Sweating and Face turning Red, happen to you?

[hoops2u]

Greetings Friends,

I have been out for awhile. Time seems to just speed by these days. My problem is, sometimes I just break out in sweat, soaking wet all over yet not overly hot. Looks like I've been doing hard labor. Also, at other times, my face will turn bright red and burn something awful just like a terrible sunburn. It's not menopause, did that a long time ago.

I take Kadian, topomax, prevacid, prozac, straterra, hydrochlorothiazid, potassium and just 30 mgs of nuerontin. Is one of these drugs doing this? Or a particular combo? Does anyone else have this problem? Once in awhile ibprophin for arthritis type pain (Aleve).

I'm hot and cold and hot and cold, it's so hard to get comfortable. I can say, it used to be much worse when I was on 3600 mgs of neurontin a day. I was also a zombie at that time.

Can anyone help me. This may seem like a small problem, but it's making me miserable and it's hard to go out. Half way through dinner I must leave the resaurant at times due to this condition? Dr. has no answer.

Thanks for any help! You all are the BEST! !

Blessings,
hoops

[Mark N]

I get the "hot flashes" too. My MIL got it with Cymbalta, one of the meds I take, and gave up on it because she couldn't deal with it. It is a nuisance with me that I could do without but the pain relief from Cymbalta is worth it to me.

[Pharmacist.steve]

It is probably the opiate - Kadian

[mrsdoubtfyre]

causes enormous sweating problems in some people. On the old board,
we had many posts about that on ADHD.

Mixed with other drugs, like opiates, the sweating could be very additive, and
annoying.

Prozac also causes sweating. I suspect you have 3 agents there adding up.

[cookie5]

Hi
I don't have any answers for you. But, thought I would tell
you that you are not alone.
I am the same hot - cold all day all night long.
It's very uncomfortable, I haved to change shirts at least
2 to 4 times a day. And my hair seems to be wet all the time. It is craazy.
I take Kadian and cymbalta.
I have not found any way to make it better so far.
Cookie

[BrokenBladder]

I get the sweating issue but not the red face. I've always assumed that it was the opiates.........

[Kathi49]

I agree with Lisa,

I've been through menopause and know what the hot flashes really feel like but HRT took care of that. It is or was Vicodin and Norco that cause me to have night sweats IF I "up" the meds at all. If I keep them at a low dose, I don't sweat as much. Also, and I don't know if anyone else has ever noticed this, but they cause itching sometimes as well. My mother, by the way, just had surgery 3 days ago. She is currently on Vicodin and says she is sweating profusely. She is running a low grade fever due to tissue trauma (not infection), so says the doc, but Vicodin is attributing to this too.

[mrsdoubtfyre]

For example...

I just looked this one up for you: Prozac + Strattera


Search

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Check Interactions
1 potential interaction was found for the drugs you selected.

You searched for interactions between the following drugs:

* Prozac
* Strattera

Add or Delete Drugs

Start Over with a New List of Drugs

(Note: Not all drug interactions are known or reported in the literature, and new drug interactions are continually being reported. This information is provided only for your education and for you to discuss with your personal healthcare provider. )

ATOMOXETINE (in Strattera) may interact with FLUOXETINE (in Prozac)

Although the cause of this potential interaction is not clearly understood, fluoxetine may increase the effects of atomoxetine. Atomoxetine is generally used to increase attentiveness and decrease hyperactivity in children and adults with ADHD. If these drugs are taken together, the doctor may want to monitor ADHD symptoms more closely especially when fluoxetine is either started or stopped. If you are experiencing problems, it may be necessary to adjust the dose of atomoxetine. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.

This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity.

Last Updated: March 2005

Strattera is very notorious for causing sweating, so the interaction with
Prozac would make it worse.
You can check any drug any time here:
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/InteractionResults?drug=&drugList=275&cD=275&cD=551752&dN=%22Prozac%22+%22Strattera%22+&CheckFDA=1

Here is a sample of sweating complaints from people not using multiple drugs:
http://www.addforums.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-21671.html

The red face is problematic and may indicate excess serotonin as well.
Do you have a rash or redness elsewhere?
Use of foods high in histamine will also trigger this in some people.
Here is a website with foods that will trigger red ears/face/flushing.
http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fi/histamine.html

I think your drug mixture is problematic, and you should discuss this with
your doctor.

[Jo6]

I know the feelings and sweats and the hot flushes to the face, making me feel like I have a high fever.

