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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 13:12:26
I currently take Xanax for anxiety and panic, it's been a life saver for me, until recently. It seems like if its not in my system constantly, I'm having attacks. Its been like this for the last 3-4 days. I've tried to ignore it, but today the symptoms are so intense that I can't. My heart feels like its about to burst out of my chest. I have had my heart completely checked out and it was fine. The bad thing about taking the Xanax here at work is that it makes me real tired and I find it hard to perform my job.
I've got a call into my doc and would like to get some suggestions from anyone who's had success with something other than Xanax for anxiety.
As always, I appreciate any advise you can give me, and yes, I know, YMMV.
Greg
Posted by tina on May 11, 2000, at 16:22:51
In reply to Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 13:12:26
Greg--I asked my doc to switch me to Xanax on your info to me. Do you think this might happen to me too?? You're freaking me out. I'm sorry you're having a bad time of it--you've been so helpful to me and I feel so useless to you. The Xanax isn't working for me either unless I take it regularly and even then I still have the attacks at night. Just wanted you to know I'm in your corner and will be watching for any advice too. Hugs and peaceful days---Tina
> I currently take Xanax for anxiety and panic, it's been a life saver for me, until recently. It seems like if its not in my system constantly, I'm having attacks. Its been like this for the last 3-4 days. I've tried to ignore it, but today the symptoms are so intense that I can't. My heart feels like its about to burst out of my chest. I have had my heart completely checked out and it was fine. The bad thing about taking the Xanax here at work is that it makes me real tired and I find it hard to perform my job.
>
> I've got a call into my doc and would like to get some suggestions from anyone who's had success with something other than Xanax for anxiety.
>
> As always, I appreciate any advise you can give me, and yes, I know, YMMV.
>
> Greg
Posted by gloria on May 11, 2000, at 16:29:50
In reply to Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 13:12:26
> I currently take Xanax for anxiety and panic, it's been a life saver for me, until recently. It seems like if its not in my system constantly, I'm having attacks. Its been like this for the last 3-4 days. I've tried to ignore it, but today the symptoms are so intense that I can't. My heart feels like its about to burst out of my chest. I have had my heart completely checked out and it was fine. The bad thing about taking the Xanax here at work is that it makes me real tired and I find it hard to perform my job.
>
> I've got a call into my doc and would like to get some suggestions from anyone who's had success with something other than Xanax for anxiety.
>
> As always, I appreciate any advise you can give me, and yes, I know, YMMV.
>
> Greg
>I use to take Librium (a benzo) in the very beginning, it helped with the panic attacks and later it just helped with my nerves and the panic attacks broke through. That's why I am currently not taking any benzo's. I know alot of people do for panic attacks but they did not stop mine. Gloria
Posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 20:42:53
In reply to Don't tell me that!!!, posted by tina on May 11, 2000, at 16:22:51
Sorry Tina,
I didn't mean to freak you out. It's not that the Xanax isn't working, it's that I'm having to take it a lot more often and I'm really concerned about its addictive nature. I think I told you that I went thru detox to kick pain medication not too long ago and I really don't want to have to do that again. I think mentally that would no doubt push me over the edge. I feel bad that I've worried you. You have such a high tolerance to meds that I thought it might work well for you because it is so strong. I hope I didn't influence you into doing something you weren't comfortable with. That certainly wasn't my intention.greg
> Greg--I asked my doc to switch me to Xanax on your info to me. Do you think this might happen to me too?? You're freaking me out. I'm sorry you're having a bad time of it--you've been so helpful to me and I feel so useless to you. The Xanax isn't working for me either unless I take it regularly and even then I still have the attacks at night. Just wanted you to know I'm in your corner and will be watching for any advice too. Hugs and peaceful days---Tina
>
>
> > I currently take Xanax for anxiety and panic, it's been a life saver for me, until recently. It seems like if its not in my system constantly, I'm having attacks. Its been like this for the last 3-4 days. I've tried to ignore it, but today the symptoms are so intense that I can't. My heart feels like its about to burst out of my chest. I have had my heart completely checked out and it was fine. The bad thing about taking the Xanax here at work is that it makes me real tired and I find it hard to perform my job.
> >
> > I've got a call into my doc and would like to get some suggestions from anyone who's had success with something other than Xanax for anxiety.
> >
> > As always, I appreciate any advise you can give me, and yes, I know, YMMV.
> >
> > Greg
Posted by Racer on May 11, 2000, at 20:43:53
In reply to Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 13:12:26
My experience with Xanax was that it didn't take long for me to become physically addicted. I had the shakes so badly the first night off it that I thought I might literally break something. Even in a soft bed.
