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Medical Forum / General / Pharmacy / July 2003My Mother Takes Ten Medications a Day and I am Worried...
Hi Everyone, I hope you can help ease my mind a bit. In today's society, I know that it is normal for doctors to push pills for every little problem. In my mom's case, I feel she takes too many, but I could be looking at this the wrong way. I am not sure. My mother's profile: - 59 years of age - Health conditions: mild depression, sporadic anxiety/stress/crying for stupid reasons, slight high blood pressure, severe fibromyalgia, osteo arthritis, poor diet, moderately overweight, hardly any exercise, bad acid reflux, dry mouth, trembling in her hands. My mom has been on Prozac for quite some time for depression (crappy life/bad marriage). Four months ago, my father died, and she has been taking Oxazepam to help keep her from crying all the time (recently went from 120mg to 60mg per day. Safe to say she is officially addicted, which she said she wasn't, until I looked up the drug and proved she was). This is her list of pills every day (hopefully my spelling is right): Prozac (for her constant depression) - 40mg per day Altese (high blood pressure) - 5 mg per day Oxazepam (for stress/crying) - 60 mg per day (recently reduced from 120mg/day) Elavil (for pain through the night) - 50 mg per evening Vioxx (for fibromyalgia/arthritic pain) - 25 mg per day Tylenol 3 (same as above) - 2 - 8 pills a day depending on pain that day Metoclop (for dry mouth) 10 - 20 mg a day depending on how dry her throat is Premarin (estrogen) - 0.3 mg a day Pantaloc (for reflux) - 30 mg a day Hydrazide (sp.? water pill of some sort) - 25mg a day She has a new doctor now, and he is fine with all of these medications. He said she is very healthy. Correct me if I am wrong, but can someone have all these conditions, eat poorly, not exercise, be taking all these medications and be considered HEALTHY? Does anyone know if any of these drugs would have a counteractive affect on another? For example, when I looked up Oxazepam, it said that people that are depressed should not use this. She is depressed and taking Prozac for her depression. Does anyone know if the trembling in her hands could be caused by the oxazepam (I noticed this is a rare side affect). The doctor did not know what causes this and said a glass of alcohol would supress it (even though NO alcohol should be drank while taking this drug!!!!). My mom does not drink, luckily. My mom wants to babysit my newborn baby, and I don't feel comfortable leaving him alone with her because of her drug use. Even with all these drugs, she is emotionally unstable, and that worries me more. Can all these drugs she's taking CAUSE health concerns (cancer, MS, stroke, etc. etc). Seems to me, that this cannot be helping her health. I preach to her all the time about diet, exercise and her drug use (even though I try not to judge) but I do it more now that I have lost my father and want my mother around for a long time. Can anyone provide me with some medical/personal views to ease my concerns? Thanks, Paula >Hi Everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] >addicted, which she said she wasn't, until I looked up the drug and >proved she was). It's not safe to say she's officially addicted. It's possible, but it's not guaranteed. If she didn't have difficulty reducing the dose maybe that's an indication that she's OK with it. I don't know. I'm not a doctor. I take benzodiazepines from time to time and don't have trouble quitting. I don't take them often because I discover that I (emphasis on the "I," as in: my experience, which is not universal and may not even be common) find they make me weepy if I take them for more than a couple of days. They're dandy for anxiety and/or sleeping but they increase feelings of sadness for me. >This is her list of pills every day (hopefully my spelling is right): > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] >but can someone have all these conditions, eat poorly, not exercise, >be taking all these medications and be considered HEALTHY? Yes. In doctor terms anyway. She has several chronic conditions which are being managed with medication. I wouldn't presume to second-guess your mother's doctor(s) about whether or not the drugs are worth it or not. That would be your mother's medical decision to make anyway, no? >Does anyone know if any of these drugs would have a counteractive >affect on another? For example, when I looked up Oxazepam, it said >that people that are depressed should not use this. She is depressed >and taking Prozac for her depression. I don't know. Reactions to those medications vary widely. It's common for depression to feature anxiety, sometimes lots of it. Treating that symptom with a benzodiazepine (Oxazepam is one of those) is not unusual even if the person is also taking an antidepressant. >Does anyone know if the trembling in