Now, I thought I was well past menopause, but GYN says maybe not, but I didn't buy that. How long does menopause last?:confused: I have given it the best years of my life, enough is enough!!

I had thought maybe it was a combo of meds. and it possibly is, but I hadn't changed anything, no increase or decrease, nothing made sense.

I don't take any of the meds that is posted here, but take a simular version of most of them. It is very annoying to say the least. I don't have any answers, but hope somebody here does.

Mark, I had decided it was still Menopause, but since you are male and having this problem I guess I need to look elsewhere.:p

Whatever the cause I always end up having no energy to hardly get about. Of course I don't get about all that great anytime. Chronic Pain sucks!:mad:

Sorry kids, but sometimes old granny Jo gets to the point of thinking I can not go on any longer. this morning the pain is horrible. I don't say a whole lot to people, especially family. They all have a cure, just be sure you do what they say or some such crap. Oh well, another day. I'm thankful to still be breathing, wet or not:rolleyes: Julia

[Kathi49]

Jo6,

I know what you mean; hard to differentiate between menopausal hot flashes and the meds. The only thing I can say as far as myself, is that the menopausal hot flashes lasted briefly. Since I was put through artificial menopause (injection of Lupron); they were coming every 10 minutes or so and would last maybe 5 minutes and were all day long. This went on for 3 months until my hysterectomy. The sweats from the meds (Vicodin or Norco) lasted or last a lot longer and for some strange reason...only at night. Maybe someone else will come along that has gone through it naturally that could better advise. :) I do remember though that it took my mother a good two to three years as she went through it.

[hoops2u]

I would like to thank all of you who replied. It is always so comforting to know so many of you really care and are truly interested in others issues.

As I said, my problem is not menopause. I wanted to make that perfectly clear.

Mrs.D, your research into my problem is extremely helpful. I had requested the straterra from my physician because among other things, I am an author. With the medication I am on, it is so difficult to remain awake, much less attuned to a manuscript. Focus is always a problem. I understood straterra would help in this area, and it has. On the other hand, I took myself off of neurontin around the same time I went on the straterra. So, I may be able to do OK without the straterra, because I had been a zombie on that darn neurontin (3600 mgs a day).

When I began the straterra, my Dr. did tell me that prazac and staterra were not exactly compatible, worked more like opposing poles. She did tell me not to take them together. I know she would not mind if I chose to eliminate the straterra. I think I will cut the dosage and begin to titrate it out. I will tell her right away.

Also, I noticed the face redding happens often when I eat, so you are probably right on when you say it may have to do with some things that I eat. I will definetly look into the site about foods high in histamines. But, let me ask you this, if, when this happens, I took an antihistamine, would that help?

Again, thank you so much for your extra research,Mrs.D. and for the sites to look into. I am going there right now.

It's good to hear from my friends again! Hope something you have read here helps you too,

Love and Blessings,
hoops










For example...

I just looked this one up for you: Prozac + Strattera



Strattera is very notorious for causing sweating, so the interaction with
Prozac would make it worse.
You can check any drug any time here:
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/Interaction/InteractionResults?drug=&drugList=275&cD=275&cD=551752&dN=%22Prozac%22+%22Strattera%22+&CheckFDA=1

Here is a sample of sweating complaints from people not using multiple drugs:
http://www.addforums.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-21671.html

The red face is problematic and may indicate excess serotonin as well.
Do you have a rash or redness elsewhere?
Use of foods high in histamine will also trigger this in some people.
Here is a website with foods that will trigger red ears/face/flushing.
http://users.bigpond.net.au/allergydietitian/fi/histamine.html

I think your drug mixture is problematic, and you should discuss this with
your doctor.

[mrsdoubtfyre]

Flushing/sweating when eating is called gustatory sweating. This can be
food triggered...heat, caffeine, sugar etc. And it is also a sign of insulin resistance or frank type II diabetes, or damage to some nerves that go to the parotid glands.

When women go thru menopause, this type of sweating increases, and
is combined with "hot flashes"..which occur as estrogen levels fall. If a woman has high testosterone by chance, the hot flashes are less of a problem. But women with low levels of both, could sweat more.

Environmental physicians use a product called TriSalts to block food reactions.
They are very similar to AlkaSeltzer, without the aspirin. Suddenly making
the blood alkaline blocks histamine expression. Only this is temporary, and wears off quickly.
Ingredients here:
http://www.bio-tech-pharm.com/products/trisalts.html

I find AlkaSeltzer just as good, cheaper (I buy the generic at WalMart for $1.54 a box) and the aspirin helps me too.

