Posted by Louise on December 6, 1999, at 22:06:14
In reply to Re: benzo doses, posted by Elizabeth on December 6, 1999, at 20:03:43
> Here's the interesting part: it's sedating for me too, *except* when I am having or about to have a panic attack.
Yeah, I can understand that. Unfortunately, I don't get any warnings like you do. You're lucky in that way since you can take the Xanax PRN.
> I have to take an antidepressant with it, yeah (no agoraphobia though).
Unfortunately I'm unable to take A/Ds. I've been trying Effexor XR for GAD, but I've developed a terrible ringing in my ears and nausea, so I guess another A/D bites the dust. I had such high hopes for this drug since it's an SNRI not an SSRI.
> I have "auras" (much like epileptic auras) that begin a while before a panic attack. Xanax seems to kick in within a half hour.
You're lucky that way. I get GAD which on occasion has triggered a panic attack, but much more likely just turns into agoraphobia, which in some ways is even worse.
> That's interesting; I should read up more on amino acids.
They've helped me a lot, along with other natural remedies, but they aren't miracle cures. I'm hoping one day some other med will come along that works well on the GABA receptors without the problems of the benzos or the side effects of the A/Ds.
> It's not as *potent* - you'd need a higher dose - but I don't see any reason it wouldn't work. It's a bit longer-lasting and doesn't have the awful taste (so if you need it right away you can take it sublingually).
Xanax is very bitter. I'm going to ask my pdoc to switch me over to Ativan ... at least for a while. My pdoc is pro-Xanax because he says it's better for panic, but he says Ativan is better for your liver.
Louise
poster:Louise
thread:15816
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991123/msgs/16357.html