![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 48. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 7:08:43
Okay, okay I know I should probably run to a different benzo-friendly doctor, but I'm still trying to work with him on this- is there anything experimental left to avoid a benzo? I've tried Neurontin, Gabitril, Celexa, Paxil, Buspar (alone), Propananol. Neurontin works I guess, if by working you mean dulling me like it's some antiphsychotic (not that I've tried one).
I'm on Effexor 300 a day and it doesn't work at all.
Posted by ArthurGibson on December 3, 2002, at 8:14:54
In reply to Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety??, posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 7:08:43
Are you drinking alchohol?
Posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 8:49:37
In reply to Re: Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety??, posted by ArthurGibson on December 3, 2002, at 8:14:54
> Are you drinking alchohol?
Haven't had a sip for a year, and in the year I did (when I was 18-- I'm now 19) I only drank about 12 times. So I drank 12 times in my lifetime, and have not drunk for a year.
Why?
Posted by Ritch on December 3, 2002, at 9:48:09
In reply to Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety??, posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 7:08:43
> Okay, okay I know I should probably run to a different benzo-friendly doctor, but I'm still trying to work with him on this- is there anything experimental left to avoid a benzo? I've tried Neurontin, Gabitril, Celexa, Paxil, Buspar (alone), Propananol. Neurontin works I guess, if by working you mean dulling me like it's some antiphsychotic (not that I've tried one).
>
> I'm on Effexor 300 a day and it doesn't work at all.
You might try some Depakote. It boosts whole-brain GABA. Maybe 250-500mg/day and give it a week or two. You may get a little cognitive dysfunction, but not as much as a benzo or Topamax, and it won't wallop you like Neurontin can (you also shouldn't need to take it[depakote] more than twice daily). It might work well with your stims.
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 3, 2002, at 10:21:19
In reply to Re: Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety?? » utopizen, posted by Ritch on December 3, 2002, at 9:48:09
Depakote will stop you from getting "too high", if you know what I mean, but it does put on a HUGE weight gain. That's the only real side effect that I had from that drug. My head is still really clear. I had slight tremors for maybe the first 2 weeks while going up on the medication, but they've disappeared since. The only real side effect is the weight gain. ]I've been taking Depakote now for about 6 weeks and I no longer have any manic symptoms, however, I have put on 10lbs and am cycling back into depression... I've also given up alcohol completely, am very careful about what I eat (Hell, I'm hungry practically all the time but I'm learning to ignore it), and I work out every day. In fact, I should be losing weight, not putting on ten pounds...
I'm surprised that all the SSRIs and some of the MSs that you tried did absolutely nothing for you. Even though Clonazepam has worked wonders for me, I would definitely not recommend it as your primary medication. That's where you get into increasing your dosage every few weeks, possible addiction, etc. It's good as an "add-on" medication. Hell, it's actually Excellent as that, but for your primary one... I don't know man, I wouldn't recommend it. I use mine simply as an emergency pill (for when I can feel myself slipping too far either way) and for stopping the 'racing thoughts' so I can sleep at night. If you're looking to be anxiety free from this medication alone, you're going to be gulping down handfulls of them after a few months of treatment.
Posted by viridis on December 3, 2002, at 11:33:29
In reply to Re: Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety??, posted by Mr Cushing on December 3, 2002, at 10:21:19
People with anxiety disorders usually don't increase their dose of benzos over time; many actually decrease the dose voluntarily. I've used Klonopin daily for well over a year, and am still at the same low dose I started at. It works just as well as it did at the beginning, and I've declined my pdoc's offers to increase the dose if necessary. I used Xanax a fair bit too at first and now take it very rarely. Don't get me wrong -- these drugs definitely have the potential for inducing dependence, but from what I've experienced, read, and been told by my psychiatrist, tolerance/dose escalation isn't generally a big problem for patients with serious anxiety or panic disorders, and true addiction is very rare. I certainly have no desire to gulp handfuls of them (that would just put me to sleep).
Posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 11:36:55
In reply to Re: Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety??, posted by Mr Cushing on December 3, 2002, at 10:21:19
I'll try asking my doc about Depakote- my doctor just said a few weeks ago I may be bipolar-non-depressive (I never have been depressed-- naturally happy). I might combine it with Serzone, which i've never tried because I do get racing thoughts at night (although truthfully, it's a result of sexual tension because it never happens when I have released said tension).
I'm really concerned I will be depressed if I am not treated soon for my anxiety effectively.
But if Depakote and Serzone don't work out, what's the point of keeping a long-term med along with Klonopin if such meds are ineffective?
Posted by Mr Cushing on December 3, 2002, at 12:54:44
In reply to Re: Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety, posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 11:36:55
If it's just the anxiety that you need to get rid of, Depakote will most definitely work. I know that it's worked well with me. But then again, it's put a LOT of weight onto me. I gained 10lbs over the last 5 weeks so now I'm going to be heading to my MD tomorrow to make sure that it's actually the Depakote and nothing else that is making me blow up. If nothing else is wrong, I'm going to be trying out another drug so that I don't have to start wearing elastic pants...I think whether or not a benzo alone will work for your anxiety depends on how severe your anxiety is. I'm Bi-Polar 1 and for me, when I feel myself starting to cycle either way, a small dose of a benzo helps stop the cycling and puts me back on a "normal" level. However, it doesn't stop the cycling. It will never be able to truly hold me stable. It's like taking an aspirin for a headache. It will get rid of the symptoms for the time being, but they'll be back, they'll probably be stronger, and I'll probably need to increase my benzo dosage just to get the same effects. I think that's where the "addiction" comes into play.
But you should be able to tell how severe your anxiety problem is. If it's something that is relatively minor then Benzo's should do the trick by themselves. If it's something severe, like being Bi-Polar, then you'll need something to stop the cycling and then use a Benzo as an emergency treatment or, like I do, to stop the racing thoughts before falling asleep.
Actually, back when I was like 18, before I really thought that there was anything wrong except for my severe insomnia, I was just using Clonazepam for my medication. At that time, I increased it from .5mg at night to 1mg at night to 1.5mg at night to 2mg at night to 2.5mg at night, at which point I'm like, Sh!t, and quit using them all together. I mean, popping 6 pills just to get to sleep and only sleeping with that "maybe" 3-4 hours isn't too great.
Since I started using something to try and control my cycling though, I haven't had the need to increase my benzo dosage and only on my worst days do I even go up to 1.5mg. That's usually when I'm adjusting the dosage of my other medication though.
Posted by mattdds on December 3, 2002, at 13:17:14
In reply to Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety??, posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 7:08:43
> Okay, okay I know I should probably run to a different benzo-friendly doctor, but I'm still trying to work with him on this- is there anything experimental left to avoid a benzo? I've tried Neurontin, Gabitril, Celexa, Paxil, Buspar (alone), Propananol. Neurontin works I guess, if by working you mean dulling me like it's some antiphsychotic (not that I've tried one).
>
> I'm on Effexor 300 a day and it doesn't work at all.Utopizen,
Why all this work to avoid benzos?? They work extremely well for anxiety, and as you mentioned, untreated anxiety can definitely lead to a deep depression (it sure did for me).
I, like Viridis, Alan and dozens of others on this board, have taken clonazepam for a year and a half, without having to "gobble handfuls", as someone else suggested. The same low dose of 0.5 mg b.i.d. still works wonders.
I believe this dose escalation you are so worried about is by far the exception rather than the rule. Considering the very real potential harm of not treating anxiety (i.e. depression), worrying about the extremely rare possibility of rapid tolerance and dependence seems silly.
I think you should consider using clonazepam (or another benzo) as an integral part of your treatment, especially being in an acute phase, as you seem to be (you mentioned you thought you would get depressed if your anxiety continued to go untreated).
