Hi, all. Would really appreciate any responses to a few Evoxac questions.
The doctor who prescribed it told me to start easy until I figure out side effects. She said to start with about half the capsule per day,
then build up to one full capsule a day.
I have 2 questions.
I can see a mild increase in saliva with just that half. But I've also developed a cough, the kind where you just can't stop coughing for a spell.
Has this happened to anyone, and does it get better?
Second question, a half capsule in the morning, another later in the day .... Has anyone else been told to pursue this gradual build-up, and
if so, how did it work for them? Were they able to duck a few of the more unpleasant side effects?
I've read some old postings on Evoxac by the group.
Thanks for looking/your thoughts!
with evoxac i started out on the same dose as i take now... 30mg capsule 3x a day... never had to split a dose or anything... sometimes i get kinda hot from it but it goes away..and sometimes it makes me pee more.
Coughing is a known side effect. Is this all you have recently started taking? An ACE inhibitor can cause coughing, and it can be quite severe. If you have started something else, too, be sure to talk to your pharmacist.
I hope you feel better soon!
Sharon
Are you taking the capsule apart to get 1/2 dose? I've never done that, but don't need to. Have not heard of anyone doing that. Lucy
I also began my Evoxac script splitting the capsule to avoid negative side effects. It seems to have worked for the most part; I did experience a runny nose and having to go to the bathroom more often, but those mild side effects waned after several weeks. I was more worried about having heart palpitations and nauseau, which I haven't had. I am on 3/4 of a pill twice a day and that seems to work fine for me, for now. Hope your side effects diminish as time goes on, too!!
P.S. empty capsules can be purchased on Amazon if you plan to continue to use potions of a pill. Evoxac is so pricey, I can't afford to throw any away!
I started out with the same dose I take now, too, 30 mg 3 X day. I learned early on to take each dose with a big glass of water (14 oz). For me taking it with the water keeps me from breaking out all over in a sweat not long after I take the dose. Any time I skip the big glass of water with it I sweat.
Do you have asthma? The instructions that come with script says it CAN affect people with asthma. Good luck to you.
Thank you all so much! This group is great, and a lifesaver. My head is still spinning, having gone from normal to SS in just weeks. The cough was better last night. I don't know if the cough is due to SS, the medication, or acid reflux (which seemed to come on with the Sjogren's).
The small doses seem to help a lot so I'll continue and hope the side-effects (if the cough is one) abate. My throat and chest are raw at this point.
Hi! You've gotten some good input from folks! I started Evoxac 2 wks ago, and jumped right in with both feet 1 pill 3xday. I had a little nausea for a few days but that has passed. I also do what others suggested - drink a lot of water, and I still break out in a sweat sometimes. Also, I have stopped taking the 3rd pill of the day because it creates so much saliva that I soak my pillows in the night! Yukky. But 2 seems to be doing fine. It's funny how we're all the same but have all these little differences. I'm new on the discussion boards, too, but am learning so much. Glad you're here.
Diane
Yes Java, we all have differences, to say the least.
That's why when they do trials they test lots and lots of people, and get a sort of
average of everyone, rather than individuals.
What is OK with me, may do nothing for you, or may make you crazy go nuts.
I was on Evoxac for a long time. It worked well for me.
But very expensive.
So I switched back to generic Salagen (Pilocarpine).
I take two in the morning, for day time saliva at the max, tho' I'm still dry.
And one at night, so I don't drool. And then I'm very dry and sip water when I wake up to pee (due to IC and old age of course).
Good luck.
I didn't find any side effects I could attribute to the Evoxac or the Salagen (pilocarpine)
but I ALWAYS have icky stuff going on.....just my usual idiopathic stuff.
Hugs
Keep us posted
Good luck
Elaine
Ugh. Even with my baby steps, the coughing overwhelmed me. I'm in my 3rd hour of non-stop violent coughing as I write this. Doctor said stop the drug completely. Have no idea what Plan B will be, couldn't exactly converse. Right now I just want to stop coughing.
Ask your doc about trying Salagen (pilocarpine) if you have not used it yet. It may make a difference in the coughing. Lucy
I've been there, Java. Don't do anything silly like driving while you are coughing like this. Or using a sharp knife.
If anyone wants to start you on an ACE inhibitor for blood pressure, just say no!
Hugs, Sharon
i dont cough from evoxac..didnt know that was a side effect..good luck andi would def try salagan.. i wish i could try it but i will be on medicare next monthand my plan doesnt cover it or its generic but covers evoxac? weird huh..
joys of medicare..better than nothing tho...
have a great day.... good luck!