Posted by yxibow on October 31, 2008, at 2:09:56
In reply to Re: Clomipramine v SSRIs for anxiety disorders... » jms600, posted by ricker on October 30, 2008, at 20:17:54
> If you are not suffering with depression, I would suggest paxil for GAD, anxiety, social phobia. Keep in mind everyone responds differently so ultimately, it may be a matter of trial and error.
> IMO, paxil is not great at treating severe depression, but it sure helped me with my anxiety.
The only problem with Paxil is getting off of it and remembering to take it, it has withdrawal issues. Well there's two issues, some people gain a bit of weight on it too. But it does help a subset of people with anxiety, yes, I'd agree.
> I'm not a fan of benzo's as a first line treatment for anxiety due to the constant up and down ride, not to mention the depressive effects?Not everyone gets depressed on benzodiazepines -- and a constant up and down ride is more perpetrated by not being on a constant level or using two or three of them at different times and rates -- not every benzodiazepine is 100% the same.
> I have been on clonazepam for 20 years so I don't mean to sound hypocritical as I find there is somewhat of a mood stabilizing effect when taken with a A/D. I don't take the clonazepam prn, it's 0.5mg 2x day, I think of it as my multivitamin!
Hmm.. a curious way of putting it, but that's only about 20mg of Valium.
>
> Also, prolonged anxiety may manifest itself into depression, kinda sneaks up on you gradually. It's not something you may notice daily, sometimes it's others that may comment on your behavior?
>
> As far as clomipramine, I found it to be good for depression and as mentioned earlier, I was on it for 9 years so "poop-out" was not an issue. SSRI's are well documented for their "poop-out", but that may not be the case for you if depression is not an issue? Something else to keep in mind, the internet is a good source of information, but that's all it is, anonymous suggestions.I would agree too -- my comments and I think the comments of a lot of people on here are personal experiences -- case studies is what you would call it if you wanted to be dry. I mean if you heard a dozen or two people saying the same thing about a medication, there might be a grain of truth to it.
Some people have a wealth of knowledge, very well schooled on pharmacology and what not, but they are unable to find the "magic bullet" themselves?
Quite true -- and there rarely ever is a "magic bullet" for any condition.
Clomipramine like any TCA can also cause halo effects and the like due to anticholinergic activity, but apparently Paxil does too, that would vary by the person.
-- Jay
poster:yxibow
thread:859968
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081027/msgs/860027.html