Posted by mrgeek on March 11, 2004, at 17:39:06
Hello,
I have social anxiety, NO depression, and low energy/motivation.
Today I was finally able to visit my doctor since I have insurance coverage now. I told him how I've been on Klonopin (without an rx) for the past 29 days. I have been taking it at a very controlled dose and schedule (.75mg in the morning and .5mg before bed). As far as social anxiety goes, Klonopin has been a lifesaver. It has completely changed my life from a social standpoint. I experience no negative side effects from it, although I am aware of the potentially serious withdrawal effects and dependency issues that may come along with long term use. Anyway. I told my doctor all of this.
He seems to be adamant that Klonopin may not be the best choice for me. He is putting me on a 4 week trial of Effexor XR. 37.5mg a day for week one, 75mg a day for week two, and 150mg a day for week three. Along with this he also wants me to say on the Klonopin for now. Then he says that if I seem to be doing good on the Effexor when I go back for my next visit in 3 1/2 weeks, we can start a tapering schedule for the Klonopin and take me off it.
I am fairly uneducated about Effexor. I hate going to websites for drugs and seeing the word depression all over the place when I really don't have depression problems and only anxiety. I have already failed miserable on SSRIs (Paxil, Zoloft, and Celexa).
Does what my doctor is trying to do make sense to anyone?
Klonopin does not seem to address my low motivation/low energy problems. I think that he thinks the Effexor may help my anxiety AND these other problems. What are others' experiences with Effexor for social anxiety? I am really adamant about taking SSRIs again and Effexor seems to be somewhat close as it works on Seratonin. Sexual dysfunction is a very important concern to be and I refuse to take any drug that will cause it. How is Effexor in this area?
Sorry I know theres a lot of information and questions here, but I appreciate any tidbits of knowledge that I can get as I'm kind of in the blue. My doctor didn't explain what exactly his goal was very well. Does anyone else see it?
Thanks,
/mrgeek
poster:mrgeek
thread:323326
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040308/msgs/323326.html