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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by MelanieG on April 1, 2012, at 21:13:53
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » MelanieG, posted by Phillipa on April 1, 2012, at 21:04:03
> I've been on them since the 70's I haven't increased the doses. Right now cutting back as sleeping well. Phillipa
On what? Benzos or SSRI's?
Thanks!
Posted by SLS on April 2, 2012, at 5:29:45
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication, posted by MelanieG on April 1, 2012, at 21:13:53
Hi Melanie.
I thought I would point out that you can direct your reply posts to the previous poster by checking the checkbox located above the composition window. "add name of previous poster". This will add the arrow and poster's name to the end of the subject line. You can get more consecutive posts that way. Otherwise, we are limited to 3 posts in a row without using names at the end of the line. No biggie.
I'm glad you received some good advice. The people here are really smart and compassionate.
Klonopin + Lyrica sounds interesting to me.
- Scott
Posted by Emme_v2 on April 2, 2012, at 6:13:45
In reply to Anxiety medication, posted by MelanieG on March 30, 2012, at 21:42:25
Hi. I've found a very low dose of a beta blocker (atenolol) to cut out the physical "fight or flight" aspects of anxiety, ultimately leaving me with a bit more energy because I'm not worn out from the anxiety. At the dose I take, it doesn't seem to drop my blood pressure, which can tend to run on the low side of normal. It really works well.
Also, if the xanax is making you tired, I suggest titrating the dose yourself very carefully, subdividing the tablets until you get relief but before you get too zonked.
When I've needed a bigger gun than xanax, I've found a low dose of Seroquel (6.25 mg; splitting up a 25 mg tablet) to be superb for anxiety. Again, you really have to titrate your dose to avoid making yourself to sleepy. But it's extremely effective.
Good luck,
emme
Posted by MelanieG on April 2, 2012, at 6:18:58
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » MelanieG, posted by SLS on April 2, 2012, at 5:29:45
> Hi Melanie.
>
> I thought I would point out that you can direct your reply posts to the previous poster by checking the checkbox located above the composition window. "add name of previous poster". This will add the arrow and poster's name to the end of the subject line. You can get more consecutive posts that way. Otherwise, we are limited to 3 posts in a row without using names at the end of the line. No biggie.I thought I did that a few times - but I don't see the arrow. Testing it now.
>
> I'm glad you received some good advice. The people here are really smart and compassionate.
>
> Klonopin + Lyrica sounds interesting to me.
>
>
> - Scott
Posted by MelanieG on April 2, 2012, at 6:21:33
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication, posted by MelanieG on April 2, 2012, at 6:18:58
> > Hi Melanie.
> >
> > I thought I would point out that you can direct your reply posts to the previous poster by checking the checkbox located above the composition window. "add name of previous poster". This will add the arrow and poster's name to the end of the subject line. You can get more consecutive posts that way. Otherwise, we are limited to 3 posts in a row without using names at the end of the line. No biggie.>
> I thought I did that a few times - but I don't see the arrow. Testing it now.
>
>
> >
> > I'm glad you received some good advice. The people here are really smart and compassionate.
> >
> > Klonopin + Lyrica sounds interesting to me.
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
>
Scott - for some reason it is not working when I try to do this and post to your reply.
Posted by SLS on April 2, 2012, at 6:58:43
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » MelanieG, posted by Emme_v2 on April 2, 2012, at 6:13:45
> Hi. I've found a very low dose of a beta blocker (atenolol) to cut out the physical "fight or flight" aspects of anxiety, ultimately leaving me with a bit more energy because I'm not worn out from the anxiety.
I am somewhat surprised by this, but happy that it works. Perhaps atenolol is a better choice than propranolol because it doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier (get into the brain). There are some people who feel that propranolol can be depressing. There has been quite a bit of debate about this over the years, though. So, I guess atenolol is sympatholytic (anti-fight or flight) without being depressogenic.
Here is some interesting reading regarding the depressogenic potential of various drugs:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181967/
- Scott
Posted by SLS on April 2, 2012, at 7:02:30
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication Scott?, posted by MelanieG on April 2, 2012, at 6:21:33
Are you clicking on the checkbox located directly below the subject line? It should read "add name of previous poster".