her hands could be caused by the >oxazepam (I noticed this is a rare side affect). The doctor did not >know what causes this and said a glass of alcohol would supress it >(even though NO alcohol should be drank while taking this drug!!!!). >My mom does not drink, luckily. I guess if it's a listed side effect it's possible that the medication is causing it. It also may not be. If the doc said a glass of alcohol would suppress it, it sounds like he thinks she has Essential Tremor. I do, and a glass of wine does make it stop. It's weird, but that's actually one of the ways they diagnose it. I don't mean they give you a drink to test it or anything, but if you tell them that a drink reduces or eliminates the tremor that's a clue for them. >My mom wants to babysit my newborn baby, and I don't feel comfortable >leaving him alone with her because of her drug use. Even with all [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >stroke, etc. etc). Seems to me, that this cannot be helping her >health. That's a good number of medications to be taking all right. But it doesn't sound all that unusual to me. But I'm not a doctor. It sounds like she's consulted doctor(s), is getting medical advice, and is taking it. If you're concerned about the quality of the advice I don't know what to tell you. There's no way for anyone here to judge that. >I preach to her all the time about diet, exercise and her drug use >(even though I try not to judge) but I do it more now that I have lost >my father and want my mother around for a long time. Her drug use? As in the prescription kind? Are you worried about all of them or only the psychiatric ones? What do you want her to do and why? It sounds like you think she'd become well if she quit taking all those pills, worked out twice a day and became vegan. I'm not running down diet and exercise. They help a whole lot. They could help several conditions your mother is having to figure out how to live with. Therapy might also help. Many people here in alt.support.depression can tell you stories both about how they help, and how difficult it is to do those good things when you're miserable and in pain. It's a struggle. I understand you want to help and that you're worried about your mother. But I'll tell you all that preaching would be getting on my last nerve if I were your mom. It sounds like you too have to learn how to live with the knowledge that your mother has some chronic medical conditions. You don't say what you mean by "mentally unstable" so there's no way to offer advice about whether or not your baby would be safe with your mother. What are you imagining might happen? I can only offer you my own experience. I've been really rather miserable at times, and for longish periods of time, but I've never been a danger to anyone else of any age and entirely capable of looking after an infant for the day. You really rank up there with some kids I know also. We raise our children to be decent human beings and look how they turn out. I agree with Mary, you sure do need to learn compassion. Rosie, good post. -- Love and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo > Hi Everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 67 lines] > Thanks, > Paula Man, have I missed something here? It's amazing how each one of us interprets things. I sensed that Paula was genuinely concerned about her mother and cared enough about her healthcare to inquire on AMF. Oh well....it won't be the first time. Nanny > You really rank up there with some kids I know also. > [quoted text clipped - 81 lines] > > Thanks, > > Paula Paula, I can see that you are worried about your Mother... I just think that you don't understand. Obviously you do Not understand Fibromyalgia.... She does not exercise because it hurts too damn bad.... She is probably healthy as far as her Heart and Lungs and these things go... But this damn Fibro causes Depression and Crying for stupid reasons.... Not to mention that her partner is now gone....If you would rather not let your mom take care of your newborn, that is your business. But do you understand that she needs to do exactly that. That she is trying to heal her emotions. I can't see slapping her when she's down...The stomach meds. Do you know what Irritable Bowel Syndrome is? I should hope that you don't ever experience what your mother is going through. So suck it up and support her....Quit your whining and Be a daughter.... Cindy > Hi Everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 67 lines] > Thanks, > Paula > Obviously you do Not understand Fibromyalgia.... Nobody does. It's mainly a current fashion. > But this damn Fibro causes Depression and Crying > for stupid reasons.... Years ago, it was something else, now it's "fibro." A lot of doctors equate fibromyalgia with imagination. > If you would rather not let your mom take care > of your newborn, that is your business. But do you > understand that she needs to do exactly that. It's not what she needs, it's what the baby needs. Mom can fend for herself, a newborn cannot. > That she is trying to heal her emotions. Healing one's emotions by putting a baby at risk hardly seems wise.  SignatureTranspose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly. Who the hell do you think you are?? Coming in here and spouting off about fibro being "it's mainly a currant fashion" bull sh.t. I'll tell you right here and now my fibro is not a fashion, it's not something to be taken on and off as I see fit. It's a.s wipes like you who need to have this disease to learn just how horrible it can be for us that suffer.. I sincerely doubt that any of us would choose to be in pain 24/365. Okay girls, you know who you are, go ahead and attack me now if you wish for calling this jerk an a.s wipe. I deserve to be jumped on for this one and will gladly take my lumps, but I had to call him just what I saw.. Gidget -- Please remove the spaces in my address to email me privately. : > Obviously you do Not understand Fibromyalgia.... : [quoted text clipped - 19 lines] : -- : Transpose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly. > Who the hell do you think you are?? Coming in > here and spouting off about fibro being "it's > mainly a currant fashion" bull sh.t. Nice to meet you. > I'll tell you right here and now my fibro is not a > fashion, it's not something to be taken on and off > as I see fit. That's what they all say. > It's a.s wipes like you who need to have this disease > to learn just how horrible it can be for us that suffer.. > I sincerely doubt that any of us would choose to be > in pain 24/365. I'm sure you are suffering from _something_, but I'm not convinced that it is what you believe it to be. Fibromyalgia is hard to even diagnose, since it has no clear symptoms to distinguish it. > Okay girls, you know who you are, go ahead and > attack me now if you wish for calling this jerk an > a.s wipe. I deserve to be jumped on for this one and > will gladly take my lumps, but I had to call him > just what I saw.. I'm refractory to insult, so they need not bother. SignatureTranspose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly. For those of us who can't see it in the headers, this smarmy little ingrate has crossposted to sci.med.pharmacy, alt.support.depression and alt.med.fibromyalgia. Frankly, she deserves whatever she gets, but I smell Troll! Margo > Hi Everyone, > > I hope you can help ease my mind a bit. In today's society, I know > that it is normal for doctors to push pills for every little problem. > In my mom's case, I feel she takes too many, but I could be looking at > this the wrong way. I am not sure. <gratuitous violation of mother's privacy snipped well damn................I never answer TROLLS..............damn & I got sucked in *LOL* tired tonight I guess Thank Margo, DebbyV > For those of us who can't see it in the headers, this smarmy little > ingrate has crossposted to sci.med.pharmacy, alt.support.depression and [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > <gratuitous violation of mother's privacy snipped PS I did a search on that Metoclop............in WebMD and nothing came up....I did a search on google & it comes up apo-metoclop........looking that one up. I have Sjogrens & didn't know there was a med for dry mouth so I atleast got that much out of this ummmm person??? I get dry mouth so darn bad that I fight yeast(Thrush mouth) infection in my mouth constantly. DebbyV > For those of us who can't see it in the headers, this smarmy little > ingrate has crossposted to sci.med.pharmacy, alt.support.depression and [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > <gratuitous violation of mother's privacy snipped In alt.support.depression on Wednesday 09 Jul 2003 5:26 am, Debby V <dsv@directcon.net> wrote: snip > I get dry mouth so darn bad > that I fight yeast(Thrush mouth) infection in my mouth constantly. Eating live yoghourt helps that (I use a steroid inhaler for Asthma, that makes thrush a bit of a problem - quite apart from the dry mouth from the anti-depressants.) Signature-- ^^^^^^^^^^ Interested in Citroens? -- Whiskers <http://www.aacit.net> -- ~~~~~~~~~~ <news:alt.autos.citroen my post are also being cross posted?????? YUKIE YIKES....I don't even go there this is it fr NF. (sgh) please excuse typo's as it is late & am grotty from sleeping pill but pain yanked me out a ood sleep I make talk anohter languager, fingers on srong key oops wrong keys see? LOLOLOL it is only 3am hre. DebbyV > In alt.support.depression on Wednesday 09 Jul 2003 5:26 am, Debby V > <dsv@directcon.net> wrote: [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > -- Whiskers <http://www.aacit.net> > -- ~~~~~~~~~~ <news:alt.autos.citroen ARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGHHH I bit........... from Yahoo Health Drug Index on Metoclop Metoclopramide (met-oh-kloe-PRA-mide) is a medicine