Theophylline Alternatives Compared

For Asthma, Maintenance: I was prescribed theophylline in September 1979...I have taken it ever since. I am sure that it has saved my life because when I started it, I could hardly breathe. The only problem I have with the drug is I have to be careful with drug interactions as it doesn't play nicely with a LOT of other drugs. I am 77 years old now and it is the only prescription drug that I have to take...I think that's a pretty good track record for the drug.

For Asthma, Maintenance: Mild asthma returned when we got our puppy. Difficulty breathing requiring albuterol inhaler 2-3 times daily. Inhaler is a "rescue" and not to be for routine use. I returned to 150mg theophylline daily (evening - 2 hours before bed) and 1 tablet loratadine in the morning. The combination works superbly well. No heart issues, no sleep interruption or difficulty. I am within my optimum BMI range, generally good health, treated for mild hypertension, and age 70. I selected these two products because they are generics (therefore FDA finds them rather safe on their record) and I have no adverse events from them.

For Asthma, Maintenance: I have moderate persistent asthma and severe allergies. I was taking a different medication and had several all night asthma attacks, daily episodes, and pleurisy for months. My doctor switched me to Advair 250/50 three days ago and the difference is night and day. Today is the first day in three months that I haven’t had any symptoms. I feel like a new person. Adviar is the best asthma medication I’ve tried, and today, I’m enjoying breathing deeply!

For Asthma, Maintenance: I have use Advair 500/50 for a little over three years. It has helped control the Asthma, but there are some side effects. I don't have much taste sensation anymore, my throat feels raw, and I cough from the throat which I don't remember doing before, and I lose my voice. This dosage is too much after awhile, I get the shakes and feel week, sometimes have terrible headaches. I have tried using 500/50 in the mornings and 250/50 at night. That is only good for a short while. I need something between these two.

For Allergic Rhinitis: Honestly this medicine has helped my allergies drastically but my anxiety is off the wall. I’ve been on it for about 2 weeks... the first few days I was okay but around day 3 I stopped being able to sleep and started waking up with really bad anxiety and muscle/joint pains. I wish they could make this medicine without the side effects :(

For Allergic Rhinitis: This product seemed to help with my allergies somewhat but after several months of suffering a large increase in migraine headaches. My neurologist and I decided to stop using Singulair. The constant tightness in my head was gone within a week. It seems that this is a common side-effect of this medicine. MIGRAINE SUFFERERS BEWARE!