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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JONO_IN_ADELAIDE on October 4, 2012, at 17:55:55
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by linkadge on October 4, 2012, at 16:29:50
Agree with link - it didnt work for me, but it does work for a good proportion of people, for whom it is a very safer option.
I wish it had worked for me, I'd rather be on this than Xanax
Posted by Beckett on October 4, 2012, at 20:22:30
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by JONO_IN_ADELAIDE on October 4, 2012, at 17:55:55
I'm starting my second week of buspar. I hope it works for me. I'm going after this anxiety any which way I can except by increasing my Xanax intake which I just dropped back to a 1mg per day. I'll take that 15% and add it to the reduction that topiramate has given me. Fortunately I responded to 200mg favorably with no cognitive effect. Anxiety is a beast and for me Xanax is a dead end. It can just escalate until I'm left witless. I don't believe that buspar is rendered ineffective if one has taken benzos. I do think benzos change can change the expectations and even create more refractory anxiety. Then again, crap, those Xanax have been lifesavers in the darkness.
Posted by JONO_IN_ADELAIDE on October 4, 2012, at 20:41:28
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by Beckett on October 4, 2012, at 20:22:30
"I do think benzos change can change the expectations"
Yes, I think thats it, people like the warm fuzzy feeling, "valley of the dolls"
Posted by JONO_IN_ADELAIDE on October 4, 2012, at 20:43:04
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by Beckett on October 4, 2012, at 20:22:30
if Buspar doesnt offer you what you need, try Remeron (mirtazapine), an antidepresssant with very strong anxiety releiving properties as well (mediated through the 5HT2A receptor mainly)
Usual dose 30mg at night
Posted by Beckett on October 4, 2012, at 21:59:43
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by JONO_IN_ADELAIDE on October 4, 2012, at 20:43:04
Thank you Jono :)
Posted by phillipa on October 4, 2012, at 22:07:27
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by Beckett on October 4, 2012, at 21:59:43
Never got the warm fuzzy feeling just back to normal. Phillipa
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on October 5, 2012, at 1:20:38
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by phillipa on October 4, 2012, at 22:07:27
Gotta say Phillipa, i have never gotten the warm fuzzies from the benzos, as i would from alcohol say, as you say, like taking aspirin for a headache, you just start to feel better
Posted by SLS on October 5, 2012, at 4:10:36
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by linkadge on October 4, 2012, at 16:29:50
> The idea that buspar does nothing is not true.
>
> According to my psychiatrist, when it works, it can work remarkably well with very few side effects.
>
> My line of thinking is this. Even if the drug only caused a 15% drop in anxiety, this is worthwhile.
>
> Also benzos may cause dementia whereas buspar (as a 5-ht1a agonist) grows new brain cells (a recent study)
>
> LinkadgeThat is a very interesting and encouraging finding, since a growing number of antipsychotics have this property. Unfortunately, the only antidepressant that does this is Viibryd (vilazodone). Gepirone was not considered approvable by the FDA, despite multiple submissions, and other similar drugs have been abandoned. It is perhaps more unfortunate that there does not exist a mentality that psychotropic drugs can be worth developing that are effective as augmenters, despite not being effective as monotherapy. By contrast, this mentality does exist in the treatment of other illnesses like epilepsy, for which lamotrigine and gabapentin were developed and marketed as augmenters. Ritanserin is one drug that comes to mind that might have been worth approving as an augmenter of antidepressants because of its property of 5-HT2 antagonism. Unfortunately, it is now off-patent and doomed to remain available only to rodents.
Q: Do you think it is true that prior exposure to a benzodiazepine renders buspirone ineffective?
- Scott
Posted by SLS on October 5, 2012, at 4:16:29
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by Beckett on October 4, 2012, at 20:22:30
> I'm starting my second week of buspar. I hope it works for me. I'm going after this anxiety any which way I can except by increasing my Xanax intake which I just dropped back to a 1mg per day. I'll take that 15% and add it to the reduction that topiramate has given me. Fortunately I responded to 200mg favorably with no cognitive effect. Anxiety is a beast and for me Xanax is a dead end. It can just escalate until I'm left witless. I don't believe that buspar is rendered ineffective if one has taken benzos. I do think benzos change can change the expectations and even create more refractory anxiety. Then again, crap, those Xanax have been lifesavers in the darkness.
I hope Buspar will work magic for you as I have seen it do so for a few others when treating GAD. I am glad you understand that it can take a few weeks to take effect.
- Scott
Posted by Beckett on October 5, 2012, at 9:36:52
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything.... » linkadge, posted by SLS on October 5, 2012, at 4:10:36
>That is a very interesting and encouraging finding, since a growing number of antipsychotics have this property. Unfortunately, the only antidepressant that does this is Viibryd (vilazodone)
My pdoc mentioned that buspar was the base molecule for viibryd.