that increases the movements or contractions of the stomach and intestines. When given by injection, it is used to help diagnose certain problems of the stomach and/or intestines. It is also used by injection to prevent the nausea and vomiting that may occur after treatment with anticancer medicines. Another medicine may be used with metoclopramide to prevent side effects that may occur when metoclopramide is used with anticancer medicines. Her Mom could have cancer if she has a Mom...................DAMN DAMN DAMN thought I had found a drug for dry mouth............. Now I am really pissed off DebbyV > For those of us who can't see it in the headers, this smarmy little > ingrate has crossposted to sci.med.pharmacy, alt.support.depression and [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > > <gratuitous violation of mother's privacy snipped In alt.support.depression on Wednesday 09 Jul 2003 5:27 am, Debby V <dsv@directcon.net> wrote: snip > DAMN DAMN DAMN > thought I had found a drug for dry mouth............. > Now I am really pissed off Boiled sweets or chewing-gum work for me; when I'm in a mood to shock people, I take a hip-flask of fruit drink to swig in traffic jams while I'm driving my car <eg>. Signature-- ^^^^^^^^^^ Interested in Citroens? -- Whiskers <http://www.aacit.net> -- ~~~~~~~~~~ <news:alt.autos.citroen 1. She most likely needs these meds to function normally. 2. She is not "addicted," she is dependent. Learn the difference. 3. Instead of just learning about her drugs, try learning more about her illness. 4. If you're not judging, then don't preach. She has enough to deal with without your harassment. 5. If we sound harsh, it's because several of us FMers have to deal with ignorant and unrealistic family members/friends. 6. Give your mom a big hug and tell her you love her...no but, Mom... Clue >Hi Everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 67 lines] >Thanks, >Paula > 1. She most likely needs these meds to function normally. > [quoted text clipped - 12 lines] > > Clue I agree wholeheartedly. and I don't even have FM, just a touch of arthritis, and I already know a lot more than I ever wanted to know what a pain it is trying to work and exercise through pain. And I'm not 60 either, only 34. If I was 60, and having FM and arthritis, I;d probably want to punch out the narrow minded little judgmental snot that comes to lecture me about diet and exercise. and... Stop mothering your mother. She's an adult, give her respect and room to lead her life the way she sees fit. If she does things you don't agree with, then don't be around her when she does those things, and be around her when she does things that are acceptable to you. If you were my daughter, with all the preaching you say you do, You'd be a major pain in the bum. Your preaching comes as very unpleasantly critical, and in spite of you meaning well, it comes across as negatively judgmental and possibly ostracizing. Let your mother and her doctors do what they need to do. Maybe, *****only maybe****** they know a bit better than you. And when you preach to a 60-year old with arthritis and fibromyalgia and depression about diet and exercise, frankly, you're being inconsiderate of their condition, and treating them like a kindergartener. How do you think your mother got as old as she is without your help???? I think you need to back off the jugular there and give her room to breathe. > Hi Everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 38 lines] > but can someone have all these conditions, eat poorly, not exercise, > be taking all these medications and be considered HEALTHY? You're wrong. You're not a doctor, and haven't got a clue what is considered healthy for a 60-year old. > Does anyone know if any of these drugs would have a counteractive > affect on another? For example, when I looked up Oxazepam, it said > that people that are depressed should not use this. She is depressed > and taking Prozac for her depression. Talk to the doc and the pharmacist. With the drugs "Should not" and DO NOT are different. They may have interactions, but may not, and may just need to be closely monitored. That's why they're doctors and pharmacists, and you're not. > Does anyone know if the trembling in her hands could be caused by the > oxazepam (I noticed this is a rare side affect). The doctor did not > know what causes this and said a glass of alcohol would supress it > (even though NO alcohol should be drank while taking this drug!!!!). > My mom does not drink, luckily. Most "trembling hands" can be caused by her age and mental state. You're looking for reasons to villify the medications she's on. I just wonder what the *real* problem here is, between you and your mother, that you're trying to micromanage her life. > My mom wants to babysit my newborn baby, and I don't feel comfortable > leaving him alone with her because of her drug use. Even with all > these drugs, she is