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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Michael D on November 27, 2002, at 13:21:17
If I had to give myself a diagnosis, it would be Post-Traumatic Stress disorder. I have a lot of anxiety, and have a hard time being around people or long periods of time.
I have tried 3+ SSRIs, and Remeron, and have come to the conclusion ADs only make my anxiety worse, and make me feel over-stimulated.
I have tried Klonazipam (sp?) and it pooped out after three weeks.
The problem with Klonazipam, I found, was that it also numbed out some of my "life spirit".
I have also tried Zyprexa and it felt a lot like taking an AD - it messed me up.
Is there an anxiety drug that doesn't numb the rest of me?
Thanks,
Michael Dewolf
Posted by Alan on November 27, 2002, at 15:56:22
In reply to Anxiety med that doesn't numb out enthousiasm?, posted by Michael D on November 27, 2002, at 13:21:17
I have tried all of the benzos and klonopin can kind of numb you out especially at first. I found that the other bzds, valium, ativan and xanax and another long half-life bzd called tranxene all made me feel much different. I wouldn't discount the possibility that the other bzds would, at the right dose, make you feel more yourself.
Of course the start-up and the titrating and keeping up with doses is annoying to start with but after awhile one of those will probably work best.
The AD's (as for me) certainly don't seem to be the answer.
I even take klonopin as a maintainence dose and ativan PRN and the combination is perfect for me. Others take tranxene and find a dose that works for them.
The only others are anticonvulsants (not that successful) and MAOI's (which I'm sure you know the dangers involved with those).
Anyway, good luck!
Alan
Posted by Alara on November 29, 2002, at 20:04:47
In reply to Anxiety med that doesn't numb out enthousiasm?, posted by Michael D on November 27, 2002, at 13:21:17
Michael,
You may like to try St John's Wort with Xanax (only every few days or as needed). I have been on this combination for the last 7 weeks and my levels of enthusiasm have actually increased (thanks to the SJW). St John's Wort is excellent for anxiety as well as for mild-moderately severe depression!
Michael, I have trouble being around people for long periods too. Having recently rejoined the work force, I have had to make time in my schedule to make sure that I have adequate `wind down' time with my cat and a book (or TV) in the evenings. If I have had a stressful day, I take a Xanax to wind down in the evening. This promotes a good night's sleep and prevents stress from mounting, resulting in a return of energy and motivation the next day. (The Xanax does make me feel slightly groggy the next morning, but strangely it does not effect my motivation levels - unlike other benzos that I have tried. This may have something to do with the St John's Wort..I am unsure about this.) Remember,it's not a good idea to take any benzodiazepine repeatedly (every day) as this causes tolerance to build up. I try to take Xanax only on those evenings on which I am feeling particularly wound up. On other nights I drink herbal tea and burn lavendar oil. It also helps to have a warm shower before bed and to get yourself into a nightly bedtime routine. It's amazing how much difference a good night's sleep can make!Good luck, Michael. Let us know how you go.
Alara
Posted by BrittPark on November 30, 2002, at 18:30:47
In reply to Re: Anxiety med that doesn't numb out enthousiasm? » Michael D, posted by Alara on November 29, 2002, at 20:04:47
<pedagogical>
A small correction. Long term benzo treatment is quite safe, and for many conditions the front line class of medication. One's body does become accustomed to benzos and usually the hypnotic effects (drowsiness) go away with time, but the anxiolytic effects do not. If Klonoping pooped out for Michael after 3 weeks it was probably due to an inadequate dosage. Panic disorder patients quite frequently take 6-8mg of klonopin or xanax a day.
If a benzo is being used to treat insomnia, a regimen of 2 weeks on 1 week off will retain the hypnotic (soporific) effect.
Discontinuing benzos is a different story. It must be done gradually (say 10-20% reduction per week). When handled correctly benzo discontinuation mostly causes little or no withdrawal effects. There are exceptions. of course, but usually because the root cause of anxiety is still present.
I'm a doctor but not of medicine but have 20 years of experience dealing with Depression and Anxiety.
A good source about recommended usage of benzos can be found in the World Health Organizations recommendation. (Sorry, don't have the URL, but a google search should find it quickly.)</pedagogical>
Britt
P.S. I agree that different benzos have different effects for different people. So if one benzo doesn't work its still quite possible that another will. I've found that Klonopin tends antagonize depression, and xanax actually acts as a mild antidepressant, for me. Your mileag may vary.
Posted by BrittPark on November 30, 2002, at 18:38:43
In reply to Anxiety med that doesn't numb out enthousiasm?, posted by Michael D on November 27, 2002, at 13:21:17
Michael,
I'm sorry you're having a rough time. If you find the effects of Klonopin to be numbing you may find that Xanax would work better. Every body is different but it might be worth a try. And remember that it takes several weeks for your body to become equilibrated to a benzo. Beyond benzos there are other agents that can be anxiolytic, gabapentin for one.
You'll find the right medication(s) in time,
Britt
Posted by Willow on November 30, 2002, at 22:36:02
In reply to Anxiety med that doesn't numb out enthousiasm?, posted by Michael D on November 27, 2002, at 13:21:17
> I have tried 3+ SSRIs, and Remeron, and have come to the conclusion ADs only make my anxiety worse, and make me feel over-stimulated.
Hello MichaelLike yourself I too hadn't had much success with AD's, until I tried effexor. The best thing about it is it's ability to calm down my anxiety. It isn't a cure but has made it more bearable.
BEST WISHES
Willow
Posted by comftnumb on December 1, 2002, at 12:52:19
In reply to Anxiety med that doesn't numb out enthousiasm?, posted by Michael D on November 27, 2002, at 13:21:17
Consider an MAOI, especially Nardil. Parnate might work too, and it generally has fewer side effects. The MAOIs aren't as dangerous as some people make them out to be. You just have to be a bit careful with what you eat, and never take any illegal drugs(cocaine, ecstacy, speed could seriously kill you on an MAOI. heroin wouldn't cause it doesn't interact, but that's not a reason to try it!!!) The two biggest problems with MAOIs are the potential side effects and the "total washout" period you have to have from all your other AD before switching to them.
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