Posted by schleprock on October 5, 2012, at 10:18:19
In reply to I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by schleprock on October 3, 2012, at 22:57:19
I'm currently on 150 mg of Nortriptyline and 1.5 mg of clonazepam, gradually raised over about 5 months (and 150 mg of Lyrica which I might be dropping). Any effects on Buspar efficacy with these factors? I'm also hoping that Buspar would aid in reducing the dosage of clonazepam.
Before I started Lyrica, Buspar was suggested as an augmentor by my pdoc.
Posted by phidippus on October 5, 2012, at 16:29:12
In reply to I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by schleprock on October 3, 2012, at 22:57:19
Yes, it is a partial agonist of the 5ht1a receptor
Eric
Posted by CaffeinePoet on October 8, 2012, at 19:16:52
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by Beckett on October 4, 2012, at 20:22:30
> I'm starting my second week of buspar. I hope it works for me. I'm going after this anxiety any which way I can except by increasing my Xanax intake which I just dropped back to a 1mg per day. I'll take that 15% and add it to the reduction that topiramate has given me. Fortunately I responded to 200mg favorably with no cognitive effect. Anxiety is a beast and for me Xanax is a dead end. It can just escalate until I'm left witless. I don't believe that buspar is rendered ineffective if one has taken benzos. I do think benzos change can change the expectations and even create more refractory anxiety. Then again, crap, those Xanax have been lifesavers in the darkness.
I've switched between a benzo and buspar before, and the buspar worked just fine. My sister tried buspar and said it was the worst, did nothing for her anxiety. The felt effects of it may be on a case by case basis.
Right now I'm starting up an SSRI but considering just going back to higher dosing of Buspar. The relatively fewer side effects are worth it, though I do have to be more careful about maintaining positive habits on it.
Posted by phidippus on October 8, 2012, at 21:00:33
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything.... » Beckett, posted by CaffeinePoet on October 8, 2012, at 19:16:52
What is your history on medication?
I'm going on 13 years battling OCD and the anxiety it cultivates. In the beginning, my psychiatrist and I set out to find an AD that would be the first line of defense. After going through Luvox,Lexapro, and Pristiq, we found Clomipramine-later we would discover Mirtazapine and Viibryd also treated my anxiety. The point is
an AD should treat your anxiety, while something like Buspar would be a valuable augmenter. Buspar is not rendered inneffectual by benzos, the two have very distinct methods of action. Benzos are a bad way to treat GAD because of their side effects and rebound anxiety.Eric
ps. which SSRI are you starting up?
Posted by CaffeinePoet on October 8, 2012, at 21:15:59
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything.... » CaffeinePoet, posted by phidippus on October 8, 2012, at 21:00:33
> What is your history on medication?
>
> I'm going on 13 years battling OCD and the anxiety it cultivates. In the beginning, my psychiatrist and I set out to find an AD that would be the first line of defense. After going through Luvox,Lexapro, and Pristiq, we found Clomipramine-later we would discover Mirtazapine and Viibryd also treated my anxiety. The point is
> an AD should treat your anxiety, while something like Buspar would be a valuable augmenter. Buspar is not rendered inneffectual by benzos, the two have very distinct methods of action. Benzos are a bad way to treat GAD because of their side effects and rebound anxiety.
>
> Eric
>
> ps. which SSRI are you starting up?
>
>
>Oh, I've run the gamut. I agree that SSRI's can be great. In my case long term SSRI use tends to cause lack of motivation & memory issues. Benzos do as well, buspar hits the middle ground. I do have to work harder on it, I'm naturally pessimistic.
I was looking at Effexor again but am uncertain if it is a possibility for me. I have taken just small starter doses that have caused very blurry vision. I have an eye condition that might need to be checked before I go up a dose.
Posted by Beckett on October 8, 2012, at 22:38:34
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything.... » Beckett, posted by CaffeinePoet on October 8, 2012, at 19:16:52
Thanks for sharing your experience. Into my second week I am feeling a bit of an AD effect and some anxiety relief. I am also determined to practice some good habits as well as I would rather avoid a ssri. I'm still increasing my dose. How high a dose have you taken previously?
Best to you.
Posted by SLS on October 9, 2012, at 7:28:05
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything.... » CaffeinePoet, posted by Beckett on October 8, 2012, at 22:38:34
> Thanks for sharing your experience. Into my second week I am feeling a bit of an AD effect and some anxiety relief. I am also determined to practice some good habits as well as I would rather avoid a ssri. I'm still increasing my dose. How high a dose have you taken previously?
>
> Best to you.
I am so glad that you are experiencing relief. Please keep posting of your progress. I am wishing the best for you.
