Posted by Viridis on March 12, 2004, at 2:49:45
In reply to Re: How to ask doctor for Xanax?, posted by Fred23 on March 11, 2004, at 22:01:06
Hi Fred,
Just based on my experience, Xanax is indeed a "mood lifter" (nothing euphoric, just a more positive attitude). The funny thing is that the improvement seems to be most pronounced the next day, when the active metabolites are supposed to be pretty much gone. Others here have reported the same thing.
As I think I mentioned, my concern about Xanax is that before long, I found that it took 3-4 times as much to achieve the same anti-anxiety effect that I had at first. I discussed this with my pdoc and he said yes, Xanax can be like that for some people (which is why he's even more cautious with it than with other benzos). But, since I don't abuse it or even take it often, he continues to prescribe it. His approach is that I can take as much as I need (within reason), but he won't increase the total amount he gives me -- it's up to me to "ration" it as necessary. This seems to work out fine, and in fact I always have a lot left over, even though the quantities he prescribes per month are very small (not much more than some people take in a day).
I 've also been using Klonopin long-term (same pdoc) and find it great but extremely subtle. I take it every day and have never had to increase the dose (well, I do take an extra pill once every couple of months, but only when things are very stressful).
Some people have reported that Klonopin promotes depression, but I find that it has the opposite effect for me, and there's also some evidence in the literature to suggest that it can have antidepressant properties. Most of my depression appears to be anxiety-based, so reducing the anxiety seems to stop the worst of the depression.
I'd just see how it goes -- if you can get Xanax, great, but just be sure you don't find yourself needing more if you take it often. As you say, your doctor can control this anyway. But if Klonopin is the only option, I'd try it for a couple of weeks and see how you feel. You might find it helpful.
One other thing: I started on Lamictal (not a benzo) a couple of months ago and really like it. I find it very mild, but it seems to keep me mellower and less "reactive" to stresses, without any noticeable side effects. It's not for everyone, but can really help some people. Depending on your situation, this seems to a promising mood stabilizer and potential antidepressant, so if your doctor refuses to prescribe benzos, Lamictal might be worth a shot.
One other suggestion (this is a "alternative" approach): try L-theanine. It's available from health food stores etc. and does seem to have a mild calming effect. It's unlikely to be as effective as benzos, but is very safe, relatively cheap, and might help to smooth out the rough edges a bit.
poster:Viridis
thread:321684
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040308/msgs/323481.html