Posted by Ed O`Flaherty on January 13, 2005, at 17:20:54
In reply to Asthma, SSRIs and omega-3, posted by sergio on January 13, 2005, at 14:40:25
> Hello all, I noticed this discussion by typing "serotonin + asthma" in Google. I think my experience could be of interest to some parties here.
>
> Last year I started withdrawal from Paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat), when I reached critical stage with zaps and other weird staff I stared coughing a lot. This was May and I thought my mild hay fever is taking an unusual new shape. Doctor prescribed new antihistamines and I started taking Omega-3 fish oils to ease off withdrawal from Paroxetine, coz I read a book on how omega-3 is helpful for depression. In July I was ok, then in August cough came back and I started wheezing. I went back to the doctors and was given Salbutamol (Ventolin) inhaler, and in a month time I was using it 4 times day, coughing horribly all the time. I came to conclusion that Salbutamol exacerbated the asthma (I could be wrong) and started doing acupuncture and Chinese herbs, it seemed to work and I was getting better.
> Then in November asthma got worse, I increased acupuncture - it started getting gradually better, but then in the new year a minor flu sparked asthma really big time, I can hardly walk now and nearly lost it. Now I am taking steroid inhaler, steroid tablets, salbutamol at least twice a day. All this time (since June) I have been taking Omega-3 about 2 gram of EPA (5-7) capsules depending on the brand.
>
> I can definitely say Omega-3 doesn't help much with asthma (at least for me). I would recommend to anyone to be careful with asthma - it could escalate very quickly.
>
> I wonder if anybody had a similar experience with stopping SSRIs and developing asthma? I think there must be a link. I am 37, never had any asthma before (neither anybody in the family had it).
>
> Thanx
> SergioAsthma can start at any time of life and the connection with SSRIs here is probably a red herring.I am surprised though that you are on steroid tablets already-the steroid inhalers plus Ventolin plus perhaps Singulair tablets plus salmetrol can reduce the demands for steroid tablets to a low level in most cases.An asthma attack is a serious business-that is for sure.Omega-3 only helps a little in asthma.There is no magic wand.Moving to an area far away from where you live at present may occasinally be very successful but not 100% either.
>
poster:Ed O`Flaherty
thread:423513
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050101/msgs/441748.html