emotionally unstable, and that worries me more. Than let her in 'the way' babysit with you around first couple of times, and see hopw she does. That will ease your cincern. Frankly, I just htink you're pissed that she is not listening to your nagging about her meds, and now you want to cut her off from contributing with the grandkid, because you know that is one thing that she wants. So you passively agressively shaft her where it hurts. > Can all these drugs she's taking CAUSE health concerns (cancer, MS, > stroke, etc. etc). Seems to me, that this cannot be helping her > health. You're not a doctor, you're not pharmacist, you're not 60 years olf with aches and pains and mental state that she is in, so, bottom line, you're just being a naggy pain in the a.s. > I preach to her all the time about diet, exercise and her drug use > (even though I try not to judge) but I do it more now that I have lost > my father and want my mother around for a long time. You're judging the whole time you've been writing here. I think you need a shrink to help you cope with the loss of your father, and learn to let go and make peace with it, because at the rate you're nagging your moyther, you'll just end up driving her away, long befor it's her time to go to heven. You've turned your grief about the loss of your dad into an obsession with your mom's health. DROP IT. She is an adult. What your'e doing is inconsiderate and disrespectful of her. No amount of nagging, diet and exercise is gooing to make her live forever. Now, don't make the time you have left with her into a naggy unpleasant strained distrusful relationship. I mean, you say you want her around, but you say you don't trust her to babysit because of this attitude you copped about her taking medications. What if she gets hit by a car tomorrow and dies? How awful would you feel that you didn't let her babysit. > Can anyone provide me with some medical/personal views to ease my > concerns? See a therapist, and figure out what's *really* bugging you. I think the comment about "worrying even more since your dad passed" is a major clue. Don't drive your mother away. many people take more than 10 medications. > How do you think your mother got as old as she > is without your help???? Luck? The question is how much longer she'll last. SignatureTranspose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly. Can someone update me? I haven't been back long and wasn't able to lurk while I was gone. But it looks to me like "Mxsmanic" just popped out of the woods to TROLL. SignatureCopper Fox > > How do you think your mother got as old as she > > is without your help???? > > Luck? > > The question is how much longer she'll last. > > How do you think your mother got as old as she > > is without your help???? > > Luck? > > The question is how much longer she'll last. Noone knows the answer to that. She could get hit by a car tomorrow... all kinds of things can happen. At 60, diet and exercise is not as effective as it is during ones teens and 20's and 30's and 40's and 50's... Proper diet and exercise at 60 doesn't do much to offset the damage that was done in the previous decades. It just starts showing the damage from years ago. Exactly what med's would you think she should discontinue? Everything you've listed is indicated for that which you say ails her. Should she discontinue her blood pressure meds? How about the Vioxx (Hell, let her learn to live with the pain). She is taking the appropriate meds for the illness's you've desribed. You remind me of my ex-wife. She thought if I got little more exercise and quit taking so much medicine, I'd be fine. I've been hospitalized about 6 times this past year with my life threatening Lupus Pneomonitis and lung problems. I'm 100% oxygen dependent and have been since January. Best thing I did waas get rid of the wife. She taught me to feel guilty for being sick. Shame on you! Mind your own business. Like I asked my wife, "when and Where did you get your medical degree from?" You ought to be ashamed of yourself! Michael in Portland, Oregon (Who takes 16 med's a day to "stay alive and functional.") > Hi Everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 67 lines] > Thanks, > Paula In the sense of not showing frank illness, yes. In the sense of robust and athletic, no. Your mom has a lot of psychoactive drugs on board. She is probably addicted to more than one of them. > My mom wants to babysit my newborn baby, and I don't > feel comfortable leaving him alone with her because > of her drug use. Neither would I. She sounds very unstable, and you don't want someone like that taking care of a newborn, even if she is your own mom. > Even with all these drugs, she is emotionally unstable, > and that worries me more. Justifiably so. > Can all these drugs she's taking CAUSE health concerns > (cancer, MS, stroke, etc. etc). Some can. That's quite a cocktail for someone who is only 59 and apparently only