As for anxiety, how about a nice anti-depressant? Buspar, Effexor, something like that?
Just an idea.
Posted by tina on May 11, 2000, at 20:54:00
In reply to Re: Don't tell me that!!!, posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 20:42:53
> Sorry Tina,
> I didn't mean to freak you out. It's not that the Xanax isn't working, it's that I'm having to take it a lot more often and I'm really concerned about its addictive nature. I think I told you that I went thru detox to kick pain medication not too long ago and I really don't want to have to do that again. I think mentally that would no doubt push me over the edge. I feel bad that I've worried you. You have such a high tolerance to meds that I thought it might work well for you because it is so strong. I hope I didn't influence you into doing something you weren't comfortable with. That certainly wasn't my intention.
>
> greg
Greg- You didn't really freak me out, I was just trying to be funny, in my obviously feeble way. If Xanax doesn't work for me I'll just try something else. This site has offered me hope, something I have never had before. I'm sorry if I heaped one more worry on your back, I didn't mean to. Please don't worry about me doing any freaking out I'm fine. I'll get through it--whatever IT is. Thanks for the concern, Love ya--Tina
>
> > Greg--I asked my doc to switch me to Xanax on your info to me. Do you think this might happen to me too?? You're freaking me out. I'm sorry you're having a bad time of it--you've been so helpful to me and I feel so useless to you. The Xanax isn't working for me either unless I take it regularly and even then I still have the attacks at night. Just wanted you to know I'm in your corner and will be watching for any advice too. Hugs and peaceful days---Tina
> >
> >
> > > I currently take Xanax for anxiety and panic, it's been a life saver for me, until recently. It seems like if its not in my system constantly, I'm having attacks. Its been like this for the last 3-4 days. I've tried to ignore it, but today the symptoms are so intense that I can't. My heart feels like its about to burst out of my chest. I have had my heart completely checked out and it was fine. The bad thing about taking the Xanax here at work is that it makes me real tired and I find it hard to perform my job.
> > >
> > > I've got a call into my doc and would like to get some suggestions from anyone who's had success with something other than Xanax for anxiety.
> > >
> > > As always, I appreciate any advise you can give me, and yes, I know, YMMV.
> > >
> > > Greg
Posted by tina on May 11, 2000, at 21:02:36
In reply to You didn't--just jokin, posted by tina on May 11, 2000, at 20:54:00
> > Sorry Tina,
> > I didn't mean to freak you out. It's not that the Xanax isn't working, it's that I'm having to take it a lot more often and I'm really concerned about its addictive nature. I think I told you that I went thru detox to kick pain medication not too long ago and I really don't want to have to do that again. I think mentally that would no doubt push me over the edge. I feel bad that I've worried you. You have such a high tolerance to meds that I thought it might work well for you because it is so strong. I hope I didn't influence you into doing something you weren't comfortable with. That certainly wasn't my intention.
> >
> > greg
> Greg- You didn't really freak me out, I was just trying to be funny, in my obviously feeble way. If Xanax doesn't work for me I'll just try something else. This site has offered me hope, something I have never had before. I'm sorry if I heaped one more worry on your back, I didn't mean to. Please don't worry about me doing any freaking out I'm fine. I'll get through it--whatever IT is. Thanks for the concern, Love ya--Tina
>
>
> >
> > > Greg--I asked my doc to switch me to Xanax on your info to me. Do you think this might happen to me too?? You're freaking me out. I'm sorry you're having a bad time of it--you've been so helpful to me and I feel so useless to you. The Xanax isn't working for me either unless I take it regularly and even then I still have the attacks at night. Just wanted you to know I'm in your corner and will be watching for any advice too. Hugs and peaceful days---Tina
> > >
> > >
> > > > I currently take Xanax for anxiety and panic, it's been a life saver for me, until recently. It seems like if its not in my system constantly, I'm having attacks. Its been like this for the last 3-4 days. I've tried to ignore it, but today the symptoms are so intense that I can't. My heart feels like its about to burst out of my chest. I have had my heart completely checked out and it was fine. The bad thing about taking the Xanax here at work is that it makes me real tired and I find it hard to perform my job.
> > > >
> > > > I've got a call into my doc and would like to get some suggestions from anyone who's had success with something other than Xanax for anxiety.
> > > >
> > > > As always, I appreciate any advise you can give me, and yes, I know, YMMV.