- Scott
Posted by gadchik on April 2, 2012, at 9:55:11
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication, posted by MelanieG on April 1, 2012, at 20:17:33
http://bearpaw8.tripod.com/pd.html this is an excellent article about panic and treatment,you can scroll down to the benzos to read about them.A poster on here originally put up the link.As for my experience,I was so terrified of meds,I refused all,until I became psychotic and almost got committed.Had stopped eating and sleeping.I lost 30lbs.If only I had found a psychiatrist at the beginning who could have helped me with my fear of meds.But I did finally find one,and she convinced me to give klonopin and remeron a try first.Remeron helped my nausea and sleep right away,and klonopin calmed my nervous system immediately.After I felt better,and could get cbt,I then tried a little zoloft.Added in exercise,nutrition.I remained on that combo about 2 yrs.The klonopin dose is so low and I take it at night,so I dont feel tired.It lasts all day for me.But I dont drink any alcohol either,and I think that helps.I always worry about being on k for yrs and wonder about tapering it.But I was so anxious and miserable before.Now,Im doing so well,and I hope the same for you.Once you get control of things,just remember to walk,get out in the sun,lay in a hammock,take time to enjoy everything around you.
Posted by Emme_v2 on April 2, 2012, at 16:34:33
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » Emme_v2, posted by SLS on April 2, 2012, at 6:58:43
>
> I am somewhat surprised by this, but happy that it works. Perhaps atenolol is a better choice than propranolol because it doesn't cross the blood-brain barrier (get into the brain).Yes! That is exactly why my psychiatrist chose it.
Posted by MelanieG on April 2, 2012, at 17:37:59
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » MelanieG, posted by gadchik on April 2, 2012, at 9:55:11
> http://bearpaw8.tripod.com/pd.html this is an excellent article about panic and treatment,you can scroll down to the benzos to read about them.A poster on here originally put up the link.As for my experience,I was so terrified of meds,I refused all,until I became psychotic and almost got committed.Had stopped eating and sleeping.I lost 30lbs.If only I had found a psychiatrist at the beginning who could have helped me with my fear of meds.But I did finally find one,and she convinced me to give klonopin and remeron a try first.Remeron helped my nausea and sleep right away,and klonopin calmed my nervous system
immediately.After I felt better,and could get cbt,I then tried a little zoloft.Added in exercise,nutrition.I remained on that combo about 2 yrs.The klonopin dose is so low and I take it at night,so I dont feel tired.It lasts all day for me.But I dont drink any alcohol either,and I think that helps.I always worry about being on k for yrs and wonder about tapering it.But I was so anxious and miserable before.Now,Im doing so well,and I hope the same for you.Once you get control of things,just remember to walk,get out in the sun,lay in a hammock,take time to enjoy everything around you.Thank you so much - that link and all the info on panic disorder was awesome!!!!! Lots of excellent information for sure. And because I've had some bad reactions to SSRI's and I'm not clinically depressed, we are going to stick with the Xanax for now. The difference will be I am going to take it consistently every day in a very small dose, which works for me. It does not zonk me out but it controls the sensations. And I am going to keep taking it rather than 'as needed' because often when I take it - the panic is already here, and i think it takes me days to try to go back into 'remission'.
We are going to try this for a month and see how I do. Klonopin could be an option in the future but for now the Xanax is working for me - I'm just going to try taking it consistently which I was hesitant to do in the past.
Thank you all - keep you posted!
Posted by gadchik on April 2, 2012, at 19:22:34
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » gadchik, posted by MelanieG on April 2, 2012, at 17:37:59
Good for you,Melanie,give the xanax a chance,we are lucky we have meds to help.Anxiety is such a scary thing.I cant believe I put myself thru all that agony when I could have treated it.I was a stubborn fool.No more!
Posted by Phillipa on April 2, 2012, at 20:50:41
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication, posted by MelanieG on April 1, 2012, at 21:13:53
Benozs and you have made a wise choice in my opinion. Too many fear addiction. You will only take what you need to feel normal so to speak. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on April 2, 2012, at 21:05:50
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » MelanieG, posted by gadchik on April 2, 2012, at 9:55:11
Gadchick great article and so on target. Phillipa
Posted by phidippus on April 3, 2012, at 19:25:31
In reply to Anxiety medication, posted by MelanieG on March 30, 2012, at 21:42:25
I suffer from severe OCD and panic attacks. I've been through many medications.
The best way to get anxiety under control is with a long acting benzodiazapine, neurontin or lyrica. Once you have something in your system a better long-term solution, like an SSRI should be started. A new one, Viibryd, is excellent for anxiety.
Sometimes it takes a trial or two...
Eric
Posted by MelanieG on April 3, 2012, at 20:06:08
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » MelanieG, posted by phidippus on April 3, 2012, at 19:25:31
Thanks for the response - I don't think I need a longterm benzo though. I get total relief all day from one half of a .25mg of Xanax. Tiny tiny dose.
The plan is for me to take it every day - which I hadn't been doing. No need for an SSRI - I'm not depressed. So my preference is to stay with the Benzo. Reading more and more that SSRI's are not as effective for anxiety - and I've had some bad reactions to them.
Keep you all posted and thanks again.
