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Posted 8/23/2007 6:17 AM (GMT -7)
Hi, I am new to this forum.  I have been reading through many of the topics and have found some valuable information in dealing with UC.  I was diagnosed in December 2006 with proctitis (got that flare into remission using Salofalk suppositories) and have been relatively symptom free since until about 2 weeks ago when I started what has turned into a fairly bad flare.  I did not start Asacol as prescribed by my doc after I went into remission in January and I quit using the rectal meds also. 
 
Well...I decided I needed to try the Asacol yesterday (along with the rectal meds I have been using again for about 5 days) since this flare is getting worse instead of better.  I took one 800mg around 3pm yesterday and by 8pm I felt completely stoned off the stuff.  Glazed eyes, giggles, the works.  Is this a normal reaction??  I was in the grocery store and could barely manage to keep my wits about me to get what I needed and get home.  It seemed to wear off by bedtime so I took another one before bed.  My dogs woke me up in the middle of the night and I was completely drugged and then by this morning I felt a bit dizzy and had a slight headache.  I definitely can't take this stuff and function at work.  Anyone else have a similar reaction to Asacol?   
Sandra, age 34
 
Diagnosed December 2006 with UC (proctitis)
Asacol (800mg x 2), Salofalk suppositories
Multivitamin
Vitamins E, B complex, magnesium
Omega 3/6 supplements (500mg x 2)
Probiotic x 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Posted 8/23/2007 6:40 AM (GMT -7)
Hmm, I didn't have any kind of reaction like that to Asacol.  Definitely let your doctor know. 
Diagnosed with UC in transverse and descending colon in Feb. 2007
Doing well so far on Asacol 800 mg. 2x a day
Also take 25 mg. Paxil, 100 mg. Wellbutrin, 1 probiotic pearl per day

Posted 8/23/2007 6:42 AM (GMT -7)
I agree. I have been on asacol for years (on a much higher dose than you) and have never had a problem. I would contact your Gi and let them know.
Kelly, 29

Left sided UC diagnosed 1/98 age 19, Pan colitis diagnosed 1/07
Currently on 4x3 Asacol, Rowasa every other night, down to 20 mg pred.
75mg Imuran starting 8/23/07---fingers crossed!
Prontonix once daily for acid reflux, zofran twice daily for nausea

Posted 8/23/2007 6:52 AM (GMT -7)
I think I am overly sensitive to medications in general. I have had a similar reaction to taking OTC allergy pills and cold medication before, although not as severe. I will have to talk to my GI. Maybe I can get away with using just rectal meds for maintenance instead of something taken orally since when I had my sigmoidoscopy in December he said only about the first 5 inches were affected....?? Hopefully this nasty flare doesn't mean it's progressed further. Thanks for your advice. :)
Sandra, age 34
 
Diagnosed December 2006 with UC (proctitis)
Asacol (800mg x 2), Salofalk suppositories
Multivitamin
Vitamins E, B complex, magnesium
Omega 3/6 supplements (500mg x 2)
Probiotic x 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Posted 8/23/2007 8:55 AM (GMT -7)
never happened to me and I take it on an empty stomach in the morning.
I take 2400mg twice a day (maximum dosage).

I felt fine, did not take my meds like I was supposed to and got a great big flare because of that.

I am now on week 8 of taking my Asacol as prescribed and I am slowly getting there, I am much better now though still have some bleeding for some bm's. but not like before.

Maybe your body is feeling it and you being sensitive to your body are maybe reacting and not understanding how you are feeling.......not a doc, just my 2 cent opinion. My advice try not to think about it and just take it.
Beth, 31
 
UC Diagnosed March 2000
Asacol 400 mg 6 pills 2xday
Calcium and Vitamin D 600 mg 2xday
Simastavin 20 mg 1xday
Diovan 80mg 1xday (dx: hematuria w/proteinuria): I have normal blood pressure, this is for my kidney - waiting for a dx.
 

Posted 8/23/2007 9:00 AM (GMT -7)
I never had that reaction to asacol, but on my perscription bottle it does state that it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
I would consult my doctor and discuss this with them

Janice
Diagnosed July 2005 with Pancolitis
Asacol 4 tabs 3 times daily
GNC Probiotic
Forvia
calcium 

Posted 8/23/2007 10:04 AM (GMT -7)
Beth: You are right, I am very aware of my body and what it is telling me. I very rarely take meds of any kind (including OTC), so my body is definitely not used to being medicated. You make a really good point about my mental reaction to my body's response to it. I will see how it goes over the weekend taking my meds 2x per day as I'm supposed to and decide on Monday if I can handle it or not. In the meantime, I guess I'll just enjoy the buzz! :P
Sandra, age 34
 
Diagnosed December 2006 with UC (proctitis)
Asacol (800mg x 2), Salofalk suppositories
Multivitamin
Vitamins E, B complex, magnesium
Omega 3/6 supplements (500mg x 2)
Probiotic x 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Posted 8/23/2007 10:59 AM (GMT -7)
I was diagnosed w/ UC (proctitis) 2 wks ago. My doc has me on colazal (9 pills/day) and on
asacol suppositories every night for 30 days! I'm not used to taking meds, either. I began the colazal a few days before the asacol- no side effects. I began the asacol and I've had a constant headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, fatigue...
 
