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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by saz on December 18, 2006, at 7:41:25
Hi
I am looking for some med advice for pretty bad anxiety.
I have suffered for many years with depression and anxiety, and have tried differnt meds at times. I have recently had a really bad episode to the point of not going out and coping at all. The anxiety and depression has become very severe. I was put on Citalopram, though I asked for Ecitalopram but the Doc said that trials had shown that there is no difference between the two?! Anyway, the Citalopram made me feel really 'out of it' and quite unwell, so after 1 week I was taken off them, and put on Prozac (again), and I have been on these before.
I have been on Prozac for only one week now. My main question is.... can Prozac help with anxiety, as I know it can make anxiety worse for some. I know there are variations and it takes time to work, but I am feeling incredibly anxious and need something that helps more on the anxiety front ? I will stay on Prozac if there is a chance it can help with this, as I don't get so many side effects, but don't want to be taking it if it is just a not a good idea for anxiety? i have also been on Seroxat and Effexor in the past, but didn't like them due to side effects.
Cheers
Posted by madeline on December 18, 2006, at 8:43:25
In reply to Help For Bad Anxiety?, posted by saz on December 18, 2006, at 7:41:25
Prozac caused some pretty bad anxiety for me at first, but that went away within the first two weeks, and then my mood really improved.
Also, for me, prozac REALLY increased by sensitivity to caffeine - one cup of coffee and I was just over the edge.
So while you are easing into prozac you might want to really watch your intake of things that have caffeine in them.
Maddie
Posted by dessbee on December 18, 2006, at 10:26:55
In reply to Help For Bad Anxiety?, posted by saz on December 18, 2006, at 7:41:25
You may want to try combining Prozac with Buspar. It is a mild/moderate anxiolytic and increases the effect of SSRI. Sometimes it is also possible to lower dose of SSRI.
Posted by tweeds on December 18, 2006, at 11:23:07
In reply to Re: Help For Bad Anxiety? » saz, posted by dessbee on December 18, 2006, at 10:26:55
I've found my current combination of 40mg Prozac and 0.5mg Clonazepam pretty much spot on in terms of treating both my depression and anxiety.
I haven't experienced any sensitivity to coffee as others have noticed, though.
Might be because I'm built different - my despression causes me to sleep more, not less, and I tend to lean toward atypical results.
Posted by Phillipa on December 18, 2006, at 11:32:52
In reply to Re: Help For Bad Anxiety?, posted by tweeds on December 18, 2006, at 11:23:07
I had to stop it and go back to luvox but mine is an extenuating curcumstance as my thyroid as gone hyper. So good luck with whatever you try. Love Phillipa
Posted by saz on December 18, 2006, at 11:57:13
In reply to Re: Help For Bad Anxiety? » saz, posted by dessbee on December 18, 2006, at 10:26:55
> You may want to try combining Prozac with Buspar. It is a mild/moderate anxiolytic and increases the effect of SSRI. Sometimes it is also possible to lower dose of SSRI.
Thanks to all of you!!!
So, to try and eleviate anxiety does that mean that Prozac isn't really enough on it's own? I have only been on them for a week, but feel very anxious. Maybe they will help in time. I have heard good reports about Escitalopram, but I did try Citalopram and felt rough on it.
Thanks again
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on December 18, 2006, at 12:30:08
In reply to Re: Help For Bad Anxiety?, posted by saz on December 18, 2006, at 11:57:13
First of all, let me say this: Every med affects everyone differently. I couldnt stay on Prozac for more than a few days, either, because of elevated anxiety. But if I had stayed on it a week or so, then maybe things would've gotten better, I'll never know.
If you are looking for something to just hit anxiety, try Seroquel. It is like being shot with an elephant dart. I dont know what it will do for depression, if anything, but it could help with your anxiety.
Posted by Phillipa on December 18, 2006, at 19:16:24
In reply to Re: Help For Bad Anxiety?, posted by UgottaHaveHope on December 18, 2006, at 12:30:08
Michael I tried 25mg of it two nights in a row with my valium and felt really wierd in the am. Any reason why? Love Phillipa ps it didn't work as well the second night either
Posted by UGottaHaveHope on December 18, 2006, at 20:13:26
In reply to Re: Help For Bad Anxiety? » UgottaHaveHope, posted by Phillipa on December 18, 2006, at 19:16:24
Well, there is always a tradeoff when you take any med, especially Seroquel. It makes you tired, and then it makes you tired.
One thing I do not know is how it interacts with other meds. It could possibly have the opposite effect with some meds, and make you wide awake as possible. I dont know.
Wishing you well, Michael
Posted by jadey on December 18, 2006, at 21:54:42
In reply to Re: Help For Bad Anxiety?, posted by saz on December 18, 2006, at 11:57:13
I take 40mg Prozac...........it can increase anxiety, at that dosage. It really depends on the person. Im a wreck, but at the same time i feel not depressed just anxious. Have you asked you doctor about Clonazepam .5mg? very good for anxiety
I take Alprazolam, only bad thing is it only lasts 2 hours.
Posted by stargazer on December 19, 2006, at 18:15:59
In reply to Re: Help For Bad Anxiety?, posted by jadey on December 18, 2006, at 21:54:42
When starting a new AD for anxiety sometimes you needs something like Ativan or Xanax to take along with the AD to keep anxiety under control. Years ago I was given Ativan with the AD's and then over time, I was able to stop the Ativan.
Like was previous said, Seroquel (25mg) or Buspar could help while waiting for the full AD effect to kick in.
I had luck with Prozac and Celexa as AD's, both helped with anxiety.
Good luck...SG
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