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Disclaimer: All information published by "Ask The Visiting Nurse ONLINE" is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.

I have suffered depression since I was a pre-teen. Not much was known about it at that time (I am 36). I feel that my 12 year old daughter is following in the same footsteps and I am wondering if there have been any tests done on children regarding the new group of drugs (Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, etc.).

My 25 y/o daughter has been dx. with hyperparathyroidism by way of repeated kidney stones. She has had lithotripsy X 2 successfully the second time around. Now, eight months later, she has an obstructed ureter secondary to another stone. Serum Calcium, of course, is elevated. Are there dietary regimens recommended? Don't want to rush into surgery! Please direct us as to where we can go for more treatment options.

My 51-year-old girlfriend takes Tegretol for trigeminal neuralgia, and she has recently been suffering from joint pain. Is there a connection between Tegretol and the onset of this type of pain?

I'm 34 and have been having these same problems for about 7 yrs. right after I had my second child. After I eat I get severe pains in my stomach. Sometimes it's cramps. My stomach gets very bloated and I get diarrhea. It doesn't happen all the time, but a lot. I also I'm very tired all the time. I also get dizzy and light headed if I skip a meal. I have been to several doctors and have had some blood test and stool samples done. I also had a test done to check my small intestines. All the test have come back normal. Friends of mine of suggested I have my thyroid checked and check for diabetes. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

Lower doses of antidepressants for pediatric patients may be advisable, given their lower body weight, and in order to avoid excessive plasma levels. The three anti-depressants you cited have to be titrated (meaning adjusting the dose over time) depending on the age, disorder, body weight, etc. of the child. A consultation with a Child Psychiatrist is recommended to learn what drugs and dosage are appropriate for children.

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The approach for treatment depends on the level of serum calcium, the severity of associated symptoms, the rapidity with which hypercalcemia developed and the underlying causes. The modality of treatment depends on whether your daughter has primary hyperthyrodism, which requires surgery, or mild hypercalcemia which has a conservative approach, drugs, avoiding dehydration, etc. Your daughter's case appears to be severe for which her physician can best recommend treatment, including a dietary regime.

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My 51-year-old girlfriend takes Tegretol for trigeminal neuralgia, and she has recently been suffering from joint pain. Is there a connection between Tegretol and the onset of this type of pain?

Occasionally, there may be associated muscle or joint pain which may or may not be due to the drug. It may also be a separate problem. In any event, your girlfriend should discuss this with her physician to determine the cause, and possibly a change in treatment after a medical evaluation.

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Your symptoms are multiple. Probably a further gastrointestinal/endocrine work up may be necessary. I recommend that you get a second opinion if you have not seen a gastroenterologist (specialist in GI diseases) and, if that is inconclusive, then an endocrinologist (hormone specialist).

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