suffers from hypertension and arthritis. I'm not expert enough in all of them to comment further on that point. > Seems to me, that this cannot be helping her health. There are so many drugs being used simultaneously that it is hard to say. > Can anyone provide me with some medical/personal > views to ease my concerns? I think your concerns are legitimate, particularly given the number of psychoactive drugs your mother is taking. Getting a second or third opinion from some carefully chosen, objective physicians wouldn't hurt. In the meantime, it might be best to skip the babysitting duties. SignatureTranspose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly. Despite what many people have posted here, I am not TROLL...this was a serious post for something I am seriously concerned about. I felt all three newsgroups could help share opinions on the drugs she is taking, if other people with depression and fib. take the same sort of drugs. Call me judgemental, preaching, butting in where I don't belong, I don't mind - I agree! I love my mother and care about her health. I am very constructive when I discuss things like this, and she appreciates my concern (she has told me so), and sometimes asks her doctor about the things I research and read on the web (negative side affects of some of these drugs that she wasn't aware of). My mom doesn't take the time to ensure what she is putting in her body is SAFE, so that scares me. Perhaps a lot of you are willing to put 100% faith into your doctors...I have not and never will. Perhaps I DO have to learn more about her conditions to be more sympathetic. As many posters have written here, until you've walked in her shoes, how would you know? I never knew there was difference between 'addiction' to drugs vs. 'dependence' on drugs, so I will defentitely have to read up on that. I think some people here understand my concerns (like the poster below) and a lot of you do not, but ultimately, everyone has different opinions on the topic of drugs, and I appreciate all of them. Thanks, Paula > In the sense of not showing frank illness, yes. In the sense of robust > and athletic, no. [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] > > In the meantime, it might be best to skip the babysitting duties. > Despite what many people have posted here, I am not TROLL...this was a > serious post for something I am seriously concerned about. I felt all [quoted text clipped - 63 lines] > > > > In the meantime, it might be best to skip the babysitting duties. Repeating *one* thing from the e-mail, I want to apologize for accusing you of the same "crime" I committed - being judgemental. The only thing I really know about you and your mother is what you've told me, so I've probably filled in a lot of details where I should not have. But, that's usenet. -- "A belief is not merely an idea the mind possesses; it is an idea that possesses the mind." Robert Bolton Criswell The Psychic Weatherman ssenate@mindless.com > Hi Everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > - Health conditions: mild depression, sporadic anxiety/stress/crying > for stupid reasons, Is that your opinion, or hers? Try to realize what while phobias [an analogy] are irrational fears by definition, that doesn't make them less real to the person with them. > slight high blood pressure, severe fibromyalgia, This is something you need to read up on, and learn a lot more about, I think. > osteo arthritis, poor diet, moderately overweight, hardly any > exercise, these last three sound judgemental > bad acid reflux, dry mouth, trembling in her hands. could be from the fibro. > My mom has been on Prozac for quite some time for depression (crappy > life/bad marriage). Four months ago, my father died, and she has been > taking Oxazepam to help keep her from crying all the time That's a major loss that she's experiencing. It's not something that she'll just "get over" quickly. > (recently > went from 120mg to 60mg per day. Safe to say she is officially > addicted, which she said she wasn't, until I looked up the drug and > proved she was). If this is the case, this is something your mother needs to discuss with her doctors. However, you need to realize that the medications she takes are because she needs them. > This is her list of pills every day (hopefully my spelling is right): > > Prozac (for her constant depression) - 40mg per day You said depression was mild. Now it's constant. Which is it? > Altese (high blood pressure) - 5 mg per day You said the high blood pressure was slight. > Oxazepam (for stress/crying) - 60 mg per day (recently reduced from > 120mg/day) reduced - that means that she can do ok with less - if she were "addicted" then a lower dosage would make the drug ineffective. When you're addicted you need to take more, not less. > Elavil (for pain through the night) - 50 mg per evening What's wrong with that? > Vioxx (for fibromyalgia/arthritic pain) - 25 