Posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 27, 2003, at 1:34:40
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety » pickychicky2001, posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 26, 2003, at 23:24:38
I forgot to mention another three drugs that have been very successful in anger management--
Depakene/Depakote (valproic acid/valproate-- carboxylate derivative): simple and complex absence seizures; mixed-state/manic manifestations of BPAD; tonic-clonic seizures; myoclonic seizures; *aggression*; *anxiety*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 15mg/kg-60mg/kgNeurontin (gabapentin-- structurally similar to GABA): adjunct treatment in partial seizures; *very mild mood stabilizer*; *anxiolytic*; neuropathic pain; many others
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 400-6400mgAtivan (lorazepam-- benzodiazepine): *anxiety*; *alcohol withdrawal*; pre-operative sedation; *irritability in psychiatric or organic disorders*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 1-10mgAnd here are the others, in case you're interested;
Catapres (clonidine-- central a-adrenergic agonist): *hypertension [lowering blood pressure can help relieve symptoms of anger, through obvious means]*; *narcotic withdrawal*; prevention of vascular headaches; *treatment of menopausal symptoms*; dysmennorhea; *ADHD [the symptoms of ADHD it primarily helps with are irritability, impulsivity, and in some cases, hyperactivity]*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 0.1-1.2mgInderal (propranolol-- beta blocker): angina pectoris; *hypertension*; supraventricular dysrhythmias; migraine prophylaxis; myocardial infarction (MI); pheochromocytoma; essential tremor; tetralogy of Fallot; *anxiety*; cyanotic spells
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 10-240mgTenormin (atenolol-- beta blocker): hypertension; prophylaxis of angina pectoris; suspected or known MI; dysrhythmia; mitral valve prolapse; pheochromocytoma; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; vascular headaches; thyrotoxicosis; tremors; alcohol withdrawal; *anxiety*; *poss. aggression and irritability*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 50-200mgCorgard (nadolol-- beta blocker): angina pectoris; hypertension; tachydysrhythmias; *aggression*; *anxiety*; tremors; esophageal varices; migraine prophylaxis
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 40-240mgI'd personally go with either Corgard (or Inderal/Tenormin, which are in the same class of drugs), Catapres, or Ativan to begin with. This is simply because within a week's time you'll be able to discern whether or not the drug is working for you. Neurontin and Depakene can take several months to take effect; the doses required are often very large and must be titrated up slowly, so as to minimize side effects.
Oh, one last thing about the beta blockers, should you end up taking them: Be very careful in titrating your dose upward. I did this a little too fast (went straight from 10mg Inderal 2xday to 20mg 2xday), which, after 5, 6 days, led to the most disgusting, unnerving feeling I've ever had. I was lethargic, slept 20 hours per day, had constant stomach pains, was feeling a 'numbness' (more like a coldness actually... similar to frostbite) on my fingers and my toes, and so this led me to be deeply depressed. Just be sure to be very careful; the higher doses of beta-blockers are pretty much reserved for those with serious cardiovascular problems.
--Michael
poster:Ame Sans Vie
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030125/msgs/137733.html