Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 10, 2003, at 5:36:04
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?checking in, posted by Jasmine Neroli on October 9, 2003, at 0:44:01
> OK, as expected, my pdoc decided to increase my BuSpar dose to 30mg per day in 2 doses of 15mg, starting now.
> No noticeable anxiety improvement on the 20mg per day after 4 weeks. Had to use Klonopin (.5mg)often to get by. He's ok with me continuing to use Klonopin PRN, especially prior to an event/occasion that I KNOW will make me anxious. BUT, when I asked "why not just use Klonopin daily?" he felt that I might build up a tolerance to it and have to increase the dose. Grrrrrrrr! I was disappointed in him.
> Anyway, I will try the higher BuSpar dose and return in 3 weeks to be evaluated. If I have no improvement/ or get side effects, I might just BEG for Klonopin only!!!
> An interesting comment he made about therapy for GAD was that, in his experience it made GAD people worse!! It gave them one more thing to worry about!!! :)
> Take care all.
> JasHi,
I have had GAD for over 6 years, since I was 20 yrs old. I have been on clonazepam (KLONOPIN) up to as much as 3.5 mg a day. (currently have prescription for 2 mg a day) I have had to use it more often some months than others, usually due to switching medications, withdrawals and then new side effects. I have never built up a tolerance to the drug, and I think 6 years would be a sufficient time to do so. Clonazepam is an anti-seizure/anti-convulsant and although it falls into the Benzodiazepine group, it is far milder than ativan or xanax. In fact, it is often used as a bridge from xanax.
As far as only taking clonazepam for your anxiety, I have asked my doctor the same question, as well as my psychiatrist, and I was told that there is no harm if I end up needing it for the rest of my life. If you way the advantages vs. the disadvantages, it is worth it to take the clonazepam. But it will never fix your brain chemistry, where anti depressants can help promote and manipulate chemicals that may not be working properly. I also suggest CBT, a form of psychotherapy which retrains your reactions. It has been the most successful psychotherapy for anxiety disorders according to the NIMH.
One thing I have learned over the past 6 years, is that doctors tend to go by what they have seen in other patients, unfortunately. Most doctors have their fave med to try first because they have seen a high success rate with their other patients. Stay persistent and stand your ground.
As for Buspar, it never did anything for me, but everyone is different, and it does take alot longer to work.
Good Luck
-hockeygirlcanada
poster:hockeygirlcanada
thread:259699
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031010/msgs/267704.html