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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by El on September 13, 2003, at 15:40:22
i have just started taking buspar for anxiety and i'm hoping to hear some success stories. Other meds have not helped, only hurt, so if anyone has anything GOOD to say please write it. i need the encouragement!
Thanks!
Posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 13, 2003, at 22:17:20
In reply to Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by El on September 13, 2003, at 15:40:22
Hi: Ha, I posted an almost identical question about 4 days ago! I've also just started Buspirone for GAD.
I received one response, from Zeugma, who found it was MILDLY affective at doses around 30mg, but didn't help with "acute" anxiety attacks, and raising it to 40mg was too sedating.Zeugma felt that it was a helpful drug, if you had something else on hand for "flare-ups". From all my research, it has VERY mixed reviews, but seems to be fine for continual mild anxiety with no panic attacks or depression. I think it is a "first try" drug, since it has far less side effects than SSRI's/SNRI's and does not have the energy-zapping effects of the benzo's.
My Pdoc has titrated my dosage VERY slowly to avoid start-up side effects, so I won't know if it's helping until about 3 weeks from now. I also have Klonopin (.5-1mg per day) to help me during the "waiting" period. I think we will be VERY lucky if this drug is successful for us, because most other meds need to be augmented, due to side effects or "flattening" effects!!!
I would really LOVE it if u would keep me informed as to how U are also doing on Buspar, cuz it seems to be a little used drug by people on this board!
I dunno about you, but I feel kinda "out on a limb" taking it!!!
Best of luck to you!
Jas
Posted by JaneB on September 13, 2003, at 22:45:26
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 13, 2003, at 22:17:20
Your comment about "energy zapping strength" on benzos make me wonder if I would have more energy without clonazepam and good response from BuSpar. Once my pdoc suggested it as an augmenter for sexual s/e from Lexapro which I no longer take. Keep up posted if you find it helpful. Thanks.
Jane
Posted by gabbix2 on September 13, 2003, at 23:17:31
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by JaneB on September 13, 2003, at 22:45:26
I was on Buspar for anxiety and it did nothing,
absolutely nothing. Clonazepam was awful. The longer I took it the more sluggish and lethargic and depressed I got.
I have a much better time using the ativan or valium.
They don't seem to exacerbate my depression so much or sap my energy. Though ativan can leave me feeling pretty hungover in the morning.
Posted by El on September 14, 2003, at 17:13:19
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 13, 2003, at 22:17:20
hey, thanks for the comments i will keep you posted jasmine. i did try lexapro and paxil, but the side effects were too strong too fast and they hurt more than helped in the first few days alone, so i couldn't continue with those. i tols my doc this and thats why he suggested the buspar. i haven't noticed anything too bad as far as side effects go, but it was the third day that was the worst on the other meds. i am staring to feel spacey though, and i don't like that feeling. let me know how you are doing on it! i have been teaching myself to control the panic attacks, but i am becoming more depressed at the energy it takes to avoid them. my doc said the buspar should help me be able to calm down, so that is my hope. and he won't give me anything addictive although i hear those work best for people with anxiety. let me know how you are doing with it though.
El
Posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 16, 2003, at 23:15:37
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by El on September 14, 2003, at 17:13:19
Hey El:
Well so far (7 days) on Buspar, the only side effects I'm getting is a bit of nausea sometimes. I don't feel spacey at all, but I'm only on 15mg a day right now. In 4 days I can go up to 20mg per day and have to stay there until my next app't in 3 weeks. I have no effect from it yet ( but it's not expected for another 2 weeks). I'll be sure to let you know how I'm doing then.I still take the Klonipin (1mg per day) if I'm feeling anxious...which is quite often. I find I've been irritable instead of nervous on some days, but I think that is all part of my anxiety.I don't get panic attacks (fortunately), just a continual feeling of worry and nervousness (or irritablity). That's y I'm diagnosed as G.A.D.
I used to be on Celexa, which did help with my general anxiety, but ended up making me feel real "flat" and lazy and made my insomnia worse. So I understand what you mean about the "pain" of trying the SSRI's.
I seem to have adjusted to the Klonopin recently, and I'm not quite as low energy on it as I was to begin with. If Buspar doesn't work, I'm gonna ask to continue with Klonopin. It isn't addictive at low doses. Many people on this board take it for years with great success.
Good luck and keep in touch!
Jas
Posted by Ed O`Flaherty on September 17, 2003, at 17:15:58
In reply to Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by El on September 13, 2003, at 15:40:22
Buspar is a drug which my patients rarely seem to find of much value.High doses (as much as 45mg daily) over a long period seem to be necessary and even then the results are usually not too impressive.Despite this I understand that Buspar is in the top 100 of drugs prescribed in America every year.A few of my patients find it works well.It is of no value for acute anxiety-benzodiazepines are still the best of a bad lot there.
