Posted by bleauberry on July 14, 2008, at 15:41:54
In reply to Stablon (tianeptine) for Anxiety, posted by Mike_Cohen_2 on July 14, 2008, at 13:40:24
Stablon is claimed in scientific literature to be intended for "anxious depression". Since we all know mileage varies, I have seen a couple reports of anxiety getting worse. But that goes for anything, like you and Buspar. For the most part, general comments on Stablon are that it is calming in a way similar to, but different from, benzos.
I don't know. I've ordered meds from overseas dozens of times over the last decade and never had a problem until now. 30 days and no Stablon received. I just contacted the company. Also ordered more from a different company to cover the bases.
I wouldn't worry about trying to figure out how any serotonin effect of meds works on anxiety. The theory of keeping it in the synapse is, well, a theory. I can find you plenty of ratings/posts of people who got zero relief from ssris and who had even worse anxiety after a month on them. Generally they work. How, who knows. Probably intricate interplay with hormones, receptor sensitivities, and other neurotransmitter systems.
Not sure what homeopathic things you tried. I never been that route. As far as natural goes, I can say that the cortisol regulating herbs, such as siberian ginseng, ashwagandha, and others (a mixture in capsule form my doc gave me) worked pretty well at calming things down. I mean, after a week, I was calm and serene as could be. Lots of things make me more depressed, and those did too. Not likely to happen with anyone else.
Keep in mind, if you are looking at Stablon, any of its effects on serotonin seem rather minor when compared to the other things it does. At the manufacturer's website, and other places, they hardly mention the serotonin part at all. It's the other stuff...HPA axis regulation, neuronal plasticity, corticosteroid hormones, cytokines, and stuff.
All this is over my head. I don't try to figure it out. Actually, it's over the heads of doctors too. They just make educated highly paid guesses.
One thing for sure...serotonin does not seem to be a major player in your symptoms, based on what you've tried so far. Buspar made it worse? Its metabolite is a norepinephrine releaser. Maybe that's a clue? Too much norepinephrine? Or too much of something else related to norepinephrine, such as cortisol? If that is the case, it would help explain why none of the meds have helped much. None of the ones you listed touched those biochemistries in any significant way, or actually influenced them in a direction that would make things worse. Just a thought.
I guess for now, while pondering your next move, at least be glad the benzos cut the edge a bit. Better than nothing. I've found, and heard from others, that the different benzos can work differently. So if you haven't already, you might want to sample a different one or two. They all depress me, but in terms of calming I found the best were Lorazepam or Klonopin. Xanax was good too at the physical stuff, but didn't seem to dent the "craziness" stuff as much as the others did.
> Bleuberry, I saw you ordered Stablon and wondering what, if any, effect it has done on you. I'm not sure I understand how it works. If it enhances Serotonin release, then doesn't it work just like our bodies do without it ? The SSRI block to reuptake, thus keeping the Serotonin in the Synapse, so they claim. Isn't that where you want it ? I'm really confused about the two. Maybe you can clear the air for me. I have a 30 day supply here, not sure if I should take it with the 50mg Zoloft QD or just switch it. If I switch it, do I get the withdrawal?
>
> I think I'll change my username to LabRat..lol
>
> Gary
poster:bleauberry
thread:839680
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080706/msgs/839702.html