Best of luck,
Matt
Posted by Essence on December 3, 2002, at 14:02:00
In reply to Re: Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety?? » utopizen, posted by mattdds on December 3, 2002, at 13:17:14
I'm with Viridis and Mattdds on this one. In the past I was on Xanax, .50 QID for 7 yrs. 2 1/2 yrs ago my "new" shrink took me off it as he felt I had been on it to long. He then put me on an antipsycotic that almost made me psycotic. When that antipsycotic didn't work, he tried me on another, with the same affect. In May, he "changed" his mind and put me on Clonazepam (Klonopin) for my anxiety at .50 BID. I have been at that dose since then. Never have I had to increase the Xanax nor the Clonazepam. Hope this helps.
Posted by BeardedLady on December 3, 2002, at 14:20:38
In reply to Re: Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety, posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 11:36:55
Ask your pdoc, but I'd try the Serzone first, if you're worried about orgasm and other side effects. In addition to having no effect on sexual performance, it is weight neutral. It may slow metabolism some, but it causes weight gain in very few people.
I know Depakote packs on the pounds and may contribute to a little brain fog. I have a few friends on it.
Another tip: I, too, had racing thoughts at night. That was originally part of the problem. I take the Serzone at bedtime, which helps with sleep, but I'm usually out like a light before the meds do their work, as it's already built up and steady in my system, day and night. So the racing thoughts don't happen.
Still, early morning awakenings sometimes cause those racing thoughts. Otherwise, though, I'm pretty calm and thinking of nothing for hours and hours until morning!
(For additional nighttime anxiety, though, you can take any benzos except Klonopin and Xanax, I think. At least Ativan seems to be okay.)
beardy
Posted by Alan on December 3, 2002, at 15:34:00
In reply to Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety??, posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 7:08:43
> Okay, okay I know I should probably run to a different benzo-friendly doctor, but I'm still trying to work with him on this- is there anything experimental left to avoid a benzo? I've tried Neurontin, Gabitril, Celexa, Paxil, Buspar (alone), Propananol. Neurontin works I guess, if by working you mean dulling me like it's some antiphsychotic (not that I've tried one).
>
> I'm on Effexor 300 a day and it doesn't work at all.
===============================================
http://panicdisorder.about.com/library/weekly/aa031997.htmThe extent to which some uneducated doctors will go to to avoid bzds is looking more and more to be an epidemic of drug co. commercialism the likes of which the medical community has never known - unless one one want's to consider Opioidphobia for pain management....
The consternation in the threads on this and other bboards regarding the treatment of anxiety disorders with bzds - alone is anxiety provoking enough just listening to the speculating about it.
As far as dependence/withdrawal is concerned, neither can claim superiority AD's or BZD's. It's a wash. And in your case the clock is up on experimentation it seems...that is about which class of drugs you might generally respond best to.
All idealogue doctors cause more harm then good. They are not listenting to their patients, they are following a cookie-cutter agenda.
Get a doc that will treat you with individual respect and will be able to MANAGE the bzd you may end up taking. That's just as important. Management after you get started. Someone EXPERIENCED in treating with this drug in monotherapy either in short or long-term therapy.
Alan
Posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 15:51:13
In reply to Re: Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety?? » utopizen, posted by Alan on December 3, 2002, at 15:34:00
I bet if I were a 40 year old soccer mom, I'd get Xanax on the double. Oh no, I'm 19, I need to "take a little longer" to adjust to social situations my doc says.
I can see myself now graduating college, realizing I haven't lived a single day outside my dorm room. It's pathetic.
Posted by pandabomb on December 3, 2002, at 19:42:32
In reply to Maybe it's age discrimination, posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 15:51:13
i know how it is i am also 19 and a college student, my doc has tried some benzos but nothing has worked i went as high as 120 mg of temazepam nothing, so maybe your not missing out on anything =]
Posted by comftnumb on December 4, 2002, at 19:42:11
In reply to Maybe it's age discrimination, posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 15:51:13
Try Klonopin (clonazepam). Strongest benzo and most effective for social anxiety. I take 2mg a day and it works beautifully.