If eating bread makes you red when you eat, I would investigate going Gluten free for a few months...this is always a possibility, and incidence of this is expanding remarkably with time. We have a nice gluten forum here to visit.

If severe sweating is a problem, a trial of anticholinergic drug (typically Robinul) may help.

[hoops2u]

It doesn't happen with bread, and I rarely eat bread. I got rid of it a long time ago when I went low carb, but come to think of it, I do eat a little pasta, being Italian is tough in terms of low carb.

It is really bad with tomatoes or even a very small amount of red wine. I know I should not use red wine with Kadian, buuuuuut, geesh, it's good for my cholesteral, right? (she said in a whiney voice).

I'm sure liking all this info from you. Wow! I am soo grateful. I don't know why I didn't ask sooner. Your the BEST! THANKS Mrs.D!

[Matuboo]

Greetings Friends,

I have been out for awhile. Time seems to just speed by these days. My problem is, sometimes I just break out in sweat, soaking wet all over yet not overly hot. Looks like I've been doing hard labor. Also, at other times, my face will turn bright red and burn something awful just like a terrible sunburn. It's not menopause, did that a long time ago.

I take Kadian, topomax, prevacid, prozac, straterra, hydrochlorothiazid, potassium and just 30 mgs of nuerontin. Is one of these drugs doing this? Or a particular combo? Does anyone else have this problem? Once in awhile ibprophin for arthritis type pain (Aleve).

I'm hot and cold and hot and cold, it's so hard to get comfortable. I can say, it used to be much worse when I was on 3600 mgs of neurontin a day. I was also a zombie at that time.

Can anyone help me. This may seem like a small problem, but it's making me miserable and it's hard to go out. Half way through dinner I must leave the resaurant at times due to this condition? Dr. has no answer.

Thanks for any help! You all are the BEST! !

Blessings,
hoops


Don't have time to read the entire thread but I agree with the pharmacist (Steve) when I take more than my usual amount of meds, I get pretty bad hot flashes, mostly in my face (flushing). It's uncomfortable but usually two or three glasses of water does the trick, helps calm it down a bit, at least for me. Almost has to be a side effect of the meds.:confused:

[Tbackpain1]

I know I am definitely Not Menopausal, I'm only 27 for gosh sakes! But Boy do I feel for you guys...I get terrible hot flashes from the opiates and my hormones fluctuate just enough during a normal cycle for me to have hot flashes right before my "friend" arrives. Good lord, I changed all my sheets and bedding to 100% cotton, I have to put a terry cloth towel on my side of the bed so that I'm not changing my sheets in the middle of the night.

Its probably the only thing I absolutely Hate about the meds I'm on...these hotflashes are a nuisance to say the least. How many times do I have to change my shirt during the day!

On a funny note, I was out the other day with hubs and we were behind a lady driving a truck and her bumper sticker made me LOL for miles. It said, "Real women don't have Hot Flashes, They have Power Surges!" I couldn't have said it better myself. :D

Theresa

[hoops2u]

One more question, If you please. How do you take the Alka Seltzer? Do you drink it before meals, a half an hour before meals, or what? And why Alka Seltzer? I don't pretend to understand all this, I'm a shrink not a chemist and to tell you the truth, I really struggled through chemistry.

Not to be redundant, but I cannot tell you enough just how much you have helped me today. THANK YOU! !
Peace and Blessings to you Dear One,
hoops



Flushing/sweating when eating is called gustatory sweating. This can be
food triggered...heat, caffeine, sugar etc. And it is also a sign of insulin resistance or frank type II diabetes, or damage to some nerves that go to the parotid glands.

When women go thru menopause, this type of sweating increases, and
is combined with "hot flashes"..which occur as estrogen levels fall. If a woman has high testosterone by chance, the hot flashes are less of a problem. But women with low levels of both, could sweat more.

Environmental physicians use a product called TriSalts to block food reactions.
They are very similar to AlkaSeltzer, without the aspirin. Suddenly making
the blood alkaline blocks histamine expression. Only this is temporary, and wears off quickly.
Ingredients here:
http://www.bio-tech-pharm.com/products/trisalts.html

I find AlkaSeltzer just as good, cheaper (I buy the generic at WalMart for $1.54 a box) and the aspirin helps me too.

