Posted by RobertDavid on December 19, 2005, at 20:50:04
In reply to Anxiety vs NHS, posted by gillettecavalcade on December 19, 2005, at 15:39:41
Gillette:
I was in your situation once. When in school starting about 7th grade I had anxiety so bad I could hardly go to class. I medicated with alcohol. Back then (In the 70's) there wasn't much info on social anxiety which seems to me what your dealing with. Depression seems to come with anxiety I think because life sucks so bad from the anxiety.
That said klonopin in my opinion would be a first line choice to try. Most docs that are savvy about benzo's and anxiety disorters don't have a problem perscribing them and having those that need it taking it daily.
People with anxiety typically don't abuse benzo's even if they have had substance abuse problems before. And you typically don't have to take more for it to continue to be effective. Just the initial side affects of drowsyness go away, but not the anit anxiety benefits.
I like you was a total non responder to SSRI's, in fact, they just made me more anxious. Once I learned about klonopin, it changed my life. Social situations no longer were an issue. For about 12 years I have taken doses that range from 1 to 3mgs, currently taking 2mgs of klonopin. Otherwise, the other med that seems to be a front line social anxiety drug is an MAOI like Nardil.
There are lots of other choices out there and I'm not saying SSRI's or other anti depressants/other meds don't help some people with anxiety, just that it seems klonopin or nardil are gold standards when it comes to treating social anxiety. Everyone has different experieces with meds, this is just my take based on what's worked for me.
You need to find a doctor that knows how to treat and has experience treating anxiety. There is definately hope for you, you just need the right doctor to get you on the right med, then the right dose. After a little trial and error you can have a life. Don't loose hope!
poster:RobertDavid
thread:590415
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051211/msgs/590518.html