mg per day What's wrong with that? > Tylenol 3 (same as above) - 2 - 8 pills a day depending on pain that > day Pain - obviously she's in a lot of it. > Metoclop (for dry mouth) 10 - 20 mg a day depending on how dry her > throat is Could be the meds drying her throat. Could be the Fibro. Could be a lot of things. > Premarin (estrogen) - 0.3 mg a day What's wrong with that? > Pantaloc (for reflux) - 30 mg a day You said her diet was bad. Why are you not surprised at reflux? > Hydrazide (sp.? water pill of some sort) - 25mg a day > > She has a new doctor now, and he is fine with all of these > medications. He said she is very healthy. Correct me if I am wrong, > but can someone have all these conditions, eat poorly, not exercise, > be taking all these medications and be considered HEALTHY? She is taking medication to control the conditions. Again, you're judging her eating habits and lack of exercise. Fibro makes it so that you have very little energy. I'm not surprised that she does not exercise. I would think that she is not able to. > Does anyone know if any of these drugs would have a counteractive > affect on another? For example, when I looked up Oxazepam, it said > that people that are depressed should not use this. She is depressed > and taking Prozac for her depression. There is a difference between "should not" and "can not". > Does anyone know if the trembling in her hands could be caused by the > oxazepam (I noticed this is a rare side affect). Many things can cause it, including the fibro. > The doctor did not > know what causes this and said a glass of alcohol would supress it > (even though NO alcohol should be drank while taking this drug!!!!). Alcohol can increase the effect of some medications, and decrease others. It is also a depressant. For these reasons, it *should* not be taken with other medications. However, the guideline is there, because, *in moderation*, there isn't a problem. If *one* *occasional* drink helps the shaking, when it gets severe, there is no harm in this. > My mom does not drink, luckily. > > My mom wants to babysit my newborn baby, and I don't feel comfortable > leaving him alone with her because of her drug use. Would you be afraid to have someone on dialysis or chemo babysit your child? How is this different? > Even with all > these drugs, she is emotionally unstable, and that worries me more. Four months ago she lost her husband. How emotionally stable do you expect her to be? > Can all these drugs she's taking CAUSE health concerns (cancer, MS, > stroke, etc. etc). Seems to me, that this cannot be helping her [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] > (even though I try not to judge) but I do it more now that I have lost > my father and want my mother around for a long time. And you think she doesn't realize it? Of course she does. She is doing what she can with what she has. Try to stop preaching and start understanding. Losing your father is also affecting you. Consider your grief about losing him, and then multiply it by a factor of ten, since she lived with him far longer than you did. > Can anyone provide me with some medical/personal views to ease my > concerns? > > Thanks, > Paula The name of this newsgroup is alt.SUPPORT.depression, not alt.PREACHING.depression. There is a world of difference. -- "A belief is not merely an idea the mind possesses; it is an idea that possesses the mind." Robert Bolton Criswell The Psychic Weatherman ssenate@mindless.com > When you're addicted you need to take more, not less. You're confusing addiction with tolerance. > Would you be afraid to have someone on dialysis > or chemo babysit your child? How is this different? Dialysis or chemo do not alter mood (relatively speaking), and this babysitter has a recent history of emotional instability. > Four months ago she lost her husband. How emotionally > stable do you expect her to be? Not very. One more reason not to have her as a babysitter. SignatureTranspose hotmail and mxsmanic in my e-mail address to reach me directly. In alt.support.depression on Wednesday 09 Jul 2003 12:27 am, Paula <pokee@shaw.ca> wrote: > Hi Everyone, > > I hope you can help ease my mind a bit. In today's society, I know > that it is normal for doctors to push pills for every little problem. > In my mom's case, I feel she takes too many, but I could be looking at > this the wrong way. I am not sure. snip I think you probably are looking at this the wrong way. Your mother has a number of serious problems with her health, and is very fortunate to be in a position to get professional help and medication. Someone who's clinically Depressed is going to find it difficult to get the motivation to get through the day, let alone 'take exercise'; with fibromyalgia she's got a damn good reason for not doing any more than neccessary. Her Depression and high blood-pressure won't be helped by her daughter nagging her to go against what the professionals have