If eating bread makes you red when you eat, I would investigate going Gluten free for a few months...this is always a possibility, and incidence of this is expanding remarkably with time. We have a nice gluten forum here to visit.

If severe sweating is a problem, a trial of anticholinergic drug (typically Robinul) may help.

[Mark N]

Well ladies, I can tell you it isn't necessarily menopause but it could be a lack of testosterone because I haven't noticed it so much since starting my injections. Before my wife and kids would ask if I had a fever but I just told them it was a side effect of the meds. I still have them occassionally but not nearly as often as before.

[Matuboo]

Flushing/sweating when eating is called gustatory sweating. This can be
food triggered...heat, caffeine, sugar etc. And it is also a sign of insulin resistance or frank type II diabetes, or damage to some nerves that go to the parotid glands.

When women go thru menopause, this type of sweating increases, and
is combined with "hot flashes"..which occur as estrogen levels fall. If a woman has high testosterone by chance, the hot flashes are less of a problem. But women with low levels of both, could sweat more.

Environmental physicians use a product called TriSalts to block food reactions.
They are very similar to AlkaSeltzer, without the aspirin. Suddenly making
the blood alkaline blocks histamine expression. Only this is temporary, and wears off quickly.
Ingredients here:
http://www.bio-tech-pharm.com/products/trisalts.html

I find AlkaSeltzer just as good, cheaper (I buy the generic at WalMart for $1.54 a box) and the aspirin helps me too.

If eating bread makes you red when you eat, I would investigate going Gluten free for a few months...this is always a possibility, and incidence of this is expanding remarkably with time. We have a nice gluten forum here to visit.

If severe sweating is a problem, a trial of anticholinergic drug (typically Robinul) may help.



The triggers you mention are definitely true for me, too much sugar, definitely caffeine and foods I'm allergic too.

This is not on track with what you're talking about but I often find that it IS my stomach that's upset and causing problems. For me, I've found that Gaviscon is the best product on the market for an upset stomach and especially for esophageal spasms and heartburn (we're talking quick acting OTC stuff here).

The gluten free idea is a good one and I am actually on a gluten free diet right now, much less bloating, nausea and pain. I've always tested negative for sprue, as I've had a couple of scopes but I do believe I have a mild to moderate forum of gluten intolerance. Eating large amounts of bread, cookies or anything with a lot of gluten causes a lot of discomfort for me although no "classic" celiac symptoms.:confused:

Hoops, I hope you are able to resolve this issue, I know how miserable it can be!:)

[Kira]

I have been getting a red, hot face but not so much the sweating. I feel like I have a fever but take my temp and, at highest, it is in the 99s. So not a "real" fever. It seems to be worst on the days I have had the nausea/vomiting, but happens other times, too. (I think the nausea/vomiting is from something metabolic going on because it responds really well to getting IV D10.)

In terms of meds, the only thing that's relatively new is the opiates. So I've been blaming it on that.

I am another who is WAY too young for menopause (27).

[ErinENj]

I have the same problems. The sweating was what really got under my skin (no pun intended). My meds were switched 3 or 4 times to see if it was the meds. When the switches didn't kill the sweats, I went off to my PCP, who ran bloodwork. They told me that my thyroid levels were off a little, and sent me off to the specialist who takes care of those kinds of things. I can't remember which specialty it exactly. He found nothing that would cause the sweats I was having. And menopause was ruled out, 'cause if it was menopause, I had a bigger issue than just sweating!

I finally just gave up trying to find what it was. And one day, it just came to me as I was researching something else. Without pain meds, our bodies have a certain physiological reactions to pain, like sweating, etc. Our meds are just blocking us from feeling the nerve impulses that are related to pain, but the nerve impulses are still there, and are still being received in the brain. So, just because we, hypothetically speaking, can't feel those signals, that doesn't mean that our brain doesn't get them. And if our brain gets them, we still have all of the physiological responses we would get without the pain meds. And since sweating is one of those responses, that's what causes me to sweat so profusely.

I noticed that my sweating was related to any sort of activity, but especially those which cause me pain. The biggest one is shopping. As much as I love it, I can't really do it because it makes me sweat after a shop or two in the mall, and sweat so bad that I'm just embarrassed. I used to go shopping with a hand towel so I could mop it up if I had more than one stop. But as soon as I got home and got into bed and rested, the sweat was gone. Anytime I did something that would cause a sharp increase in pain, that's when the sweating started. So there's got to be a link, especially when switching my meds a bunch of times didn't work.