Consider trying an MAOI like Nardil. They can be extremely effective for social anxiety. I'm in the process of switching to Nardil, it'll be about a month cause I have to wash-out from the effexor i'm taking.
Posted by utopizen on December 5, 2002, at 0:17:07
In reply to A couple meds you might try, posted by comftnumb on December 4, 2002, at 19:42:11
> Try Klonopin (clonazepam). Strongest benzo and most effective for social anxiety. I take 2mg a day and it works beautifully.
>
> Consider trying an MAOI like Nardil. They can be extremely effective for social anxiety. I'm in the process of switching to Nardil, it'll be about a month cause I have to wash-out from the effexor i'm taking.
>
I'd take Nardil, but apparently the company line is that stims don't mix with them. And as far as Klonopin, yeah I've heard of it, lol =PBy heard of it, I've asked my doc for it for the past year at each appointment. And he's only given me .5mg prn. I told him only 1mg works, he doesn't believe me. How on earth did you convince your doc to give 2mg? That's what epillepsy patients start with...
Posted by comftnumb on December 7, 2002, at 14:58:30
In reply to Re: A couple meds you might try, posted by utopizen on December 5, 2002, at 0:17:07
Dude some epilepsy patients take 10mg of Klonopin a day, even more sometimes. I wanted to go to 3mg of Klonopin but my doc wouldn't let me. I don't know why your doc wouldn't let you go on 2mg. They're just afraid of benzos I think, the docs. 2mg is definitely better than 1mg. You gotta get a high enough dose for it to have an effect.
Posted by utopizen on December 7, 2002, at 18:24:35
In reply to Re: A couple meds you might try, posted by comftnumb on December 7, 2002, at 14:58:30
Anyone heard of injectable Dilaudid used for anxiety? I have a feeling it might calm me out. I'm thinking of seeing if there is any research doctor who's willing to test me out on it to see.
Posted by temoigneur on December 7, 2002, at 18:47:52
In reply to Re: A couple meds you might try, posted by utopizen on December 5, 2002, at 0:17:07
OH My gosh, you wouldn't have much trouble getting klonopin from my doctor. He would never keep track of how many perscriptions he'd written, and was given to writing six months perscriptions at 6mg/day - I had enough perscriptions going at different polaces that I was able to escaleate the dose to 35mg/day!!!! - no lie, But I was unfortunate, I was in the group that gained rapid tolerance to it, which is why the dose escaled as high as it did - anyway, there's liberal doctors out there - all the best
Ben
All the best
Posted by Dr. Bob on December 9, 2002, at 19:59:47
In reply to Re: Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety?? » utopizen, posted by Alan on December 3, 2002, at 15:34:00
> The extent to which some uneducated doctors will go to to avoid bzds is looking more and more to be an epidemic of drug co. commercialism
Posts about drug companies, rather than drugs, should go to Psycho-Social-Babble, thanks.
Bob
PS: And follow-ups regarding posting policies should go to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by Aadika on December 11, 2002, at 13:30:36
In reply to Ahh... last try- experimemtal drug for anxiety??, posted by utopizen on December 3, 2002, at 7:08:43
Hi-- I'm new to this message board (though I've been using it as a reference for several months now and have found it enormously helpful), and this subject sort of really hits home with me as I'm also 19 (20 in January, though) and suffer chronic anxiety (avoidant personality disorder) that has failed treatment with over 40 medications. Every med you listed (Neurontin, Gabitril, Paxil, etc.), I've tried. I just thought I'd throw in my own two cents here...
Currently I take only propranolol 10mg b.i.d. (for anger management actually... doesn't help me with anxiety a bit), Provigil 200mg qAM, and clonazepam 2mg t.i.d. I'm happy to see that it's generally agreed upon here that clonazepam is the incredibly safe, effective drug that it is. And I've been able to maintain this dose for over fourteen months now, with no development of tolerance whatsoever. I have even found it not difficult to just stop and start taking it at will {though due to the return of my previous social anxiety symptoms, this is not something I plan on doing again :-) }.