I called my doc the second day. He was very firm that I need to take my meds and told me that he wasn't convinced that these were all side effects of the drug! I've been taking the asacol at night rectally for 8 days now. Side effects seem worse when the entire suppository dissolves. When I expel it after 1- 1 1/2 hrs, I feel a little better.
 
This is very strong medicine. I can't wait to finish my dose and be done with it.
Posted 8/23/2007 11:04 AM (GMT -7)
I never knew that Asacol came in a suppository form! I take it orally and have never had any side effects.
Posted 8/23/2007 11:17 AM (GMT -7)
I'm very new, but I think that asacol is a trade name for the medicine mesalamine. Sorry- I'm at work and don't have my meds with me. Thinking about it now, the trade name of rectal mesalamine is canasa. I apologize. But- shouldn't they do the same things since they're both mesalamine?
Posted 8/23/2007 11:57 AM (GMT -7)
SCM...no, never had that reaction.but I'm OK with salicylates.
Are you eating enough food and especially protein?

How much vitamin B are you taking...and are you taking it in the morning?
q
*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 3rd night)
~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)
~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)
~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed
~vitamins/minerals 
~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime
~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper
~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg;  Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)
~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)
My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS"  worth it !!!

Posted 8/23/2007 12:17 PM (GMT -7)
Right now I'm not eating enough protein or enough in general as I've had D for about 2 weeks and can't keep anything in my system. I've been trying to give things a rest by eating mostly bananas, rice, broth, cooked veggies and white bread this past week. This is completely opposite to how I normally eat when not flaring (my usual diet is whole grains - nothing refined - lots of raw veggies and protein, some fruit and when not flaring, eating like this makes me feel really good). I'm not sure the dosage of my B complex and I take it in the morning.
Sandra, age 34
 
Diagnosed December 2006 with UC (proctitis)
Asacol (800mg x 2), Salofalk suppositories
Multivitamin
Vitamins E, B complex, magnesium
Omega 3/6 supplements (500mg x 2)
Probiotic x 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Posted 8/23/2007 5:15 PM (GMT -7)
SDM and TracyZ - When I first started Asacol I was in a really bad flare. My doc also put me on Flagyl at the same time so I'm not sure if these symptoms were from Asacol or Flagyl, but I was extremely dizzy, nauseous, had mild annoying headaches straight for about a week and a half (I've never had any of these things before). After a week and a half my body started getting used to the meds. I also got bad, sharp chest pains off and on for about 3 months...my docs said they didn't know why, but I'm pretty sure it was from the meds. Sometimes I still get dizzy and sort of nauseous, but it usually passes after a little while. I've never felt stoned though...lol.

I would talk to your doctor about your symptoms and see what he/she thinks. Maybe your body just needs to get used to it.

TracyZ - My first GI always told me my above posted symptoms weren't med side effects, too, but they never happened to me before.
23 years old
Diagnosed with UC March 2007

Asacol 4 tablets 3x/day
Rowasa (generic) - 1 every few nights
Ultimate Flora probiotic (50 bil. cultures) 1/day; Chewable multivitamin; Stonyfield Farms yogurt

Posted 8/23/2007 5:19 PM (GMT -7)
I just re-read your post...I wouldn't think the Asacol would start working that fast...but I don't know. It doesn't release the medication until it gets to your colon and I would think that would take at least a day.
23 years old
Diagnosed with UC March 2007

Asacol 4 tablets 3x/day
Rowasa (generic) - 1 every few nights
Ultimate Flora probiotic (50 bil. cultures) 1/day; Chewable multivitamin; Stonyfield Farms yogurt

Posted 8/23/2007 11:45 PM (GMT -7)
Hi...SDM...start eating protein!!
*Heather*Status:mini flare June 23* 6asacol daily+ Salofalk (tapered every 3rd night)
~diagnosed January 1989 UC (proctosigmoiditis)
~5ASA: Asacol + Salofalk enemas (increase for flares tapered to maintenance)
~Bentylol (dicyclomine) 20mg as needed
~vitamins/minerals 
~Probiotic 2 (Natural Factors Protec) + 1 (Primadophilus Reuteri) at bedtime
~Natural Factors Multi Digestive Enzymes with supper
~Ranitidine,Pariet (reflux) Effexor XR 75mg;  Pulmicort/Airomir (asthma)
~URSO for PSC (or PBC) 500mg X 2 daily (LFTs back to NORMAL!!)
My doc's logic.. "TREAT (FROM)BOTH ENDS"  worth it !!!

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