Posted by gadchik on April 4, 2012, at 9:30:41
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » phidippus, posted by MelanieG on April 3, 2012, at 20:06:08
Im also beginning to think that the ssris are not good for some with panic/anxiety.For others,they do work.My psychiatrist is in favor of benzos when theres panic involved.However,my pcp,says get off benzo after adjusting to ssri.I wish they would find the right path.
Posted by Phillipa on April 4, 2012, at 18:45:50
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication, posted by gadchik on April 4, 2012, at 9:30:41
I just know what worked and what didn't and benzos only for years problems since ad's added. Guess get off them as neighbor did? Phillipa
Posted by SLS on April 5, 2012, at 6:09:22
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication, posted by gadchik on April 4, 2012, at 9:30:41
> Im also beginning to think that the ssris are not good for some with panic/anxiety.For others,they do work.My psychiatrist is in favor of benzos when theres panic involved.However,my pcp,says get off benzo after adjusting to ssri.I wish they would find the right path.
You know how you feel, not your PCP.
I think years and years of benzodiazepine usage affects memory only slightly, if at all. Memory deficits might be measurable using psychometric testing, but can be so small that you are not able to discern it.
Maybe someone can correct me on this.
- Scott
Posted by gadchik on April 5, 2012, at 13:47:32
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » gadchik, posted by SLS on April 5, 2012, at 6:09:22
Im wondering if the key is to stay at a low dose,and dont drink alcohol on a daily basis w/a benzo? Ive found the daily dose that works for me,and I will go up to a certain point,if in crisis,only while in crisis.
Posted by SLS on April 5, 2012, at 14:42:43
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » SLS, posted by gadchik on April 5, 2012, at 13:47:32
> Im wondering if the key is to stay at a low dose,and dont drink alcohol on a daily basis w/a benzo? Ive found the daily dose that works for me,and I will go up to a certain point,if in crisis,only while in crisis.
I understand your caution and prudence. Just don't deny yourself feeling your best for the rest of your life by chronic underdosing of a benzodiazepine. Until something new comes along, these drugs are about the best that are currently available. Lots of people take BZDs for years without building up a tolerance or have the need for dosage escalation. Initially, these things will occur to some degree, but often level-off.
- Scott
Posted by phidippus on April 5, 2012, at 16:18:53
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication, posted by gadchik on April 4, 2012, at 9:30:41
it takes trial and error to find the right SSRI to treat panic/anxiety. I've been on some the didn't work a lick and others that have profoundly lessened my anxiety.
If you don't like the benzo route, try neurontin or Lyrica.
Eric
Posted by gadchik on April 5, 2012, at 18:02:25
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » gadchik, posted by phidippus on April 5, 2012, at 16:18:53
I would like to know which ssris you found helpful.Ive heard that paxil cr and effexor er are best? Of course,it complicates when some work for some,and then others work for others.I had weight gain with zoloft,that bothered me greatly.I hadnt thought of the 2 you mentioned.I will study those.
Posted by MelanieG on April 5, 2012, at 18:20:57
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » gadchik, posted by SLS on April 5, 2012, at 14:42:43
It's true about finding right dosage etc. I am VERY sensitive to Xanax. I only need one half of a .25mg pill. (Unless it is a panic attack that has progressed and was not anticipated.) I took one half on Monday morning and then again in evening of this week. Took one half on Tues and then one half on Wednesday. Well Wed afternoon I was feeling zonked. It could have also been that I had to be up VERY early yesterday morning - that affects me too. Will make me feel more anxious if I am over tired. Anyway - I felt in a haze from that small dose yesterday. I know that Xanax has a short half life - right? So it's out of my body fast - but I swear if there is any way it can linger in my body, and accumulate it does. Today I needed none - anxious feelings were minimal and I could control them. But I wasn't wiped out. But tomorrow I could get up and by mid day might feel all shakey or very sensitive to sound and jumpy. So I will take another half.
I am able to have a glass of wine with half a xanax - not saying everyone can. But i enjoy wine in moderation - so I'm not going to give it up. It's all about trying to balance things - and continue enjoying my life the way I once did.
Posted by Phillipa on April 5, 2012, at 22:06:21
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » SLS, posted by MelanieG on April 5, 2012, at 18:20:57
I agree with the wine in moderation you dose is so low. For years was allowed to drink with .25mg of xanax. Now haven't had a drink in over 15 years. Long story. But it did effect the quality of my life in a very negative way. Phillipa
Posted by phidippus on April 8, 2012, at 17:44:19
In reply to Re: Anxiety medication » phidippus, posted by gadchik on April 5, 2012, at 18:02:25
The only SSRI I have a positivve experience with is Viibryd. I have been on Luvox, Prozac and Lexapro. Other ADs include Mirtazapine and Clomipramine.
Effexor and Paxil are both powerful ADs, with Effexor being an SNRI, not an SSRI.
Eric
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