I'd keep some sort of a diary as to when the sweating is at it's worst and what you're doing at that time. I think if you start seeing a pattern similar to mine, it's probably the pain signals, and unfortunately that's something we can't do much about. As for the redness in your face, I'm not sure. It may be another symptom of pain. I get it also, but I have some weird pigmentation issue. A strip of skin from about where the bone starts in your nose, running down past the corners of my mouth turns bright white, whiter than any of the other skin, and definately very noticeable when the rest of my face is bright red. I have to go to a dermatologist when I get the time to see what that's all about. But as far as the sweating, take a look to see if it's related to something, like activity or other things that cause your pain to spike. Unfortunately, if it is that, there's nothing to be done, but you at least know what will trigger what I called my "episodes" and can see if you can maybe break your errands up or just go sit in your car with the AC turned up high for a few minutes and then get back to it.

Good luck finding the cause!!! And I hope that it might be easy to fix, or at least reduce. Keep me posted on what you figure out!

[BrokenBladder]

Mrs DoubtFyre I just wanted to say thanks for your endless work on this board. Your research and knowledge is so greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!!

[mrsdoubtfyre]

After work today, or maybe tomorrow, I'll go into the AlkaSeltzer details.

This can be very complex, involving acid/base issues. But for me at least,
I find alot of pain relief with it.

It has been on the market for about 50 years..and still people use it, as well as the AlkaSelzer effervescent cold remedies. They have a devoted following!:p

Effervescent technology is being used more in drug delivery lately.
Notice the Airborne phenomenon (which I think is mostly hype), but that
fizzy tablet delivers the vits/herbs rapidly into the body.

That "hot" feverish feeling goes away quickly with AlkaSeltzer. I have arthritis
and know that feeling well.

If you cannot tolerate aspirin, there is a version without aspirin called
AlkaSeltzer Gold:
http://www.alkaseltzer.com/as/as_gold.htm
http://www.alkaseltzer.com/as/images/products/DFL/alka_gold.gif

However, you have to special order it. A newer version came out and may
have superceded the GOLD, it is called AlkaSeltzer Heartburn Relief.
http://www.alkaseltzer.com/as/as_heartburn.htm
http://www.alkaseltzer.com/as/images/products/DFL/alka_heartburn.gif

I think the AlkaSeltzer Gold is the closest to TriSalts.

If you suspect a histamine release from food, take the AlkaSelzer product before you eat.

More to follow here on pain/acidity in the tissues, in a day or two.;)

[Kira]

Please be very careful with the acid/base issues. I have metabolic acidosis and know that acid/base balance can be very touchy sometimes. It is dangerous to get too acidotic or alkalotic (have blood that is too acidic or too basic). Acid/base balance affects the functioning of your entire body, and has especially prominent effects on respiration, kidneys, heart rhythm, and your brain (mental status, seizure risk).

It is one thing to take a single dose of AlkaSeltzer every now and again... probably won't do much to you unless you have an underlying disorder of acid/base balance. But to take it all of the time, or to exceed recommended doses, can be dangerous. If you are going to do anything other than what the OTC labelling says to do, I would talk with your doc first.

Acid/base issues can become life-threatening, while being hot/sweaty is simply uncomfortable. So, run anything you are trying to do about the hot/sweaty stuff (or any other side effects) past your doc first.

Antacids also impact the absorption of some meds, so check with your pharmacist if they are safe to take with your meds.

[mrsdoubtfyre]

You are right. Most of the posters here do see doctors regularly.
I myself have a mild anion gap, that was discovered during Glucophage
treatment (experiment)...I had to d/c it for acidosis reasons. (I had PCOS which
affected insulin activity when I was younger). Patients here would do themselves a big favor by knowing their renal status, and if there is any
hint of anion gap issues. (often doctors won't share this info with you).

Here is a paper to read to get started:
http://www.painonline.org/acid.htm

My experience is to use the AlkaSeltzer only when I have symptoms.
Not everyday, but sometimes 2 or 3 times a week. It seems to
work well for my mild problems. But when I was injured, I used it 3 time a day.
It was the only thing that worked for my pain (I do not use opiates). And it
was dramatically effective.

Milk/Alkali syndrome does occur in patients who overuse antacids. Before the
acid blocking drugs became so common, this was a very common scenario.
Now we don't see it as often. Doctors used to tell patients to use
Mylanta/Maalox all day long..often in 30ml doses.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000332.htm

[GJZH]

I think it is the Topamax and opiate mixture...I was getting this from Topamax and just switched to Neurontin and do not see it as much!