Though this medication has given me my life back and finally permitted me to step outside the boundaries of my own home (and make FRIENDS, no less), I'm still open to new possibilities. Someone mentioned Depakote in the thread, as it inhibits the actions of GABA-aminotransferase. I've tried Depakote in the past and it basically felt like I was swallowing $200/month sugar pills-- not to mention that the things are the size of elephant tranquilizers, lol. But I see no reason not to give it a try. Along those same lines, I'd consider Sabril (vigabatrin), whose main mechanism of action is inhibition of GABA-T (unlike Depakote, which requires rather large doses to achieve that effect... somewhat analogous to the Effexor / dopamine thing).
Someone also mentioned Nardil, which is also a very good option (though it didn't work for me at 90mg / day). I understand you're taking stimulants, but if you work with a doctor who has experience with MAOIs it can be safe to use low-dose stimulants along with them. I mean, while I was on Nardil I had Focalin added to counteract sexual dysfunction-- no problem there. You just have to titrate the dose of the MAOI up very gradually.
Finally, here are the two meds I'm going to try next-- First, Riluzole, a drug approved by the FDA to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. I understand that its mechanism of action is primarily as a GABA-reuptake inhibitor (GABA-A and possibly B, unlike Gabitril which is a GABA-B reuptake inhibitor). It possesses anticonvulsant and hypnotic properties, blocks sodium channels, and inhibits the release of glutamate (an excitatory transmitter) in the CNS. That's the one I'm really counting on to work... otherwise, my absolute FINAL option is Lamictal, which also inhibits glutamate release.
Anyways, I'm sure I rambled during the greater part of this post... I can't really tell-- in the process of moving; SO exhausted. So best of luck to you, and since we seem to have a similar problem when it comes to medications, I'd really like to hear how your upcoming med trials turn out. Ciao. :)
Posted by temoigneur on December 11, 2002, at 16:15:18
In reply to Re: Some GABAergic drugs you may want to try... » utopizen, posted by Aadika on December 11, 2002, at 13:30:36
> Hi-- I'm new to this message board (though I've been using it as a reference for several months now and have found it enormously helpful), and this subject sort of really hits home with me as I'm also 19 (20 in January, though) and suffer chronic anxiety (avoidant personality disorder) that has failed treatment with over 40 medications. Every med you listed (Neurontin, Gabitril, Paxil, etc.), I've tried. I just thought I'd throw in my own two cents here...
>
> Currently I take only propranolol 10mg b.i.d. (for anger management actually... doesn't help me with anxiety a bit), Provigil 200mg qAM, and clonazepam 2mg t.i.d. I'm happy to see that it's generally agreed upon here that clonazepam is the incredibly safe, effective drug that it is. And I've been able to maintain this dose for over fourteen months now, with no development of tolerance whatsoever. I have even found it not difficult to just stop and start taking it at will {though due to the return of my previous social anxiety symptoms, this is not something I plan on doing again :-) }.
>
> Though this medication has given me my life back and finally permitted me to step outside the boundaries of my own home (and make FRIENDS, no less), I'm still open to new possibilities. Someone mentioned Depakote in the thread, as it inhibits the actions of GABA-aminotransferase. I've tried Depakote in the past and it basically felt like I was swallowing $200/month sugar pills-- not to mention that the things are the size of elephant tranquilizers, lol. But I see no reason not to give it a try. Along those same lines, I'd consider Sabril (vigabatrin), whose main mechanism of action is inhibition of GABA-T (unlike Depakote, which requires rather large doses to achieve that effect... somewhat analogous to the Effexor / dopamine thing).
