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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 12:27:59
I am currently taking Ensam (6mg), Seroquel (150mg) and Klonopin (3mg) for generalized anxiety. I guess I have depression, too, but it's the anxiety that is overwhelming and probably ignites the depression. It feels like an overdose of adrenaline and my mind just races.
Anyone found a med that just knocks that out? A MAOI? Benzo? Remeron? Geodeon? Any suggestions, please. Thanks!
Posted by Phillipa on February 3, 2007, at 12:44:16
In reply to What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety?, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 12:27:59
Michael I feel like your twin can anyone help us? I feel the same way am I sick or is it just psych? Love Phillipa
Posted by NYCguy on February 3, 2007, at 15:00:56
In reply to What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety?, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 12:27:59
Have you ever tried any meds that did a decent job in helping with anxiety? I know for me nothing ever worked like the pain-killers they put me on after surgery, but that's not a sustainable solution.
What about a benzo and an SSRI? Does that do anything? Have you tried stimulants at all?
I'm only ten days into my journey with Parnate/Klonopin and have noticed some significant results, but nothing that I didn't find on my Cymbalta/Klonopin/Adderall combo from time to time. Actually, when I would go to a party back then I would take Cymbalta/Klonopin and then drop the Adderall and drink a lot of Diet Coke and with all that caffiene I would have a great time. It was not an every day solution, however. It did let me come out of my shell for a limited time.
What kind of things are hard for you to do that you would like to? Is it hard to be yourself around others? Do you have many physical/panic symptoms for no reason? Is it difficult to try new things for fear about how they might turn out?
Posted by Crazy Horse on February 3, 2007, at 15:11:58
In reply to What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety?, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 12:27:59
> I am currently taking Ensam (6mg), Seroquel (150mg) and Klonopin (3mg) for generalized anxiety. I guess I have depression, too, but it's the anxiety that is overwhelming and probably ignites the depression. It feels like an overdose of adrenaline and my mind just races.
>
> Anyone found a med that just knocks that out? A MAOI? Benzo? Remeron? Geodeon? Any suggestions, please. Thanks!My vote would be Nardil, Parnate and either Klonopin, Ativan or Xanax. Parnate totally relieves my GAD, even though it is very activating..hard to explain, but it works.
Jst a thought, maybe the EMSAM is aggravating your GAD, adding Trazodone could help. Also maybe your Klonopin dose is too low?
-Monte
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 20:51:51
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety?, posted by NYCguy on February 3, 2007, at 15:00:56
First of all, NYCGuy thanks for your care and concern. I appreciate you taking interest. I am in the midst of an Emsam trial (week four), so I am not ready to make a judgement on that, but otherwise the only thing that really, really helped me was Seroquel. It just sort of blunted the anxiety. Make me very groggy, but well worth the tradeoff.
SSRIs? Paxil, Serzone and a few others never really had an effect on me. Adderrall did nothing either.
I just have a lingering feeling of anxiety that rarely goes away. I prefer to be around people. I love trying new meds.
Did Parnate take your anxiety away?
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 20:55:16
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety? » UgottaHaveHope, posted by Crazy Horse on February 3, 2007, at 15:11:58
Monte: How can Parnate knock out your GAD, yet be activating at the same time? I totally believe you, but I am trying to comprehend the concept. Any more insight?
Do you think my pdoc would considering adding trazadone with everything I am taking? Wouldnt he make me drop Seroquel? What do you think?
THANKS FOR YOUR HELP! Michael
Posted by Crazy Horse on February 3, 2007, at 21:28:28
In reply to Re: Two questions for Crazy Horse, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 20:55:16
> Monte: How can Parnate knock out your GAD, yet be activating at the same time? I totally believe you, but I am trying to comprehend the concept. Any more insight?
>
I wish i could explain this, it's very mysterious. I believe that it makes you feel so good that although you are energized, there is no unconfortable anxiety...you feel very 'up' but not anxious, sorry but that's the best i can do.
> Do you think my pdoc would considering adding trazadone with everything I am taking? Wouldnt he make me drop Seroquel? What do you think?
>
After further thought, and knowing that you have responded so well to seroquel, i don't think trazodone is the answer. I also tried EMSAM, and i'm telling you that compared to Nardil and Parnate it is weak. I just haven't seen any success stories about EMSAM, and i am just not a fan. My gut feeling is that you would do well with either Parnate or Nardil along with the Seroquel.I'm sorry if i have confused you, but i am just being honest about what i think.
-Monte
Posted by FredPotter on February 3, 2007, at 21:54:22
In reply to Re: Two questions for Crazy Horse, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 20:55:16
> Monte: How can Parnate knock out your GAD, yet be activating at the same time? I totally believe you, but I am trying to comprehend the concept. Any more insight?
>
> Do you think my pdoc would considering adding trazadone with everything I am taking? Wouldnt he make me drop Seroquel? What do you think?
>
> THANKS FOR YOUR HELP! Michael
My anxiety is always linked with tiredness. If I feel wide awake and active I don't feel anxious. With continuing severe anxiety my body gives up and I fall asleep. Perhaps a safety valve.Incidentally my Bro in Law in the UK is prescribed Stelazine for GAD. Does this make sense to anyone, it doesn't to me? It doesn't work well either but makes him chew his tongue
Thanks
Fred
Posted by nolegirl23 on February 3, 2007, at 22:04:43
In reply to What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety?, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 12:27:59
> I am currently taking Ensam (6mg), Seroquel (150mg) and Klonopin (3mg) for generalized anxiety. I guess I have depression, too, but it's the anxiety that is overwhelming and probably ignites the depression. It feels like an overdose of adrenaline and my mind just races.
>
> Anyone found a med that just knocks that out? A MAOI? Benzo? Remeron? Geodeon? Any suggestions, please. Thanks!Xanax XR was working for me, I believe however that I am building up a tolerance to it..
I don't know how to broach the topic with my Pdoc as I don't want him to think that I am drug seeking.
I'm already on 4mgs a day ...
Posted by Alone on February 3, 2007, at 22:45:32
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety? » NYCguy, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 20:51:51
Wow, I was just surprised that you prefer to be around people and love trying new meds. Personally, I avoid people because of my anxiety. I dislike trying to find the right med because I always get some unbearable side effect it seems.
How does your GAD negatively affect your life?
Posted by Alone on February 3, 2007, at 22:51:50
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety?, posted by nolegirl23 on February 3, 2007, at 22:04:43
My pdoc said he could not prescribe more than 4 mg of Xanax a day. I think you HAVE to tell your pdoc. What if he or she can't prescribe more than 4 mg, and if it becomes ineffective, they will get mad you did'nt tell them what was happening.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 4, 2007, at 1:06:01
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety? » UgottaHaveHope, posted by Alone on February 3, 2007, at 22:45:32
> Wow, I was just surprised that you prefer to be around people and love trying new meds. Personally, I avoid people because of my anxiety. I dislike trying to find the right med because I always get some unbearable side effect it seems.
>
> How does your GAD negatively affect your life?Alone, oops, I better elaborate: 1. When I get too anxious, I retreat and dont want to be around anyone. However, if I am feeling "bearable" as right now, I prefer to be around people. Not people all in my face, but in the house. I hate being alone more than anything.
GAD is like a bunch of fire alarms going off in my brain. I dont even know why, and then I obsess and try to figure out why.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 4, 2007, at 1:08:59
In reply to Re: Two questions for Crazy Horse » UgottaHaveHope, posted by Crazy Horse on February 3, 2007, at 21:28:28
Monte, thanks for your invaluable insight. How long were you on the Emsam? Did you ever feel any effect? If so, how long did it take? Im on week 4, committed for at least two more weeks.
Which do you think is better for someone with more anxiety, Parnate or Nardil? And how long did it take for you to feel something from either of those drugs? Thanks!
Posted by alienatari on February 4, 2007, at 5:01:46
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety? » UgottaHaveHope, posted by Phillipa on February 3, 2007, at 12:44:16
> Michael I feel like your twin can anyone help us? I feel the same way am I sick or is it just psych? Love Phillipa
You need to take antipsychotics!!!!!!! I swear if you continued taking Seroquel in a higher dose you would have less anxiety and be able to sleep like a baby. But you dont listen to me (or your pdoc) :( :( :( :(
Posted by NYCguy on February 4, 2007, at 5:12:22
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety? » NYCguy, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 20:51:51
Hmmm... not yet, but I've only been on it 11 days at a pretty low dose. It helps, mind you, but I would really like it to knock out the anxiety. I have to be patient.