- Scott
Posted by CaffeinePoet on October 9, 2012, at 7:36:23
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything.... » CaffeinePoet, posted by Beckett on October 8, 2012, at 22:38:34
> Thanks for sharing your experience. Into my second week I am feeling a bit of an AD effect and some anxiety relief. I am also determined to practice some good habits as well as I would rather avoid a ssri. I'm still increasing my dose. How high a dose have you taken previously?
>
> Best to you.My prescription is for 15 x 2, but I found myself breaking the morning dose into 2 doses to prevent a sense of drowsiness & lack of motivation.
Posted by Beckett on October 9, 2012, at 9:15:29
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything.... » Beckett, posted by SLS on October 9, 2012, at 7:28:05
Thanks Scott :) I'm knocking on wood.
Posted by Beckett on October 9, 2012, at 9:23:34
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by CaffeinePoet on October 9, 2012, at 7:36:23
> > Thanks for sharing your experience. Into my second week I am feeling a bit of an AD effect and some anxiety relief. I am also determined to practice some good habits as well as I would rather avoid a ssri. I'm still increasing my dose. How high a dose have you taken previously?
> >
> > Best to you.
>
> My prescription is for 15 x 2, but I found myself breaking the morning dose into 2 doses to prevent a sense of drowsiness & lack of motivation.
>
I see. This week will be the first time I try a half tab in the morning. I was warned about sedation but not amotivation. That is my target dose as well, though my pdoc mumbled something about possibly weighting my night dose heavier than my day dose because I have daytime fatigue. Thanks. And best with your own situation.
Posted by CaffeinePoet on October 13, 2012, at 7:31:07
In reply to Re: I know that Busiparone doesn't do anything...., posted by Beckett on October 9, 2012, at 9:23:34
> > > Thanks for sharing your experience. Into my second week I am feeling a bit of an AD effect and some anxiety relief. I am also determined to practice some good habits as well as I would rather avoid a ssri. I'm still increasing my dose. How high a dose have you taken previously?
> > >
> > > Best to you.
> >
> > My prescription is for 15 x 2, but I found myself breaking the morning dose into 2 doses to prevent a sense of drowsiness & lack of motivation.
> >
> I see. This week will be the first time I try a half tab in the morning. I was warned about sedation but not amotivation. That is my target dose as well, though my pdoc mumbled something about possibly weighting my night dose heavier than my day dose because I have daytime fatigue. Thanks. And best with your own situation.
>So this week I've been trying buspar monotherapy. (While going through a 4-week clonazepam withdrawal).
Wow, I feel more emotionally even off clonazepam and on buspar. It's nice to quiet the worry without literally slowing my brain function.
Yet I seem to have a bit of a case of the stupids. I'm not quite as incisive as I should be. That, irritability, and sadness. I wonder if some of this is still the clonazepam withdrawal, even thought the worst is over.
Are you getting any of this?
Posted by Beckett on October 13, 2012, at 15:25:04
In reply to Re: the stupids » Beckett, posted by CaffeinePoet on October 13, 2012, at 7:31:07
Not the irritability and sadness. But dullness or torpor and on only half bar in the morning. I feel better later in the day as (I imagine) the half life of buspar has passed. I find myself involuntarily squinting my eyes all morning and muscling through. What will the full bar bring me?
So you may resort to ssri treatment? What are you treating? This time around for me it is GAD, my third anxiety disorder dx.I have a few other issues as well, but they are being managed o.k.
Posted by phidippus on October 13, 2012, at 17:28:24
In reply to Re: the stupids » Beckett, posted by CaffeinePoet on October 13, 2012, at 7:31:07
I doubt its withdrawal...
Buspar won't be in your system for another couple weeks.
Nothing beats an SSRI for anxiety. Try Viibryd its what I take.
Eric
Posted by CaffeinePoet on October 13, 2012, at 18:29:12
In reply to Re: the stupids » CaffeinePoet, posted by Beckett on October 13, 2012, at 15:25:04
> Not the irritability and sadness. But dullness or torpor and on only half bar in the morning. I feel better later in the day as (I imagine) the half life of buspar has passed. I find myself involuntarily squinting my eyes all morning and muscling through. What will the full bar bring me?
>
> So you may resort to ssri treatment? What are you treating? This time around for me it is GAD, my third anxiety disorder dx.I have a few other issues as well, but they are being managed o.k.
Yes, I have GAD. Also vertiginous migraines. Both can be treated with Effexor, but I do like the idea of a 'you can't feel it but it works' med like Buspar. Oh well.
Posted by phillipa on October 14, 2012, at 0:26:30
In reply to Re: the stupids » CaffeinePoet, posted by Beckett on October 13, 2012, at 15:25:04
I think all the anxiety disorders tie in together. I really don't fit ocd. More generalized and social. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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