Posted by blueberry on May 9, 2006, at 18:19:55
In reply to HELP, I NEED ADVICE, posted by tjeffries on May 9, 2006, at 11:56:49
I don't understand why if something is working why a doctor would want to change it. That is, unless they are looking out for their own rear end more than your wellbeing. I mean, you are at a responsible low dose, especially after 7 years. What's the prob with that? How often do you have to raise the dose? I don't get it. If it aint broke, ya know.
In situations like yours there are three options. One, find another doctor. Two, do exactly what the doctor says. Three, compromise with the doctor...for example, start an ssri but don't change the loraz at all until you've been on the ssri for at least 6 weeks. It will be too confusing and uncomfortable to know what is going on if a new med is going up and a longtime med is going down at the same time.
For anxiety, I've tried them all, and I would personally go with lexapro. It does have the nausea stuff like they all have, and it does have start-up anxiety like they all have. But after a few weeks it mellows out well for about 78% to 86% of people who make it that far. It generally has far fewer sexual side effects than the others. Paxil is a good choice for anxiety, except for its notorious sexual dysfunction and difficult withdrawals. Effexor is good, but has strong nausea and the worst withdrawals. Prozac can work, but it does have nervousness and anxiety as a side effect in 20% of people who try it. Zoloft is fine, but has a record of poopout and sexual dysfunction. Overall, all things considered, lexapro is the safest bet in my opinion.
But no ssri will ever feel as good as a benzo. Apples and oranges. Benzos win hands down, and with far fewer side effects. Heck, they are even good for your brain longterm. I doubt ssri's are.
All that being said, I think it is a stupid idea. I say stay with loraz and leave well enough alone. Unless you feel you really need something else. Don't let the doc stear you in a direction you don't want to go without a very very good reason.
poster:blueberry
thread:641741
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060504/msgs/641900.html