[hoops2u]

:D :D I am so happy! Thank you Mrs.D I owe you a debt of gratitude! I stopped the Straterra and the sweats completely stopped. I started taking the Straterra way back when I was on 3600 mgs of that awful Neurontin a day and couldn't stay awake. Since I have gotten rid of the Neurontin, I think, well maybe I don't really need the Straterra. My Dr. Ok'd me going off it to see if it helped and sure enough. Yea! No sweats!

Also, The foods on that list, the histamine list, really do cause the reddening of my face. I am much more aware of what I am ingesting now. Thank you so much for your help. I will be getting some Alka Seltzer ASAP. The big problem is when I eat something I did not prepare myself. For the most part, the only redness I have had was yesterday after a small glass of wine. (purely medicinal haha)

Mrs.D Thank you so much. I am Blessed to have you here to share your knowledge and wisdom.

Kira, fear not, I will take great care. Two of my good friends, one who works in a clinic I own, are N.D. and my physician is also my personal friend. The reason I ask things on this site is that there are so many interesting things I can gather from people who actualy live through all this as opposed to the Dr.'s who read about it. Such as the information I have recieved from Mrs. D. That is not in the journals. But I will pass this on to my friends in the medical profession and they are always grateful.

Thanks to all of you for your input. It has been great! So if you are still having sweating problems for no particular reason, please read ALL the input here, there is a lot of good information, especially from Mrs.Doubtfyre. And, if your question is still not answered, as mine was so perfectly, please DO start a new thread and pose your question. As you can see, many fine folks here are eager to help.

God Bless you all, my friends, from sweat free, and pale faced happy,
hoops

[hoops2u]

The problem I was having ws much more than "simply uncomfortable". I am sorry if you misunderstood that. Irarely look for answers to "simply uncomfortable" issues. I am accustomed to so much more. One should never assume. I hope this doesn't offend you, I mean no offense.

The pain in my face was overwhelming, like a tremendous sunburn. And If a person should happen to be diagnosed with central pain syndrom, then thre discomfort a normal person feels can be multiplied many, many times in a person with CPS. Check out Painonline web site. It's entire site is listed at the top of chronic pain thread under interesting sites.

Thanks for your warning re: the alks seltzer. I always take heed of the manufacturer suggestions. Now I am more interested in metabolic acidosis and will read up on it.

Thanks again, Bless you,
hoops

Please be very careful with the acid/base issues. I have metabolic acidosis and know that acid/base balance can be very touchy sometimes. It is dangerous to get too acidotic or alkalotic (have blood that is too acidic or too basic). Acid/base balance affects the functioning of your entire body, and has especially prominent effects on respiration, kidneys, heart rhythm, and your brain (mental status, seizure risk).

It is one thing to take a single dose of AlkaSeltzer every now and again... probably won't do much to you unless you have an underlying disorder of acid/base balance. But to take it all of the time, or to exceed recommended doses, can be dangerous. If you are going to do anything other than what the OTC labelling says to do, I would talk with your doc first.

Acid/base issues can become life-threatening, while being hot/sweaty is simply uncomfortable. So, run anything you are trying to do about the hot/sweaty stuff (or any other side effects) past your doc first.

Antacids also impact the absorption of some meds, so check with your pharmacist if they are safe to take with your meds.

************************************************xx ************************

[uvamomb]

Hoops, I do it too and am not on a single one of the meds you're on.
Have you had your hormones and your thyroid checked?
Just a thought.
Good luck!
Hugs,
Kathy

[Kira]

I didn't mean to say that what you are experiencing isn't a big deal. I'm sorry if it sounded that way. What I meant was that you can get really sick from altering your body's acid/base balance, so be careful.

Most people don't know about acid/base problems unless they get sick with them. Yes, I learned about the acid/base stuff in med school, but mostly I learned about it by living with it. I have metabolic acidosis, which means that my condition makes my blood more acid than it should be. That causes all sorts of issues, especially when bad, and can be life-threatening.

Alka-seltzer sounds like a really benign thing, and it can be when taken like it is supposed to be... but most people don't know that you can get really sick from overdoing it. I just wanted to make sure people knew that you have to be careful with acid/base stuff.

I'm glad that stopping the Strattera worked for you.

Again, I really didn't mean that your symptoms are not a big deal. I just meant that you have to be careful not to create bigger problems.

