Posted by jtc on January 8, 2003, at 9:13:13
In reply to Should I ask my doc to prescribe a benzo?, posted by Caleb462 on January 7, 2003, at 0:31:25
> I have serious anxiety problems, and have since a child. For the past year or so, I've been undergoing treatment for OCD and most recently, severe depression, general anxiety, self-harm, and a host of personal problems.
>
> Anyway... I'm currently taking 150 mg Effexor XR a day... and Risperdal 0.25 mg (sometimes once a day, sometimes twice). My anxiety problems have not gotten better, in fact, they've recently been worse.
>
> I realize the Risperdal is not a very large dose. But frankly, I'm not that keen on treating my anxiety with an anti-psychotic. I think that maybe Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, or another benzo might be a good choice for me. But I'm horrible at bringing things like this up to my doctor, especially since he knows of my recent history of drug abuse (very mild abuse however, and in my opinion... just use, not abuse). I simply can't come up with the words.
>
> Also... will drowsiness be a problem? If so, will it be temporary? Sedation is one side effect I can't tolerate.
Hi,
I have also had anxiety and panic attacks since about 15 yrs of age. I am currently taking Klonopin .5 mg at night and have been taking it for a few years for anxiety. I am also on Effexor XR 75 mg for depression. But I think the depression is caused from the anxiety. I think the Klonopin is very good. You just have to find the right dose that works for you because higher doses can make you fatigued and drowsy. I think I will try to go off of the Effexor and just take Klonopin. The Effexor has caused weight gain for me. I have appointment with my psychiatrist on Jan. 15 and I will talk about this with him but I don't know if he will be receptive to it. I take the Effexor because I get very irritable and yell at my kids and my husband. Don't have much patience with my husband. He is not supportive at all of my anxiety and panic disorder and he thinks I should not be taking any medications. I think he is the reason that I am depressed. But until someone has experienced panic and anxiety they cannot really understand what it feels like. Anyway good luck to you with your doctor and meds. jtc
poster:jtc
thread:134772
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030106/msgs/134941.html