>
> Someone also mentioned Nardil, which is also a very good option (though it didn't work for me at 90mg / day). I understand you're taking stimulants, but if you work with a doctor who has experience with MAOIs it can be safe to use low-dose stimulants along with them. I mean, while I was on Nardil I had Focalin added to counteract sexual dysfunction-- no problem there. You just have to titrate the dose of the MAOI up very gradually.
>
> Finally, here are the two meds I'm going to try next-- First, Riluzole, a drug approved by the FDA to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. I understand that its mechanism of action is primarily as a GABA-reuptake inhibitor (GABA-A and possibly B, unlike Gabitril which is a GABA-B reuptake inhibitor). It possesses anticonvulsant and hypnotic properties, blocks sodium channels, and inhibits the release of glutamate (an excitatory transmitter) in the CNS. That's the one I'm really counting on to work... otherwise, my absolute FINAL option is Lamictal, which also inhibits glutamate release.
>
> Anyways, I'm sure I rambled during the greater part of this post... I can't really tell-- in the process of moving; SO exhausted. So best of luck to you, and since we seem to have a similar problem when it comes to medications, I'd really like to hear how your upcoming med trials turn out. Ciao. :)hI i'VE HAD THE same problem with depakote, in it acting like a sugar pill, I have also been following riluzole, and am going to bring it up with my pdoc tomorrow, I hope it has some of the purported properties for anxiety, unfortunqately I did a pubmed search, and one of the articles, said that it had anesthetic properties, - obviously sediation is not good. However, perhaps we can pool our experience and expediate the "recover" process, I will certainly keep you posted of what drugs i've tried, what does and doesn't work, and I hope this will consolidate our knowledge, and lead to a quicker recovery. thank you very much for your suggestions, I will be contacting you in the future.
Ben
Posted by biovsenvio? on December 11, 2002, at 17:19:22
In reply to Re: Some GABAergic drugs you may want to try..., posted by temoigneur on December 11, 2002, at 16:15:18
hi you guys... I'm 21... and I've tried every drug thats been available for depression/anxiety/bipolar.....my main problem is anxiety... i did pretty good for about a year with my zoloft/klonopin combo back in highschool... but i gained 20 lbs which addad to my anxiety.... i went through e.c.t. because i got so depressed from being so nervous all the time.... the mood stabolizers make me feel retarded...and most anti dep. make me feel more anxious... the benzos are ok but my doc didnt want me taking them anymore.... a new med came out with antianxiolitic properties...its an antipsychotic called aripiprazole... i did a research study with it and felt a little better....anyway i'm curious about your experiences with medications and weight gain and i'm also interested in riluzole.. when does it come out? i've struggled with this for 7 years and it sucks...sometimes i wonder if meds are even the answer.... any thoughts?
Posted by Aadika on December 11, 2002, at 19:47:01
In reply to Re: Some GABAergic drugs you may want to try..., posted by temoigneur on December 11, 2002, at 16:15:18
Hi there, surprising that someone else has been following Riluzole... I've never heard mention of it otherwise. So it's said to have literal anesthetic properties? Like analgesia/sedation? I've heard that it possessed some hypnotic properties, but this is news to me... I suppose at this point I have very high expectations for an anxiolytic medication, as my current meds provide complete relief from my symptoms and no side effects. Right now I'm just interested in trying new drugs more for the science... I mean, if it doesn't work, I know I'll always have my Klonopin. And that thought's exactly what's kept me sane throughout this past year or so of trial after trial of essentially useless medication.
So you had the same problem with Depakote too, huh? What dose were you taking? I was at 1,000mg per day, I believe (it's been a while). I have to wonder if I was just at far too low a dose, seeing as how the drug doesn't have any GABAergic action until the higher doses. But I may just have to continue wondering, as I'd rather not have to deal with all the cognitive dulling I've heard occurs at those levels. Not to mention choking down those ungodly horse pills three times a day! (I already have enough of that with all the vitamin/mineral supplements I take-- I'm a firm believer in 'nutraceuticals'.)