[mrsdoubtfyre]

This drug causes tons of sweating, and that symptom alone is the most
commonly reported side effect.

This thread has evolved into two parts...the drug effects, and other
triggers like food. So it is important to keep those in mind. Disease states also cause sweating, and those have been mentioned too.

But when people are on multiple drugs, I think the drugs should be examined first. You can then move on to other triggers.

Over the years I have been watching/researching the "food" connection.
We did this on ADHD in the past, since many kids have food allergies or
intolerances, which affect behavior. Also the emergence of the commonality of Gluten intolerance and the leaky gut proof, is very pertinent to this board as well.

The channels in the GI tract (and blood brain barrier) are called Zonulin channels. There are drugs in the pipeline now to help close these off. When open, large peptides can pass thru the GI tract into the blood stream, and cause autoimmune issues. Pain, neuropathy, fibro, ataxia, MS are all affected.
Also connected to this issue, is the potential for acquired food intolerances.
Back in 1999 a study was done on NSAIDs and the effects they have on
the cox-2 pathway in the gut. It was found and published, that NSAIDs reduce the protective effects of the cox-2 cytokines, and hence expose
the bowel lining to damage by foods/toxins. Since many pain patients
use NSAIDs alot, (I was one of those)..this is important in the long run to understand.

The acid/base issues with peripheral tissue pain, are not as extreme as the disease states, renal and diabetic, that affect serum pH. Over the years, the
acidic waste theories of high protein diets, have become reality. Uric acid for one, increases when protein intake increases. Some people just cannot handle this issue, so some moderation in food intake is beneficial for those people.
I found this very good website that explains the acid/base food theory:
http://www.ccone.com/nh1/
http://www.price-pottenger.org/Articles/Acid_alk_bal.html

The use of Tri-Salts or AlkaSeltzer is not a cure...it is a signal if positive that you need to do something to change your food intake to balance it so that you do not get the symptoms. I find that AlkaSeltzer helps with burning. But then I don't get burning all the time. The last attack was after baked beans, of all things. I have found one tomato sauce that does not affect me (Hunts), as an example. I do not drink wine or beer.
Eating more fruits and vegetables is basically a healthy solution, and when you see the tables and realize that acidity in the tissues can be balanced some, it gives more power to the necessity of eating those fruits and veggies!:p

Also I think people reading here, should consider MSG in their foods.
If you find increases in symptoms, pain, burning with this food additive, you
need to remove it from your daily food intake. MonoSodiumGlutamate is an
artificial form of glutamate that floods the body, and nerve endings don't like it much. Organic glutamates in natural foods are processed more slowly and often do not cause the same problems.

And I will repeat this interesting article about serotonin, and certain pain relievers:
http://www.psychotropical.com/8_st_maois_opiate_analgesics.shtml
This is important for people taking SSRI drugs, and the potential for additive
reactions. I think it is important for people to keep up with the literature.
When a drug goes generic like Prozac/Paxil/Zoloft/Effexor the drug reps STOP detailing it to physicians. Since most of the side effects and other research discoveries with them COME AFTER MARKETING, and often AFTER they go generic, doctors may never discover this data. There are always a few who go to conventions, or have specialist friends, but the vast majority of physicians remain unaware of new data. (a good example is what is happening with methadone today).

This is why I give you data and papers to read. You can print them out, and take them to your physicians. You can also decide to make some lifestyle changes to improve your daily life.

I have been reading here for many years. And the one thing I see repeatedly is that opiate therapy is not complete in giving relief. There are many factors including lifestyle which lead to continued discomfort for many patients. The side effect profile, the polypharmacy, the nutrient depletions, all have a negative impact so that quality of life is not as good as you deserve.

[hoops2u]

I didn't mean to say that what you are experiencing isn't a big deal. I'm sorry if it sounded that way. What I meant was that you can get really sick from altering your body's acid/base balance, so be careful.

Most people don't know about acid/base problems unless they get sick with them. Yes, I learned about the acid/base stuff in med school, but mostly I learned about it by living with it. I have metabolic acidosis, which means that my condition makes my blood more acid than it should be. That causes all sorts of issues, especially when bad, and can be life-threatening.

Alka-seltzer sounds like a really benign thing, and it can be when taken like it is supposed to be... but most people don't know that you can get really sick from overdoing it. I just wanted to make sure people knew that you have to be careful with acid/base stuff.

