posted
Dr. C's LD protocol includes fludrocortisone to balance fluid within the body. (Poor adrenals.) Have any of you had side effects that caused you to discontiinue this med?
I had to discontine taking after an appendectomy/colon surgery last year. It literally caused impactions at the distal end of my colon. Since then I have been dizzy and had problems with memory and cognition.
I recently restarted this med and lo and behold, my head symptoms have improved dramatically.
But again, I am experiencing a blockage in my intestine.
If you have ANY ideas or suggestions please advise.
Bugabobo
-------------------- Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see....Corrie Ten Boom Posts: 343 | From Northcentral Iowa | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I take florinef for neurally mediated hypotension. It causes some fluid buildup in my lower legs.
I believe that it draws in fluid to increase blood pressure? Not sure though...but it does prevent me from passing out all the time, thank goodness!
Posts: 98 | From MA | Registered: Dec 2005
| IP: Logged |
lymednva
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9098
posted
I've been taking Florinef, along with midodrine and a beta blocker for over four years without problems.
I started out with TINY doses of each, one at a time and gradually increased until I found an amount that didn't make my BP too high, but allowed me to do more than lie around with my feet thrown over the back of the couch all day.
I use it for Neurally Mediated Hypotension. It has made a huge difference in this, although I still can't stand for long. I don't have the severe BP drops like I used to when I do stand.
I was originally put on Florinef by a psychiatrist while I was waiting to find a non-duck to treat me. Unfortunately he started me on too high a dose and I experienced leg pains and swelling, and eventually had to stop taking it.
-------------------- Lymednva Posts: 2407 | From over the river and through the woods | Registered: Apr 2006
| IP: Logged |
TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
I took it for low blood volume and orthostatic hypotension and gained 35 lbs of fluid in less than 2 weeks. I went off the medication but was never able to lose the edema.
This medication expands the blood volume by causing one to hang on to soduium and excrete potasium. It also messes with calcium and may cause osteoporosis.
From what I could tell, it is a steroid or acts similarly and can depress your immune system.
There is quite a list of side effects, contra-indications and medications that can interact with it. They also mention surgery and supportive therapy etc... Worth reading if you are or have taken this medication for any period of time. It is a very serious medication with serious side effects, especially for those with infections.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
When someone takes the time to respond to my plea, I am most greatful!!!!!
Thank you so-o-o much. Any other experiences out there?
What about the decrease in brain fog and cognition...that part is certainly a good thing.
Is there anything that would do that alone and not mess with the rest of the body?
Bug
-------------------- Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for a future only He can see....Corrie Ten Boom Posts: 343 | From Northcentral Iowa | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
posted
I took it for a few years until I learned 1) I likely have Lyme, 2) florinef is a steroid, and 3) steroids are contraindicated with Lyme.
It reduced my headaches a bunch (ducks could not explain), and reduced acne. Because of the latter effect, I suspect it was damping down my immune response.
It raised my BP about 10% to the top of the normal range. When I weaned off it, things returned to the way they had been pre-florinef. I don't yet know of any lingering bad effects, other than the possibility it may have left me with a tougher to eradicate infection.
Posts: 727 | From USA | Registered: Mar 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
I also take it for NMH and it helps alot. I quit taking it the end of last yr, well I forgot to get refilled. My blood pressure dropped and the dizziness, etc. came back.
I have not had any neg side effects for it and I will continue to take it.
Posts: 315 | From USA | Registered: May 2005
| IP: Logged |
treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
Heres the problem its a steroid
FLUDROCORTISONE (Florinef�) causes the body to retain salt and water. Fludrocortisone replaces the natural steroids that are lacking in patients with underactive adrenal glands. Fludrocortisone also treats a salt-losing condition called adrenogenital syndrome. Generic fludrocortisone tablets are available.
What should my health care professional know before I take fludrocortisone? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: *Cushing's syndrome *diabetes mellitus *heart problems, or previous heart attack *high blood pressure or blood clotting disorder *infection, such as herpes, measles, tuberculosis or chickenpox *myasthenia gravis *psychosis *osteoporosis *recent surgery *seizures (convulsions) *stomach or intestinal disease, including colitis *kidney disease *over- or underactive thyroid *an unusual or allergic reaction to fludrocortisone, other corticosteroids, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives *pregnant or trying to get pregnant *breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take fludrocortisone tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take with food or milk to avoid stomach upset. If you are only taking fludrocortisone once a day, take it in the morning, unless otherwise directed, which is the time your body normally secretes cortisol. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it a soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, consult your prescriber or health care professional. You may need to miss a dose or take a double dose, depending on your condition and treatment. Do not take double or extra doses without advice.
What drug(s) may interact with fludrocortisone? (Back to top) *antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen) *barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions) *bosentan *certain heart medicines *male hormones *phenytoin *rifampin *water pills
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking fludrocortisone? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: *difficulty breathing or shortness of breath *headache, severe or continuing *irregular heartbeat *loss of appetite *mental depression, mood swings *muscle weakness, cramps or pain *nausea, vomiting *skin rash or itching *sudden weight gain *swelling of face, nasal passages, or eyelids *swelling of the feet or legs *unusual tiredness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): *dizziness *increased appetite *restlessness *trouble sleeping *upset stomach
What should I watch for while taking fludrocortisone? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are taking fludrocortisone over a prolonged period, carry an identification card with your name and address, the type and dose of your medicine, and your prescriber's name and address. Do not suddenly stop taking fludrocortisone. Follow the advice of your prescriber or health care professional.
If you are receiving fludrocortisone for a long period of time, you may have an increased risk of infection while taking fludrocortisone. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are exposed to anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you have taken fludrocortisone within the last twelve months.
You may need to watch your diet. Your body can lose potassium while you are taking fludrocortisone. Ask your prescriber or health care professional about your diet.
Alcohol can increase the risk of getting serious side effects while you are taking fludrocortisone. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Fludrocortisone can interfere with certain lab tests and can cause false skin test results.
It left the lyme run free in your digestive tract.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic