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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 Zonked on July 23, 2011, at 16:41:56
Folks, I found out that my insurance removed Xanax from its formulary last year, and I really wanted to switch to it as I believe Klonopin is getting in the way of a full Nardil response. Xanax is the only benzo I've taken which doesn't have any depressogenic effect. I may or may not be able to get a script at my next appointment as it's not terribly expensive cash. But, in case I can't, I wanted to know if anyone's been maintained on any of the drugs I've mentioned in the subject line. Campral seems interesting because it's a GABA agonist and NMDA antagonist. BuSpar didn't do anything for me except make me feel weird. Niacinamide appears promising, I wonder if it could be used as a drop-in replacement for benzos. Finally, phenibut shows some promise but I've also read bad things about rapid tolerance developing. Any and all comments would be appreciated. From its chemistry, Campral seems interesting... but I am not an alcoholic and have not, yet, run into anyone using it off-label for anxiety. -z
Posted by Christ_empowered on July 23, 2011, at 16:49:00
In reply to Unusual anxiolytics: Campral, phenibut, niacinamide etc, posted by Zonked on July 23, 2011, at 16:41:56
Niacinamide (3grams in 2 doses of 1.5grams each) and Taurine (6grams in 2 equal doses of 3grams each) really helps my anxiety. I also take a B-100, lots of vitamins C+E, and a bunch of other stuff, but I'm fairly certain that the B3 and the taurine are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to the anxiety+agitation I experience.
Posted by jono_in_adelaide on July 23, 2011, at 18:20:50
In reply to Unusual anxiolytics: Campral, phenibut, niacinamide etc, posted by Zonked on July 23, 2011, at 16:41:56
I'd go for the Xanax, it has been proved time and a gain to work in blinded controlled trials - the other stuff you mention has only anacdotal evidence to support it, and multiple anacdotes do not equal evidence.
If you get generic alprazolam and go to a costco or walmart type pharmacy, a months supply should be well under twenty bucks.
Posted by emmanuel98 on July 23, 2011, at 18:58:19
In reply to Unusual anxiolytics: Campral, phenibut, niacinamide etc, posted by Zonked on July 23, 2011, at 16:41:56
Buspar is not supposed to be used with an MAOI, according to the FDA website. I rarely have anxiety, but when I did a couple of months ago, xanax worked incredibly well.
Posted by Phillipa on July 23, 2011, at 19:11:04
In reply to Re: Unusual anxiolytics: Campral, phenibut, niacinamide etc, posted by emmanuel98 on July 23, 2011, at 18:58:19
I pay under 20 for both regular xanax and valium. No benzos covered under medicaire SSRI. Phillipa
Posted by Zonked on July 24, 2011, at 8:54:13
In reply to Re: Unusual anxiolytics: Campral, phenibut, niacinamide etc, posted by Christ_empowered on July 23, 2011, at 16:49:00
CE, Thanks for the reply. I have some taurine from when I tried an all supplement approach (didn't work) and will be experimenting with it. Now, here's my question. You mentioned at one time you took benzos, but don't anymore. How did you transition? In other words, did you use these supplements to get off them, or did you get off then first? I can get my Klonopin refilled no problem, and could also ask to substitute with Ativan no problem, but I am uncertain that I can get a script for Xanax, which is the only benzo which doesn't make my depression worse. I wish it wasn't the case, but it is. Cost isn't the issue, neither is my chart, it's state Medicaid (and thus clinic) POLICY. My doctor visits are paid for by a combination of Medicaid and Medicare, so docs are reluctant to bite the hands that feed them. Isn't it terrible that some bureaucrat in Sacramento decided Xanax is "bad" and so doctors are limited? I can't wait until I have private insurance again. I digress. I will try to make my case to get Xanax anyway and see if there's an appeal process, if not, I will look into adding B3. thanks so much, -z
Posted by Christ_empowered on July 24, 2011, at 9:03:58
In reply to Re: Unusual anxiolytics: Campral, phenibut, niacinamide etc, posted by Zonked on July 24, 2011, at 8:54:13
I took benzos (Klonopin) and B3 at the same time. The B3 (then 4grams/day) made the tapering process much, much easier. I later added in the taurine and cut down the B3 dosage. The taurine+B3 combination has proven quite helpful.
This is the end of the thread.
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