Posted by Sad Panda on March 12, 2004, at 11:21:02
In reply to From Klonopin Alone to Klonopin + Effexor XR ?, 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
>
>Effexor at low dose is pretty much an SSRI, has all the same side effects with a couple of extras thrown in. It helps with my social anxiety a little, but it doesn't help with motivation & energy until it gets to a higher dose. Given that you have no depression I would see if you could tolerate an energizing TCA like Nortriptyline as you wouldn't need a high dose.
Cheers,
Panda.
poster:Sad Panda
thread:323326
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040308/msgs/323591.html