> > > >
> > > > Greg
Posted by Cindy W on May 11, 2000, at 21:38:52
In reply to Above post is To GREG, posted by tina on May 11, 2000, at 21:02:36
Maybe I'm really dumb...what does YMMV mean? 8) ;) ;) 0)
Posted by tina on May 11, 2000, at 21:51:48
In reply to Re: YMMV?, posted by Cindy W on May 11, 2000, at 21:38:52
If you check out Dr. Bob's home page it says to remember that Your Mileage May Vary. Just take it as a warning to not take any of the info posted here as gospel and talk to a dr before self-medicating. Legal disclaimers, ya know.
>
>
> Maybe I'm really dumb...what does YMMV mean? 8) ;) ;) 0)
Posted by Cam W. on May 11, 2000, at 23:36:51
In reply to Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 13:12:26
Greg - Just lurking and had a thought about your anxiety. Xanax has a short half-life so you have to take it several times a day. You seem to be clearing it faster than most. Since Xanax is a benzodiazepine with antidepressant action (acts on the GABA-A receptor), perhaps Paxil will help. (Sorry, my brain is mush right now, read and summarized 3 inches of geratology articles today - not measured from from the staple side. - interesting, but overload - - therefore, I cannot remember if you have tried any SSRIs and am too tired to go looking).Paxil, at doses of 30mg to 40mg daily has worked in many people with panic, which is sort of similar to anxiety. Paxil seems to have an anti-anxiety component to it as well. The only problem with Paxil is that it makes the anxiety worse at first (up to a month) before you start to notice any effects. Full effects of Paxil in anxiety may take 2-3 months. Ask your doc, if you decide to take it, to start low (10mg - take 1/2 of a 20mg tablet - cheaper than taking 10mg tablets).
In the few months it does take for Paxil to kick in for anxiety, you can still augment with Xanax, but make sure you wean Xanax slowly once you feel the Paxil start to work.
Or you could try LSD. It will make the anxiety worse and possibly cause a drug-induced psychosis, but you seem to always want me to make mention of it. •(For others out there, this is a joke, do not try this at home for anxiety, it WILL NOT work, but only worsen the anxiety)• =^P
This has been an interjection that I am trying to avoid, but can't help myself. - Cam
Posted by bob on May 11, 2000, at 23:48:48
In reply to Anxiety Meds, posted by Cam W. on May 11, 2000, at 23:36:51
Just here to sing the praises of klonopin. I know not everyone here has had a great reaction to it ... but then again, a number of us have. For me, I get better mileage out of it than a diesel Volkswagen Rabbit (what did they used to hit -- 60 mpg highway or something like that?).
Anyway, all I can say about klonopin is that from day one it removed a part of my life that I hardly knew was there (outside of the panic attacks). Kinda felt like someone playing my nerves like a fiddle. But its gone now, and good riddance. In some situations, when my panic buttons are getting pounded, if someone reminds me (I usually can't remember this myself in such situations) a second dose will chill me out. And allow me to do things like write grant proposals (which, in case I didn't mention it before, got funded as I knew it would ... $3k can cover a lot of co-pays on prescriptions generic "klonopin" -- clonazepam ;^).
my two cents,
bob(hey! no comments about how I should be able to afford more than two cents, either!)
Posted by JohnB on May 12, 2000, at 2:10:25
In reply to Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 13:12:26
Greg- In a previous thread you mentioned you take Wellbutrin, Xanax, Ambien, Neurontin.
How much Wellbutrin ya takin? Wellbutrin can be stimulating, sometimes overstimulating. What would yer pdoc think of increasing Neurontin? Some SSRI's are supposed to work particularly well for panic. I think I read that Zoloft was one. Just some thoughts. -JohnB
Posted by ChrisK on May 12, 2000, at 6:34:36
In reply to Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 13:12:26
I'm with Bob on this one. Klonopin worked great for my GAD and Panic. It also has the added benefit of having a longer half-life than Xanax. You won't have to take it as many times per day to keep it in your system or it will just stay in your system at a higher level. It is well worth exploring with your doctor.
Posted by Cam W. on May 12, 2000, at 6:44:38
In reply to Re: Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by ChrisK on May 12, 2000, at 6:34:36
Greg - I have also seen some 'minor miracles' in suppressing anxiety using very low dose Effexor XR.
37.5mg to 75mg (max.) (works for quite a few people). Effexor has just recently been approved for GAD in Canada.They tested the Effexor against BuSpar and placebo in GAD. The Effexor work significantly better than both (but, then again, so would chocolate - in many people - haven't seen overwhelming success with BuSpar, except in cases of mild anxiety).
