Posted by Michael Bell on October 7, 2004, at 20:32:27
In reply to Help with anxiety/benzos, posted by KevinM on October 6, 2004, at 19:38:41
Kevin, for those doctors that specialize in continuous anxiety disorders (such as GAD or SP), klonopin is the first line of defense. Period. However, it can lead to low grade depression, anhedonia, or dysthymia, call it what you want. I myself have experienced this problem. For some people, augmenting with an antidepressant helps. For many others, however, SSRIs do nothing or only worsen the apathetic feelings.
I would recommend trying to augment with one of the following: Amisulpride, very low dose Selegiline (note: selegiline by itself is not good for anxiety), Adrafinil or low dose Adderall/Dexedrine. Regarding Adderall and Dexedrine, this may be very difficult for you to get, and you need to understand the risks involved in taking amphetamines.
Also, I found Reboxetine to be better for apathy than SSRIs. However, it cause some sexual side effects and sleep problems that eventually led to discontinuation.
Good luck.
> I have been taking Klonopin for several weeks and it has helped greatly with my anxiety. Unfortunately it started causing a depression that I haven't felt for some time. Does anyone have an opinion of an alternative that might be better in that regard? I get the impression that Klonopin is more "PC" than others although my Pdoc is usually open to suggestions. Thanks for your help.
poster:Michael Bell
thread:399779
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041007/msgs/400182.html