Posted by Tony P on November 21, 2003, at 21:52:15
In reply to Re: Buspar! What is it good for? » zeugma, posted by Holly747 on November 14, 2003, at 18:27:37
I once (a long time ago) tried Buspar to help wean off benzodiazepines - it made me feel worse, just as anxious and shaky but also aggressive and speedy. I then read up on it - the drug co. specifically recommend NOT using it for benzo withdrawal, not so much because of any bad interaction, but just because it doesn't help.
However, I've been taking it with antidepressants (mostly Serzone) for years - in fact before they officially dicovered the adjuvant effect. I'm one of the ones who find it very helpful. It's as though the A/D looks after the endogenous depression, and the Buspar controls reactive or stress-related depression and anger. I feel MORE active, assertive and able to get things done on Buspar, but I don't wind up at the end of the day flying off the handle from stress and then crashing into a depression.
Serzone is being taken off the market and I have just been re-evaluated as probable Type II or III Bipolar (I go nuts on Wellbutrin), so I am about to switch my A/D to Lamictal. The pdoc said it was OK to continue the Buspar, so it will be very interesting to see whether they work together as well as B + Serzone. Or maybe I'll find I don't need the Buspar anymore!
> My doctor and psychologist dont think that BuSpar is anything but a placebo with side effects and today my psychologist also said that it is only marketed to appear to affect the dopamine neurotransmitters. Now what? I'm weaning off of benzodiazepines like Valium because I dont want to rely on them anymore and he seems to think that I'll be just fine without meds. I dont think I can do it most of the time.
poster:Tony P
thread:103458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031121/msgs/282344.html