Looks like you are going to have to make a list to take into your doc. Ask him/her what he/she thinks of any of the above suggestions. All are good.
- Cam
Posted by Greg on May 12, 2000, at 7:33:53
In reply to Re: Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Cam W. on May 12, 2000, at 6:44:38
All,
Thanks to all for your suggestions, it certainly gives me some "ammunition" to take to my doc. I'll keep you apprised of what we decide to do.It's nice to have friends who care.
Greg
Posted by Fred Potter on May 14, 2000, at 16:56:33
In reply to Re: Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Greg on May 12, 2000, at 7:33:53
Don't want to be a wet blanket, but neither Xanax nor Klonopin gets near my anxiety, even when taken together. SSRIs work for a bit then poop out. I've had my complaint for 36 years, on and off, and nothing works. Kind of depressing. Another day of agony ahead . . .
Posted by JohnB on May 14, 2000, at 18:28:41
In reply to Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 13:12:26
> As always, I appreciate any advise you can give me, and yes, I know, YMMV.
>
> GregJust another thought about Wellbutrin. I notice that about 3-4 hours after I take it, it sort of "peaks" and I notice a little anxiety/irritability for about an hour. If I've had some caffeine, it's more pronounced. --JB
Posted by Danny on May 15, 2000, at 2:40:56
In reply to Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Greg on May 11, 2000, at 13:12:26
Way back in the old days, before I tried AD's, I was put on both Xanax and later Ativan. I ended up taking Ativan for insomnia/gi discomfort for ten years. Recently the dosage has started climbing rapidly and I assume that I'm finally developing a tolerance for it. I've been trying other benzos and assorted anti-psych. Cut to the chase-Ativan is not as quick acting and last longer, a possibility, but perhaps not the best for panic attacks. I have anxiety/depression and have had success with a number of AD's. I also know from panicked friends that there are a lot of coping skills-breathing, hypnotherapy, cognitive therapy, support groups that are crucial adjunctive therapies to medication. It does sound like you're also developing a tolerance and in the long run you need techniques/awareness and perhaps meds also to deal with this. Hope this isn't too preachy; I do know a lot of people in y our boat. Best of luck.
> I currently take Xanax for anxiety and panic, it's been a life saver for me, until recently. It seems like if its not in my system constantly, I'm having attacks. Its been like this for the last 3-4 days. I've tried to ignore it, but today the symptoms are so intense that I can't. My heart feels like its about to burst out of my chest. I have had my heart completely checked out and it was fine. The bad thing about taking the Xanax here at work is that it makes me real tired and I find it hard to perform my job.
>
> I've got a call into my doc and would like to get some suggestions from anyone who's had success with something other than Xanax for anxiety.
>
> As always, I appreciate any advise you can give me, and yes, I know, YMMV.
>
> Greg
Posted by Cindy W on May 16, 2000, at 0:04:49
In reply to Re: Suggestions for different anxiety meds, please?, posted by Danny on May 15, 2000, at 2:40:56
> Way back in the old days, before I tried AD's, I was put on both Xanax and later Ativan. I ended up taking Ativan for insomnia/gi discomfort for ten years. Recently the dosage has started climbing rapidly and I assume that I'm finally developing a tolerance for it. I've been trying other benzos and assorted anti-psych. Cut to the chase-Ativan is not as quick acting and last longer, a possibility, but perhaps not the best for panic attacks. I have anxiety/depression and have had success with a number of AD's. I also know from panicked friends that there are a lot of coping skills-breathing, hypnotherapy, cognitive therapy, support groups that are crucial adjunctive therapies to medication. It does sound like you're also developing a tolerance and in the long run you need techniques/awareness and perhaps meds also to deal with this. Hope this isn't too preachy; I do know a lot of people in y our boat. Best of luck.
>
> > I currently take Xanax for anxiety and panic, it's been a life saver for me, until recently. It seems like if its not in my system constantly, I'm having attacks. Its been like this for the last 3-4 days. I've tried to ignore it, but today the symptoms are so intense that I can't. My heart feels like its about to burst out of my chest. I have had my heart completely checked out and it was fine. The bad thing about taking the Xanax here at work is that it makes me real tired and I find it hard to perform my job.
> >
> > I've got a call into my doc and would like to get some suggestions from anyone who's had success with something other than Xanax for anxiety.
> >
> > As always, I appreciate any advise you can give me, and yes, I know, YMMV.
> >
> > Greg
Greg, have you tried Serzone? It made me feel much less socially anxious as well as less depressed.
This is the end of the thread.
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