Posted by dannyboy on November 3, 2001, at 21:01:27
In reply to Re: Back to meds for ANXIETY- Advice PLEASE/ P.S., posted by Rick on November 3, 2001, at 19:31:07
Thanks Rick & Tina for your responses -
Tina - I've searched a little on Topamax - it seems to be promising. My only concern is one guy experienced kidney stones because of this. I have a history of kidney stones (my first one at 13 - imagine people!) Despite being built like an ox that is my Achille's heel. I'll talk to my doc, but it gives me hope.
Rick - Very helpful info. It's odd that you should mention the benzos. I was given a prescription for Xanax when I started Paxil, 1 mg. a day, to be taken until I felt the Paxil "kick in". After a couple of weeks, I stopped the Xanax and have only taken it on an "as-needed" basis (which was rare). However, I decided to start up with 1 mg./day of my leftover Xanax today and have already begun to feel more calm and "in control".
I agree that there is way too much panic over benzo abuse. I have **never** taken more than 1 mg. of Xanax a day and have never been tempted to. I'm not proud of this, but I did a lot of drug experimentation in college (Ecstasy, Pot, LSD, Cocaine, Speed ... that was years ago now, I promise) - now, some of THESE drugs have addictive potential. I have never got any "euphoria" or "high" from Xanax, nothing that would have me drooling for more. There is no effect of Xanax that I would crave for recreational purposes. However, I have been made to feel VERY guilty about using Xanax, as if I were an opium-eater. I'm fearful of using it long-term, getting used to it, then being told by my pdoc that my prescription will not be refilled because he fears I am a junkie.
So yeah, after long-term use of Xanax, one must taper slowly or one may experience withdrawal. After long-term use of Paxil or Effexor, or any other number of ADs, one must "taper" slowly to avoid "discontinuation syndrome", aka WITHDRAWAL!!! I have experienced that first-hand on Paxil. It all sounds the same to me, although these ADs are touted as "not addictive", while Xanax is feared as a perilously addictive illicit substance.
Anyway, enough with my rant. I will speak to my pdoc on Monday, and will ask about Serzone. I've heard very little that is negative about it! I will also ask about a longer-term benzo therapy.
Thanks again everybody,
Daniel
poster:dannyboy
thread:83102
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011025/msgs/83127.html