Posted by Elroy on May 27, 2005, at 23:15:30
In reply to Re: Severe Anxiety, Moderate Depression High Cortisol » Elroy, posted by jasmineneroli on May 27, 2005, at 0:33:46
Thanks for info.
Currently using low dose (1mg) of Xanax XR (extended release) twice a day to keep a handle of some sort on my anxiety. Cannot say that it is fully effective however. What advantage would Klonopin have over Xanax XR, if any? Also am on Neurontin for some of the physical pains that came on concurrent with this severe anxiety (peripheral neuropathy type pains, prostatitis type pains, and tinnitus). Again, works "somewhat". Am currently looking forward to the release of Lyrica which is supposed to be both very good for the pain relief and also has VG antianxiety effects (check out ratings at RemedyFind.com).
Would definitely look into having cortisol levels checked. Best test to have done initially is the 24-hour UFC (Urinary Free Cortisol), and to initially have two or three done over a 2 week time period.
If any one of the three are elevated, then have a couple Late Night Salivary Tests done just to make sure that you're not Cushing's (well, actually, if you have elevated cortisol, highly elevated cortisol, and its from a tumor or cancer then it's Cushings, whereas if it's from whatever else then it's Pseudo Cushing's... which is still Cushing's... I guess).
> Hi: I'm a big believer in the 'HPA axis "failure" due to consistent elevated cortisol levels',concept. Although have never had my cortisol levels tested, I suspect this was involved in my anxiety disorder.
> I recommend giving Klonopin a try - I use it with success, and there is some evidence to suggest that BZD's can put "the brakes" on your brain, for long enough for the brain to re-balance or re-adjust.
> Also, the french drug, Tianeptine (Stablon) is purported to lower cortisol levels, if you can get hold of it where you live. It's an anti-anxiety AD.
> Best of luck,
> Jas
poster:Elroy
thread:502852
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050527/msgs/503991.html