Posted by RobertDavid on October 5, 2005, at 18:59:10
In reply to Re: Social Anxiety-Lyrica didn't work for me!, posted by JaneB on October 5, 2005, at 17:29:47
Jane:
I've spent 20 years screwing with these damn meds to try to get my anxiety under control. All I've had from anti depressants and other psycho tropic meds were side affects. I've spend years searching, reading trying meds. Seems I'm not the only one whos been doing that. Anyway, I did try Neurontin, but it didn't work. My understanding is that Lyrica is replacing Neurontin for disorters such as pain, trouble sleeping and epilepsy. But my dr. who I pay a ton to see and who is one of the leading reaserchers in the world has told me that Lyrica is much "cleaner" and much more potent than Neurontin and and significantly lower doses. That there are studies (just do a web search for Lyrica and Anxiety/Depression) that suggest that it works well for GAD/SAD and has anti depressant properties. I also believe it has some other chemical differences. So for your headaches it would seem highly possible that Lyrica may not have the same effect (as you will not be taking anywhere near the same dose). My reason for replacing the Klonopin is that after 11 years I'm not real happy, seem down, flat and have lost my zest for life. The Klonopin did help with the anxiety I'd say a 70% benefit, but 70% just isn't good enough anymore. I have known Lyrica was coming out 6 months ago and my doctor and I waited to try it until it's recent release. He believes I may have a very positive response (which is true so far) and can not only tackle my Social Anxiety, but treat my depression as well. I have tried before to get off the Klonopin and did go down from 3mgs a day to 2, but that was hell with the withdrawls. Now I'm going down fast on the Klonopin and up on the Lyrica and to my surprise (as I really feel the side affects of most meds) am tolerating it well. It's amazing to me that I may get off the Klonopin in less than a month. I am expecting that I will go through some tough moments as my body adjusts, but I want to give this my best shot. I have had a few days that I feel better than I can remember and some where I'm a little edgy, but know that my mind/body must be going through a lot of chemical changes. So as for Lyrica, I love the fact that it not only works well for anxiety my number one problem, but also seems to work as an anti depressant. Also I love the fact that it is supposed to imporove sleep quality and releaves pain for those that it's current approved for (I'm hoping that will help some of my aches and pains). Regarding Lamictal and Effexor, nothing but side affects, zero help. I've tried them all (execept the MAOI's - but would love to try the EMSAM MAOI patch that will be out in 6 months or so). If you are under stress the Klonopin should help. .5 would seem to be a very small dose, but I believe you should take the smallest dose possible that works. As for you're depression I feel the typical SRI's are over rated. At least they did nothing to help me. If the EMSAM patch was out I'd say give that a try. For those that are treatment resistant they say (my doctor too) that Nardil typical gives a very good response (but you'll gain weight, probably have an affect on your libido and will have to avoid certain foods). I have read many stories and heard my doctor say that Nardil is a marvelous drug for those of us out there who are otherwise treatment resistent for depression. Otherwise perhaps you might try other meds to treat your depression not related to the SRI's such as Zoloft such as Wellbutrin, Remeron, etc. On the other hand perhaps Lyrica may handle it all. Everyones chemistry is different and I suppose that's why there are so many different meds to choose from. I'm certainly not a doctor and sorry if I sound like one here, I'm just giving you my thoughts based on my own research and experience. I hope some of it was helpful!
poster:RobertDavid
thread:561978
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051003/msgs/563405.html