions, btw.

Here's to a clearer head!"

01/14/2010: Linda from York County, Maine replies: "Hey, glad to hear you're feeling better. I'm wondering, though, if you're taking the Armour in addition to the Synthroid? Or will taking Armour allow you to wean yourself from the Synthroid? I'm considering asking my Doc to work with me if I try some kelp....have you any experience with that?"

01/15/2010: Ripples from Denver, Us replies: "No, I quit using the Synthroid the day I started the Armour, so I guess I'm not really weaning. Didn't know I was supposed to do that, is that what your endo said to do?

Yesterday was rough, super anxious, super worried. I called the naturopath, she suggested a small dose of pharma grade anti-anxiety drug, just for nights. I ended up taking 50mg of it, but feel sluggish today. At least it works. I also tried gaba earlier in the evening, but that didn't seem to help, although I only tried 200mg (they recommended 400mg). Hopefully today is better but it seems like this is cyclical, every other day is good--that is, I expericence less anxiety. Hopefully it'll settle into a daily pattern."

01/16/2010: Linda from York County, Maine replies: "Hi - I haven't spoken to my endo in years....he felt he got me regulated a year or so after radio-iodine and turned my treatment over to my family doc....when I asked my then-doc about using bovine thyroid tissue, he scoffed and made some sort of comment about AIDS coming from monkeys---I haven't had much luck conversing with the 'traditional' docs about alternative treatment...that particular doc was 'supposed' to be an osteopath, and I didn't think that meant he would not be open to non-drug treatment....

Sorry to know about your anxiety - I have to engage in a lot of 'self-talk' when I'm feeling anxious; I take a lot of deep breaths and really focus on what matters in my life...I would recommend St. John's Wort-honestly, I have had very good experience with it and it may take from several days to a few weeks to notice a change; it's not something you can take once to feel the effects, necessarily.

Regarding your sleep difficulties, I've found it helpful to simply cover the digital display on my bedside clock; it's amazing how that little bit of light can disturb me if I happen to wake up during the night, which I do at least once nightly due to being too hot; that's partly an estrogen thing (I believe) and partly having a husband who throws heat like an inferno...hot epsom salt baths help me quite a bit also.

Keep on keepin' on Ripples! - I believe you'll settle into a routine of feeling better. It's just taking quite an effort, isn't it?"

01/17/2010: Ivory Coast from Loco, Ca replies: "THERE IS SOMETHING VERY WRONG HERE! SYNTHROID OR ARMOUR SHOULD NOT BE MAKING YOU ANXIOUS OR NERVOUS. PLEASE, GO TO ANOTHER DOCTOR AND HAVE HIM RUN A FULL THYROID PANNEL TO SEE IF YOU REALLY NEED THIS THYROID MEDICATION.

THE OTHER POSSIBILITY IS THAT YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO THE THYROID MEDICATION OR THAT YOU ARE TAKING IT WITH SOMETHING ELSE WHICH YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU COMBINE THINGS TOGETHER YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO THE COMBINATION -- WHEREAS YOU MIGHT NOT BE ALLERGIC TO THEM ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. EXAMPLE: COFFEE AND MILK AND THYROID MEDICINE.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU FIGURE THIS OUT BECAUSE YOU CAN BECOME ALLERGIC TO YOUR OWN THYROID GLAND. THAT IS A VERY SERIOUS DISEASE -- HASHIMOTO'S DISEASE!"

01/17/2010: Ripples from Denver, Us replies: "Thanks for your comments, Linda.

My old endo's nurse had told me that there was a chance that with the Armour that I could get swine flu more easily. Couldn't believe it. I've checked with two pharmacists and my naturopath, they say that this is untrue. I wonder if my endo is just in the pocket of the Synthroid manufacturers. Well he's my "ex" endo anyway.

Yes, been trying deep breathing and listening to self-guided meditation cd's for anxiety, that seems to help. I may pick up a bottle of the St. John's Wort too. I've also lost my job of 15 years so that is probably contributing to my anxiety as well.

The clock cover up idea is good, I've tried that too, I just turn it face down. Since I don't have to get up to go to work right now, it's not earth-shattering if I have a restless night, but it can make me a wreck the next day.

Took an epsom salt bath last night then used the progesterone cream, this seemed to work for a few hours, along with 1000mg fish oil, 500mg vit c, 400mg magnesium and 200mg gaba and two aspirin since I was sore from a hike. Went to bed but didn't fall to sleep, so I took half of the 50mg pharma at like 2am. Beware, those make you really sluggish the next morning.

Yes, it's taking effort to feel better Linda, but it's great to read your posts(as well as others). Makes me realize that there's people out there also struggling, getting better--and this helps. One warning, if you're really sleepless, sometimes it's not great to "over google" your symptoms, it can sometimes just make you more anxious!"

01/17/2010: Sara from The Beach, Canada replies: "One thing i was always told not to mix with my SYNTHROID OR ARMOUR was decaffeinated coffee or tea. the decaf process does something to the med. not sure what, but i took the advice because it was from two aunts and they knew their stuff."

01/17/2010: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Ripples from Denver,

The loss of your Armour thyroid supplements comes from your good old FDA suddenly making them illegal (after years of its saving peoples lives) because they have never been studied or researched. Of course this translates to Armour thyroid being a natural substance is not patentable, but the synthetic version synthroid is. Never mind that Armour's natural product has been proven effective by its track record all these years and that is probably much more testing than synthroid ever got. We may never know how much more effective the thyroid supplement is that the synthetic one, because the FDA isn't too swift about releasing the unwanted side effects of the patentable drugs, even after they are well known.