advised, or trying to make her do things that are physically almost impossible for her. Doctors won't prescribe, nor pharmacists dispense, combinations of medication that would have adverse interactions for that patient. It's quite literally more than their jobs are worth. The labels and leaflets with medications, or in reference books, list side-effects or interactions that /could/ happen, not /will/ happen. I'm sure that you mother and her doctors are keeping an eye on possible problems. It's good that you care enough to take an interest in your mother's health; it would be a better approach to try and be supportive and encouraging, though ;)) I think you both (or rather, all three with the baby!) will be happier if you can accept things the way they are and try to make the most of what you have. Grannies are important people, and very useful for mothers sometimes, so I hope that you can find a way for your mother and your baby to enjoy each other; they both deserve it, don't they? Someone else has already suggested that you invite your mother to spend some time with you and your baby, so that you can see for yourself how well things go between them. I think that's a great idea - and your mother won't feel bad about having both her dear ones together, I'm sure :)) If all goes well, you'll both feel more comfortable with the idea of her baby-sitting for you - and I'm sure you'd be glad of her help in that area! Don't forget that she was a new mother with a tiny baby, once upon a time, so she'll know how concerned you are. (Be patient if her ideas of child-raising aren't exactly the same as yours; she's trying to be helpful, OK?) Signature-- ^^^^^^^^^^ Interested in Citroens? -- Whiskers <http://www.aacit.net> -- ~~~~~~~~~~ <news:alt.autos.citroen I'm the same age as your Mom, Paula, with many of her same symptoms, and I am on 15 different meds. I'm not proud of it, but they all have their purpose right now in my healthcare. It is important, however, that your Mom knows the names of her medications and what each one is for. I'm not familiar with Oxezepam, but I agree with you that alcohol shouldn't be mixed with all these drugs. Perhaps you'd feel better reading up on FM, or am I misunderstanding that you don't have it? Your mother would be comforted in knowing more detail about her depression, anxiety, and FM. There are tons of information out there. Finally, how long ago did your father die? She's had a lot to handle. The Fibro doc I saw for the first time last week didn't tell me I was "healthy", but he did commend me for how well I'm handling FM, and neither he nor my Internist seem concerned with all the medications I take. It's not unsual for people with FM to be taking a combination of drugs, and since I am your Mom's age and also have Clinical Depression and FM, I can attest that as the years go by, often the medications increase. It can, of course, get out of hand, but if she is her doctor's care for everything, I wouldn't be overly concerned. I'm stepping out on a limb with this, but if your Mom shows no sign of being abusive, I would try letting her watch your newborn for short periods of time. I'm a Grandma myself and know what a blessing and what good therapy grandchildren are. But, still use your mother's instinct; that baby must come first! Hugs, Nanny > Hi Everyone, > [quoted text clipped - 67 lines] > Thanks, > Paula In sci.med.pharmacy Paula <pokee@shaw.ca> wrote: : Hi Everyone, : I hope you can help ease my mind a bit. In today's society, I know : that it is normal for doctors to push pills for every little problem. : In my mom's case, I feel she takes too many, but I could be looking at : this the wrong way. I am not sure. : My mother's profile: : - 59 years of age : - Health conditions: mild depression, sporadic anxiety/stress/crying : for stupid reasons, slight high blood pressure, severe fibromyalgia, : osteo arthritis, poor diet, moderately overweight, hardly any : exercise, bad acid reflux, dry mouth, trembling in her hands. : My mom has been on Prozac for quite some time for depression (crappy When the SSRIs are taken in too high a dose, extremity tremors can occur. Emma > In sci.med.pharmacy Paula <pokee@shaw.ca> wrote: > : Hi Everyone, [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > > When the SSRIs are taken in too high a dose, extremity tremors can occur. Prozac - the most wonderful awful med I've ever taken. Saw life through pink rosey glasses, upbeat, sense of humour, carefree.. At about the 4 week mark I was sleeping less than 3 hours, waking up gasping for air and feeling like I was dying. Does it exacerbate sleep apnea? At or around the 6 week mark, I had to stop it because I was only getting one hour's sleep a night. Jump out of bed and having episodes of gasping, then terrible fatigque, then ravenous hunger, then sleepy the rest of the day. Is that serotonin syndrome? J |
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