Posted by El on September 17, 2003, at 18:57:08
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on September 17, 2003, at 17:15:58
YEAH! THE BENZO'S ARE WHAT EVERYONE KEEPS TELLING ME ABOUT, BUT MY DOC WON'T PRESCRIBE ME ANY BECAUSE THEY ARE ADDICTIVE AND UNFORTUNATELY, EVEN THOUGH I PAY FOR MY INSURANCE I CANT CHOOSE OR MY OWN DOCTOR AND I CANT IMAGINE THE PROCESS I WOULD HAVE TO GO THROUGH TO switch docs. its all very frustrating. thanks for the advice though.El
Posted by zeugma on September 17, 2003, at 20:49:11
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on September 17, 2003, at 17:15:58
I don't regard Buspar as an anxiolytic- it is useless for that. But it does have antidepressant properties and it helps me sleep.
Posted by Amykat2003 on September 17, 2003, at 22:37:23
In reply to Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by El on September 13, 2003, at 15:40:22
> I have just started Buspar yesterday. My doctor put me on two 7.5 milligram tablets a day, but I don't take both of them. I only take 1/2 of the 7.5 pill. I don't want to be on these medications. I guess I'm more or less scared to take them. Doesn't anyone have that problem?
I have been suffering from anxiety for years and I'm only 24 years old. I was wondering if anyone has gained any weight from this medication.
I don't think I have any real bad side effects. I think I more or less get real tired and I find it hard to get out of bed in the morning.
Posted by El on September 18, 2003, at 15:30:19
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by zeugma on September 17, 2003, at 20:49:11
I agree I hate the idea of being on medicine too. I also only take half of what i am supposed to, the whole dosage was making me too dizzy and gave me nausea almost constantly. i am supposed to take 2 15 mg tablets a day, but i only take one at night so i can sleep through the dizziness. although i wonder if i am also sleeping through the helpful effects of the pill too?
i hope weight is not an issue, but i dont know yet.El
Posted by Amykat2003 on September 18, 2003, at 17:13:14
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by zeugma on September 17, 2003, at 20:49:11
I haven't been dizzy from these pills but I also go to bed right away when I take them. It sounds weird but I get real paranoid when I take medicine. Has anyone drank on these pills? I'm going out this weekend and wanted to know how it makes everyone feel when they drink.
Thanks,
Amy
Posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 19, 2003, at 15:13:13
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by Amykat2003 on September 18, 2003, at 17:13:14
I have been started VERY SLOWLY on Buspar (10 days ago) to reduce side effects. I'm at 15mg per day and as soon as I was increased to 10mg I got the nausea too. (The SSRI's did the same thing for me as well).The nausea is decreasing as of day 10 however and I've had no dizziness at all. Perhaps the answer to the SE is to start real slow.
As to drinking, I've done that at a low dose (15mg). I just felt a bit depressed "mood-wise" no sedation, but I didn't drink a lot. Just a glass of wine and a coupla cocktails. Be careful, if u r still dizzy on Buspar, cuz alcohol could make that worse.
Posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 19, 2003, at 17:42:03
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by Ed O`Flaherty on September 17, 2003, at 17:15:58
Hi Ed: I was very interested in your response to El, and your doubts about Buspar,since I've recently started on Buspar too (9 days ago)for GAD.My Pdoc has titrated my dose very slowly from 10 mg per day (in 2 equal doses) through to currently 15mg daily (5mg a.m. and 10mg PM). This is due to a history of SE on SSRI's, SSNRI's and SARI's that made me discontinue them. I start at 20mg per day tomorrow ( split into 2, am/pm). In the meantime I'm taking Klonopin 1 mg per day (split 2 doses of .5mg AM & PM) until Buspar kicks in, perhaps in a week. Next week I'll taper off the Klonopin. Klonopin has really helped me be calm and be more social and lifted my mood. For the first 3 weeks, however It seemed to take away any "pep" or energy I had- which is why my PDoc is trying Buspar. Energy level has improved somewhat now, after 5 weeks.
My anxiety has become less on the Klonopin. The continual psychological "worries" and churning over of thoughts and little rituals to avoid anxieties kinda went away mostly, after using Celexa for 18 months. Now I have more of a constant feeling of "butterflies" in my stomach, and being easily "flustered" and uncoordinated if anxious and having to "perform", especially physical activities, like driving. I seem to have few actual psychological worries now, more a "feeling" of being worried, without any ideas or thoughts. I have irritablity quite often, whihc i\I think is just another form of my anxiety behavoiur.Will Buspar address this, in your opinion? Since it seems to act on 5HT 1a, rather than on GABA, is that better for my situation. I kinda like Klonopin, now that I have a bit more energy on it. Should I ask my Pdoc to remain on it and maybe augment with a little Provigil or Adderall to "lift or energize". I'm going back to see him in 2 weeks and would like to have alternative suggestions ready, if Buspar fails once I drop Klonopin. I'm sleeping great now, which has always been an issue for me and I'd hate to lose that effect.