If you doubt this, look up acetoaminophen (Tylenol) which is supposedly much safer than aspirin. There is lots of literature now about Tylenol damaging or destroying the liver at normal dosages, especially when used on an empty stomach or for prolonged periods.

The latest thing I read on that one was that normal dosage elevates the liver enymes with normal dosage for 1 week. That elevation indicates liver damage."

10/30/2010: James from Melbun, Kansas replies: "I've been very concerned with the amount of meds I'm taking and now its seeming to come home. I have a large patch of 'ringworm' on my ankle and I'm developing rashes on my inner thigh and ribs. My doc told me it was because I have a suppresed imune system due to the drugs. My skin is also very dry, very thin and tears at the least little thing. Yesterday, while horseback, I brushed by a tree limb and tore two gouges in my arm, both about an inch long and V shaped. They are only through the skin which seems to have a consistency of a ripe tomato. Needless to say, I've very depressed. I've always been very active with synthroid."

04/18/2011: Mary from Los Angeles, California: "My best friend had a terrible infection and let it go to long before seeing a doctor. When he finally went the doctor he only gave him and antibiotic and vicodin. He started acting almost insane so we took him to E.R. He was on the verge of death the doctor should have called the ambulance is what E.R. said!

When I told the hospital how much pain he was in they gave him more vicodin for the tremendous pain. He became even worse mentally. They finally gave him emergency surgery and he got well quickly except he seems to have lost a lot of memory since then. Is there anything he can do to get rid of what the vicodin did to him? He has always been very sharp.

Thank you in advance."

02/19/2012: Mark from Bellvue, Colorado, Usa replies: "Don't be so sure it was the Vicodin. Many antibiotics have a long list of severe side effects, especially the fluoroquinolones like Levaquin, Cipro, and Avelox. I was given Levaquin in 2007 and it destroyed my life. In addition to the toxicity psychosis your friend appeared to be suffering I also had ruptured tendons, cartilage damage, blood clots, swollen veins, broken blood vessels, pulmonary edema, brain damage, headaches, insomnia..... The list is endless. NEVER TAKE FLUOROQUINOLONES!!!"

11/03/2011: Kc from Charlotte, North Carolina: "I made the decision a few weeks ago to stop taking my antidepressant, Cymbalta, which I have taken for over 3 years.

Last year, due to a mix-up with my doctor and an abrupt change to my daily routine, I was without it suddenly for about 3 weeks. Those 3 weeks were hell on earth.

My doctor is less than understanding so I have been tapering off the drug on my own since 10/21/11. I am down to 20 mg from 60 mg and the withdrawal symptoms have been all over the board.

Suddenly this week, I have developed some boils on my stomach, chest, arms, and legs. I'm wondering if anyone else has experienced this and wondering if it could be some kind of cleansing reaction?

I take flaxseed oil, virgin coconut oil, apple cider vinegar daily plus a complete spectrum of vitamins. I use magnesium oil on my body (which until this week had seemed to contribute to clearer skin).

I started taking turmeric (smooshed into my coconut oil) when the boils started but they seem to be no better (after 4 days) and I have more. I just read that turmeric can be used for liver cleansing so I'm wondering if I am detoxing too quickly.

Just wondered if anyone else had experience anything like this or if I'm just attributing each and every symptom to the medication withdrawal."

11/04/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "KC, sorry to hear about your withdrawal symptoms from coming off Cymbalta. It would seem that this drug is very dangerous to withdraw from so be careful. Here is a link you should read. You may need to be monitored more closely while you are withdrawing. http://cymbaltasideeffects.com/"

11/04/2011: Debbie from Melbourne, Australia replies: "KC here are lots of people comments when they came off Cymbalta.. A sobering read. Note these are dated 2006. I can't believe your Doctor put you on this medication!!

http://drugs.healthdiaries.com/cymbalta-side-effects.html

Magnesium chloride in your bath water is (about 2-4 pounds) is very good for depression (or swimming in the ocean). Also Dr. Hoffer treated many people with depression with Niacin. Research Doctoryourself.com"

11/08/2010: Ellen from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada replies: "Please get yourself on omega 3's now. Your brain is screaming for healthy fats. Omega 3's are absolutely necessary for cognitive function and to feel energy and healthy. If you are deficient in omega 3's you will have many symptoms such as depression, phobias, poor judgement, slow cognitive function, and the list goes on. You are definitely deficient in omega 3 and today's diet over 90% of people are. The fats people eat today are horrible, inflammatory and create disease. I know that my health improved drastically after consuming omega 3s and coconut oil. These are the only two fats that anyone should consume. Although, I do consume olive oil as well, but high quality olive oil. The brand I use is made so that the molecules are intact and the oil is healthy and safe. In fact this company produces so many beautiful products and no, I am not connected to them in any way. The name of the company is Napa Valley Naturals. Use their products as they are amazing. About coconut oil, please research this oil as it is the best oil you can consume and need in your body as it removes disease in all areas from your heart, thyroid, brain, digestive tract. This oil is amazing and gives you the gift of health if you eat it everyday. I just use it instead of butter/margarine. If you research it you will know how amazing it is. Oh about getting off the prozac, please just slowly wean yourself off dropping 1 pill a day until you are done. Good luck, Ellen"

11/10/2010: Sara from Rockland County, Ny replies: "Hey. Thanks so much for the info and quick response. I failed to mention the prozac I'm on is time released 40mg I've been taking for a bit over a year. I hear if you don't taper slowly enough you will get side effects like brain zaps and nausea weeks later when it is out of your system. I also am considering taking 5htp when its finally out of my system. I will definately start with the omegas though. I know b complex helped. I have realized what an unhealthy diet really does."