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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by torachan on October 4, 2007, at 9:03:18
I've been dealing with anxiety problems for about fifteen years, and the majority of my treatment has involved the use of a benzo, specifically clonazepam. I've also been prescribed on various occasions with little success some of the many SSRI's which I found to exascerbate anxiety more than anything, and seemed much more toxic of a med than what benzo's have been accused of.
Recently though for many years, I did experience some success with Effexor, and it actually allowed me to reduce my intake of clonazepam to about .25 mg a day or less. The thing is, I didn't feel 'quite right' with effexor amd was concerned about the many negative reports about the med, so I discontinued use of it and have been forced to increase my daily intake of clonazepam to 1 mg a day.
I researched for med that would best suit my needs and came across Lexapro due to its many favorable reviews with respect to anxiety. My experience with the med has been disappointing for the most part, and it has implanted the belief that me and SSRI's don't mix.
So, with all your infinite wisdom, what med would you folks recommend as a sole med to combat GAD issues, mixed with some anti-social behavior and slight OCD, since my doctors constantly insist that benzos are not the preferred long term measure for these problems. Seeing as I did gain some benefit from Effexor, and upon hearing of Cymbalta's improved anxioylotic (sp?) effects, I had considered that one, and also have read somethings about Remeron which intrigued me.
Incidentally, I once described my symptoms to one psych who then mad a preliminary diagnosis of schizoid personality disorder, but then another psych said there's no way I possess a personality disorder, so perhaps me anxiety issues will not require an anti-psychotic as I presume these disorders would require the use os such medication.
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2007, at 12:12:58
In reply to Best med for GAD to substitute for Benzo., posted by torachan on October 4, 2007, at 9:03:18
Same story here. I'm about to look lyrica up as here it can do both and my pdoc said okay. Same experiences. Phillipa
Posted by fuzz54 on October 5, 2007, at 11:41:52
In reply to Best med for GAD to substitute for Benzo., posted by torachan on October 4, 2007, at 9:03:18
As I understand it, Paxil is the best SSRI for hitting GAD, depression, and OCD. Although I'm guessing you've already tried it. How long have you stuck with these SSRIs that you tried before giving up on them? It can take 6 to 8 weeks before the initial increase in anxiety from an SSRI will go away if it does. I experienced a definite increase in anxiety on paxil when I first started it, but then a decrease after 6 weeks. If you are thinking about trying Lexapro, then think about Celexa also since they are both based on the same drug. Lexapro is just the active psychoactive isomer of the Celexa's chemical structure.
If you really think you can't tolerate any SSRIs then you might think about trying an MAOI, although those meds have much more specific dietary restrictions and some doctors are hesitant to prescribe them due to fears of adverse reactions to them. If the Benzos work for you over the long term and you aren't developing too much tolerance to them then I don't see why you wouldn't stay on them, although I'm not a doctor. Many doctors worry about addiciton and tolerance with Benzos over the long term, but that is all dependent on your individual situation.
Posted by tecknohed on October 5, 2007, at 13:10:50
In reply to Best med for GAD to substitute for Benzo., posted by torachan on October 4, 2007, at 9:03:18
Nardil (phenelzine) might be particularly good, great for all anxieties (inluding phobias), OCD (in most cases) & a great antidepressant. Should allow you to come off the clonazepam too because of its own GABA increasing effects.
This is the end of the thread.
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