Any advice/opinions you have would be truly appreciated , cuz I'm getting tired of trials of diff. medications and waiting to feel consistently "good and even" again. Sorry for long post, but I have a thirst for knowledge!!!
Thanks.
Jas
Posted by Amykat2003 on September 25, 2003, at 21:57:55
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety? » Amykat2003, posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 19, 2003, at 15:13:13
I haven't had any side effects on the Buspar. i did have two glasses of beer and it kinda made me feel nervous but I think it is all in my head..heheh
I have a question for the people with anxiety attacks....do you ever feel like you can't breath? When I have an anxiety attack, I feel as if my lungs are real heavy and I can't breath and then I hyperventalate and freak out pacing all over the house. My fiance doesn't understand it when I have one...he just hold me and tells me things are ok...but sometimes that doesn't help. Does anyone out there have that same thing happen to them?!
Posted by El on September 26, 2003, at 17:42:32
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by Amykat2003 on September 25, 2003, at 21:57:55
I feel that way too, like there is a weight on my chest, or my lungs are filling up with oxygen. For me though, I need to be alone. I can't have anyone near me at all. That's what is hard, I feel rude telling people to leave me alone, but I just can't concentrate on trying to make it go away if someone is looking at me or trying to talk to me. I have even stopped going places where I know it will be too crowded, or where I wouldn't be able to separate myself to be alone and deal with it.
The BuSpar seems to be helping my mood, but I can't take it the way I'm supposed to (15 mg 2x's a day) because it makes me so dizzy. I only take it at night, 1 pill, so I'm not sure I'm getting the full benefits, but it has gotten easier to deal with the fear of the panic attacks.All I can say is try yoga breathing. Slow, deep breaths in and out through your nose. Try to feel the breath going all through your body. Maybe if you concentrate on that, you won't be concentrating on the panic as much.
El
Posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 27, 2003, at 0:16:51
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by El on September 26, 2003, at 17:42:32
Hi you guys!
It's so interesting how anxiety attacks vary from person to person. I don't get the chest/breathing thing at all. I get it lower down (Solar Plexus I think!!). I get this tight feeling there, and sorta butterflies churning like crazy in my lower stomach, my nervousness centres there all the time. Then I get extremely uncoordinated. I fumble, I can't think straight, can't operate anything, drop stuff, can't remember which way knobs/taps turn etc. etc. Have to think very hard about what I'm supposed to do next.I get flustered, then frustrated. After that I might either just start sobbing OR get highly irritable/angry. I also do the pacing around thing, if I'm at home. When I was having bad attacks, I started compensating by getting very ritualistic. So would think and plan, over and over in my head all the steps I had to follow to do something simple. I even had to lay things out on the bathroom counter in order of use before I went into the shower. Prior to having these anxiety attacks, I was the kinda person who would just hop out of the shower, then grab whatever I needed from a cupboard, as I needed it!!!
I always know when I'm heading towards an attack.. first the butterflies, then a lot of irritability...can't stand certain noises (like my poor husband whistling)...don't want people talking to me...get very sarcastic and intolerant, ugh! Weird isn't it?*El, sorry Buspar is still not completely helping you, and that you are still dizzy. How long till your next psych. app't?
I'm now on 20 mg per day, divided into 2 doses now. It did make me dizzy for about half hour for the first few days , but that has gone away. I see my doc in 10 days and I don't know if he'll up my dose to 30mg too, at that point. I'm a little worried, that, I too will get dizziness. How can you function when your dizzy????
As an update, El, after 3 weeks on Buspar ( but only 2 wks on 20mg) I'm feeling zero anti-anxiety effect. Yesterday I had 2 morning attacks and had to take Klonopin. Today I took Klonopin, because I was concerned about more happening! I have to hold down a job, here! I'm supposed to have tapered completely off Klonopin by now.*Amykat - I had a couple of brandy's last week and was a MESS after..I got very sad and started sobbing!! Pathetic..so after two events of alcohol and Buspar making me kinda depressed/sad, I've learned my lesson. They don't mix for me!
Take care and keep updating.