Well, may as well post this. These are some of the drugs I've taken that I can remember offhand (my God, it's actually reached the point that I can't remember them all! lol) and the effect they had on me-- all of them were pushed to the max dose (excluding some of the benzos) before giving up:
Zoloft: no anxiety relief; sedation; sexual dysfunction
Prozac: anxiety MUCH worse; insomnia; brought back symptoms of ADHD that I had as a child
Celexa: minimal anxiety relief; insomnia; sexual dysfunction
Luvox: no anxiety relief; sexual dysfunction
Paxil: adequate anxiety relief; apathy; insomnia; sexual dysfunction; UPON WITHDRAWAL: 'head zaps', which have ceased neither in frequency nor severity in the past two years; status epilepticus
Effexor XR: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Wellbutrin: extreme anxiety, panic, agoraphobia; insomnia
Serzone: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Remeron: no anxiety relief; hypersomnia; lethargy
Desyrel: minimal anxiety relief; hypersomnia
Elavil: somewhat heightened anxiety; hallucinations; lethargy
Anafranil: no anxiety relief; lethargy
Sinequan: moderate anxiety relief; hypersomnia; lethargy
Ludiomil: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Clomipramine: minimal anxiety relief; insomnia; sexual dysfunction
Nardil: no anxiety relief; sexual dysfunction; orthostatic hypotension
Parnate: no anxiety relief; sexual dysfunction; insomnia; slight hyperactivity/euphoria (hypomania?)
Aurorix: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Selegiline: minimal anxiety relief; no side effects
Mirapex: no anxiety relief; slight lift in mood
Ritalin / Concerta: heightened anxiety; muscle tension
Adderall XR: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Dexedrine Spansules: moderate anxiety relief; no side effects
Desoxyn Gradumets: no anxiety relief; mild euphoria; insomnia
Cylert: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Zyprexa: minimal anxiety relief; lethargy
Risperdal: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Seroquel: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Thorazine: minimal anxiety relief; apathy; sexual dysfunction
Mellaril: minimal anxiety relief; apathy
Lithium: no anxiety relief; frequent urination
Neurontin: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Gabitril: no anxiety relief; urinary retention/hesitancy; UPON DR. RAISING DOSE FROM 8mg q.i.d. TO 12mg t.i.d.: brief psychotic episode; status epilepticus preceded by a catatonic state
Trileptal: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Tegretol: no anxiety relief; extreme fatigue
Topamax: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Xanax: complete anxiety relief; strong euphoria; cognitive/coordinational impairment; physical/psychological dependence, rapidly escalating tolerance, and ultimately severe addiction
Ativan: moderate anxiety relief; no side effects
Valium: moderate anxiety relief; dysthymia; irritability
Tranxene: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Librium: moderate anxiety relief; mild euphoria; rapidly-developing tolerance
Paxipam: complete anxiety relief; rapidly-developig tolerance
Serax: moderate anxiety relief; headache
Miltown: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Amytal: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Luminal: no anxiety relief; no side effects
Catapres: minimal anxiety relief; orthostatic hypotension; blurred vision
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whew, lol. That excludes several tricyclics, neuroleptics, and I'm sure several others I'm forgetting because I'm so exhausted. And of course it excludes the three meds I'm currently taking, Klonopin, Provigil, and Inderal.
Well, I've got one more post to respond to and then it's definitely off to bed for me. Keep me updated on the Riluzole (and everything else)!
~ Aadika
Posted by utopizen on December 11, 2002, at 20:03:04
In reply to Re: Some GABAergic drugs you may want to try... » utopizen, posted by Aadika on December 11, 2002, at 13:30:36
Wow-- most docs couldn't tell you the difference between a sedating and a non-sedating GABA binding med...
here's a link that overviews GABA stuff in anxiety-
http://www.vcu-cme.org/gaba/overview.htmlMy doc was the one who suggested Gabitri after I pointed out everything that worked so far worked through binding my GABA (alcohol, Neurontin, Klonopin). I'm sure it was a shot in the dark for him...
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