Posted by Alan on October 18, 2002, at 16:02:55
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro helping anyone with anxiety, posted by cody on October 18, 2002, at 15:24:30
> Not really sure what my dx is. It started 3 years ago, after what was to me a taumatic experience. My symptoms began with nausea, dizziness and progressed into a constant state of extreme anxiety. I thought and still think that I was on the verge of a breakdown. I can't concentrate, very anxious and my heart pounds 24/7. Was put on Remeron and ativan and have been on them ever since. It has allowed me to function but I don't think I have felt any kind of happiness in 3 years, which is why I think my doc wanted me to try Lexapro. Right now I feel worse than before and I don't think I can take it much longer. I have a husband and 4 young children and I'm barely managing to cope. I was hoping that the Lex would be my answer, to make me feel "normal" and "happy" again. I'm starting to think that's never going to be possible. I'm sorry to ramble and give you my life history, but I don't know what to do right now. This board has been a big help, and I appreciate all of your advice.
>
> Thanks,
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A form of Post Trumatic Stess has been known to bring to the surface an underlying, prexisting type of anxiety...not that you necessarily have PTSD.Is there a reason that your doctor hasn't offered you the option of a benzodiazapine like ativan or klonopin taken in single form (monotherapy)? The same way they have offered an AD (Leaxapro) as monotherapy? Or have they offered bzds in monotherapy at all?
The best anxiolytic or anti-anxiety medications for the general population has been bzds for the last 40+ years. There are trade off's for both types of drugs but if you have overriding anxiety, seems that you might want to bring this up with your doctor.
I tried all of the AD's and in combo with bzd's and finally found that the bzd klonopin + ativan PRN was by far the most effective.
The success treating anxiety disorders with bzds and even MAOI's are in the 78 - 80% range while the AD's are in the drug co's own stats merely 30 - 50% effective - hardly above pacebo rates.
Of course statistics don't necessarily apply to individual cases but I bring this up because what you are doing now seems not in need of modification, but a rethinking of how to go about treating your symptoms effectively. Especially one with your responsibilities...
Best,
Alan
poster:Alan
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021012/msgs/124146.html