> Did Parnate take your anxiety away?
Posted by Crazy Horse on February 4, 2007, at 11:01:58
In reply to Re: Q for Crazy Horse, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 4, 2007, at 1:08:59
> Monte, thanks for your invaluable insight. How long were you on the Emsam? Did you ever feel any effect? If so, how long did it take? Im on week 4, committed for at least two more weeks.
I was on EMSAM for 2.5 mos. I thought i felt a little better after about 2 wks, perhaps it was placebo? Anyway, it didn't last.> Which do you think is better for someone with more anxiety, Parnate or Nardil? And how long did it take for you to feel something from either of those drugs? Thanks!
Most experts would say Nardil for someone with a lot of anxiety. I much prefer Parnate for me. They work fast...in less than 10 days for me.
Keep me posted Michael. You're are smart to stick with your plan with EMSAM, it may be the ticket for you. One thing i do wish is that Parnate and Nardel came in a transdermal patch.
-Monte
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 4, 2007, at 12:35:51
In reply to Re: Q for Crazy Horse » UgottaHaveHope, posted by Crazy Horse on February 4, 2007, at 11:01:58
Monte, again thanks for all of your information. It is helping me so much.
1. Is your primary diagnosis regular depression or Generalized Anxiety?
2. It sounds like you gave Emsam plenty of time. How long of a washout period did you have to go through before you could start taking Parnate?
Thanks!
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 4, 2007, at 12:42:05
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Genera... ((Phillipa, posted by alienatari on February 4, 2007, at 5:01:46
Alienatari: That is very, very interesting you said that because the first time in 10 years I got any real relief from the anxiety is when I stumbled onto Seroquel last year. I usually took 100-200mg of Seroquel (but also ranging from 25-400mg depending on how I felt) and 3mg of Klonopin and had a great four-month period. Then I got upset over a dry cough that would never go away, and that sent my anxiety through the stratosphere. It was at that point the pdoc decided to try me with Emsam, thinking it might be able to sustain me better. And I am glad I am giving it a try. However, what I have learned now is that my anxiety level was so high at that point that really no med was going to calm me down. Perhaps I gave up on the Seroquel+Klonopin combo too soon.
Let me ask you this, if you dont mind: What gives you any evidence that Seroquel helps anxiety? Can you share your experience or insight? Thanks, Michael
> You need to take antipsychotics!!!!!!! I swear if you continued taking Seroquel in a higher dose you would have less anxiety and be able to sleep like a baby. But you dont listen to me (or your pdoc) :( :( :( :(
>
Posted by Crazy Horse on February 4, 2007, at 12:55:30
In reply to Re: Q for Crazy Horse - washout period, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 4, 2007, at 12:35:51
> Monte, again thanks for all of your information. It is helping me so much.
>
> 1. Is your primary diagnosis regular depression or Generalized Anxiety?
>Chronic Major Depression w/ some atypical features.
> 2. It sounds like you gave Emsam plenty of time. How long of a washout period did you have to go through before you could start taking Parnate?
>
> Thanks!2 weeks
Posted by Sebastian on February 4, 2007, at 15:38:49
In reply to What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety?, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 3, 2007, at 12:27:59
Zyprexa is my magic pill.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 4, 2007, at 16:38:41
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety?, posted by Sebastian on February 4, 2007, at 15:38:49
Sebastian: I was wondering if you could tell a little bit about your GAD experience, and what exactly Zyprexa does for you. I will be very interested in reading. Thanks for sharing, Michael
If anything is too personal, and dont want to share on the boad, e me at sportscarvell@yahoo.com
Posted by Phillipa on February 4, 2007, at 17:18:13
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety? » Alone, posted by UgottaHaveHope on February 4, 2007, at 1:06:01
Michael me too can't be alone in the house so stupid but don't why. Love Phillipa
Posted by Sebastian on February 8, 2007, at 12:12:44
In reply to Re: What is the best med for Generalized Anxiety?, posted by Sebastian on February 4, 2007, at 15:38:49
Calms me down and straitens my thoughts so I don't worry as much. Gives me a better focus on the important tings.
What does your GAD do to you?
This is the end of the thread.
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