I'm glad that stopping the Strattera worked for you.
Again, I really didn't mean that your symptoms are not a big deal. I just meant that you have to be careful not to create bigger problems .

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You didn't upset me, I just wanted you to know this experience was quite painful. And, I almost died due to an imbalance of potassium originally caused by Keflex of all silly things. My postssium dropped to fatal. So, I do know about metabalic balances. You are so, SO right. We must be very careful.

What I tend to forget, and I need to remember better, is that when we write here, we are writing for many to read. Keeping this in mind, making all aspects of each post completely clear is paramount. So, again, thank you.

Could you start a thread on metabolic acidosis? I'd like to know more about it?

Blessings to you,
hoops

[mrsdoubtfyre]

Those reading here, ask your doctor for tests, and keep copies for yourself.
You have to get your Rxs renewed, so you do have the opportunity to
ask for monitoring. If you are on Neurontin or Lyrica, a renal panel should be done anyway. (these depend on renal function for clearance).

Those on Topamax especially... because this drug CAUSES metabolic acidosis.

http://www.medscape.com/files/emedicine/topic312.htm

Acidosis from disease (renal and diabetes) is a dramatic event.
Minor acid reactions at the tissue level, are more common, and often do
not show up in tests.

A successful challenge with AlkaSeltzer or TriSalts when a suspected histamine reaction occurs, is
a clue to you that that food is activating symptoms for you. People vary in
allergic responses to food/and other allergens. So finding your triggers is
important if you want to improve your quality of life.;)

[hoops2u]

Those reading here, ask your doctor for tests, and keep copies for yourself.
You have to get your Rxs renewed, so you do have the opportunity to
ask for monitoring. If you are on Neurontin or Lyrica, a renal panel should be done anyway. (these depend on renal function for clearance).

Those on Topamax especially... because this drug CAUSES metabolic acidosis.

http://www.medscape.com/files/emedicine/topic312.htm

Acidosis from disease (renal and diabetes) is a dramatic event.
Minor acid reactions at the tissue level, are more common, and often do
not show up in tests.

A successful challenge with AlkaSeltzer or TriSalts when a suspected histamine reaction occurs, is
a clue to you that that food is activating symptoms for you. People vary in
allergic responses to food/and other allergens. So finding your triggers is
important if you want to improve your quality of life.;)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Oh well, now I am a bit concerned. I do have a blood test every 3 months. I usually get yelled at about my cholest., not too high, around 160 I think, but she always wants it lower. But I am pretty sure that the primary reason for the test is liver functioning. I have never asked for a copy because I haven't a clue as to what any of that means. Guess I should be keeping copies, but I have so much "paper". Why do I want the copies?

I do take Topomax due to seizue activity. I really would hate to give that medication up and Neurontin is not an option. What the heck is metabolic acidosis? Should we be starting a new thread here? I think I will right now.
Anyway, again, Thank you Mrs.D I feel so special. I am not being facitious, I really do. My gosh, you have given me so much attention and I so apprectiate all your help.

Already I have found several food triggers. Last night is the first time I have eaten chili soup without a reaction because I used the Alka Seltzer prior to my meal. (before anyone freaks out, I wouldn't so that very often, just testing the Alka Seltza theory). One of the sites said bicorbonate of soda is also a good thing to use for reducing aberrant after affects of ingesting a food.

Blessings my Friend,
hoops

[Lanny]

Just a short note that I am following this thread very closely and thanks for referring me here. I pick up the test strips tomorrow for saliva and urine testing. I already have the Alka-Seltzer. Will be asking you some more questions after I start testing, still can't understand why the doctors at the VA didn't comment on low urine ph and kidney functions. I do know from tests at the pcp that I have microscopic hematuria in the urine, nothing serious so they tell me.
Lanny

[mrsdoubtfyre]

a very readable urinary explanation:

http://www.rnceus.com/ua/uaph.html

I think hematuria should be further explored-- infections, prostatitis, or
kidney issues need to be looked at.

Did you have a blood uric acid test? Elevated levels, can lead to blood in the urine, commonly.

There are folks who think the VA is not very efficient. Perhaps you should
consult an urologist?

[BrokenBladder]

I have to chime in on the blood being in urine. I have interstitial cystitis which is bleeding ulcers on the inside of my bladder wall. My urologist says it's heritary, but is it possible that it's not? I can't eat anything acidic at all. I also have fibro which is another autoimmune disease which has my diet restricted....would alka seltzer help at all?
This is a great thread.