Jas
Posted by El on September 27, 2003, at 16:07:00
In reply to What type of anxiety attacks do u have? » El, posted by Jasmine Neroli on September 27, 2003, at 0:16:51
Thanks Jsmine,
I am gettign towards not attacks, but my doc won't give me Klonopin or any other benzo, so I deal myself. But I have noticed that when I think I am going to have axiety it doesn't happen. The effects start, but then I get side tracked and they go away. The fear of having one is subsiding as well. I am a teacher so the hardest part for me was going from not working this summer to being surrounded by people all the time, and being in charge. I usually need to be alone when I have an attack. I will be seeing my doc in 2 weeks, but i am ok for now, i hope i can keep it up!
Good like to you.
El
Posted by El on October 6, 2003, at 17:14:50
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by El on September 26, 2003, at 17:42:32
Me too!
> I feel that way too, like there is a weight on my chest, or my lungs are filling up with oxygen. For me though, I need to be alone. I can't have anyone near me at all. That's what is hard, I feel rude telling people to leave me alone, but I just can't concentrate on trying to make it go away if someone is looking at me or trying to talk to me. I have even stopped going places where I know it will be too crowded, or where I wouldn't be able to separate myself to be alone and deal with it.
> The BuSpar seems to be helping my mood, but I can't take it the way I'm supposed to (15 mg 2x's a day) because it makes me so dizzy. I only take it at night, 1 pill, so I'm not sure I'm getting the full benefits, but it has gotten easier to deal with the fear of the panic attacks.
>
> All I can say is try yoga breathing. Slow, deep breaths in and out through your nose. Try to feel the breath going all through your body. Maybe if you concentrate on that, you won't be concentrating on the panic as much.
>
> El
Posted by Jasmine Neroli on October 9, 2003, at 0:44:01
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?, posted by El on October 6, 2003, at 17:14:50
OK, as expected, my pdoc decided to increase my BuSpar dose to 30mg per day in 2 doses of 15mg, starting now.
No noticeable anxiety improvement on the 20mg per day after 4 weeks. Had to use Klonopin (.5mg)often to get by. He's ok with me continuing to use Klonopin PRN, especially prior to an event/occasion that I KNOW will make me anxious. BUT, when I asked "why not just use Klonopin daily?" he felt that I might build up a tolerance to it and have to increase the dose. Grrrrrrrr! I was disappointed in him.
Anyway, I will try the higher BuSpar dose and return in 3 weeks to be evaluated. If I have no improvement/ or get side effects, I might just BEG for Klonopin only!!!
An interesting comment he made about therapy for GAD was that, in his experience it made GAD people worse!! It gave them one more thing to worry about!!! :)
Take care all.
Jas
Posted by El on October 9, 2003, at 18:12:37
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?checking in, posted by Jasmine Neroli on October 9, 2003, at 0:44:01
I see my doc tomorrow so I'll let you know what's up with me too since I still can't take any pills when I am awake. It makes me too nauseous. I am supposed to be taking 15 twice a day, but I can't so he may change me? I did try, I took one at bedtime and then one in the middle of the night so I was sleeping when I took both. Something I have been experiencing with that is this leg thing where I feel like I have to keep my legs moving constantly. I bounce them all day long, when I am sitting and at night it keeps me from falling asleep. I also have periodic sensitivity in my ears where I am afraid that any noise will be amplified by a thousand. I don't know if it's becaus I am taking them too close together or if it's too much, 30 mg?
Let you know tomorrow. I hope you do well with it, Jasmine. My doc won't give me Klonopin or anything for the egde, again maybe tomorrow?
El
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 10, 2003, at 5:36:04
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?checking in, posted by Jasmine Neroli on October 9, 2003, at 0:44:01
> OK, as expected, my pdoc decided to increase my BuSpar dose to 30mg per day in 2 doses of 15mg, starting now.
> No noticeable anxiety improvement on the 20mg per day after 4 weeks. Had to use Klonopin (.5mg)often to get by. He's ok with me continuing to use Klonopin PRN, especially prior to an event/occasion that I KNOW will make me anxious. BUT, when I asked "why not just use Klonopin daily?" he felt that I might build up a tolerance to it and have to increase the dose. Grrrrrrrr! I was disappointed in him.
> Anyway, I will try the higher BuSpar dose and return in 3 weeks to be evaluated. If I have no improvement/ or get side effects, I might just BEG for Klonopin only!!!
> An interesting comment he made about therapy for GAD was that, in his experience it made GAD people worse!! It gave them one more thing to worry about!!! :)
> Take care all.
> JasHi,
I have had GAD for over 6 years, since I was 20 yrs old. I have been on clonazepam (KLONOPIN) up to as much as 3.5 mg a day. (currently have prescription for 2 mg a day) I have had to use it more often some months than others, usually due to switching medications, withdrawals and then new side effects. I have never built up a tolerance to the drug, and I think 6 years would be a sufficient time to do so. Clonazepam is an anti-seizure/anti-convulsant and although it falls into the Benzodiazepine group, it is far milder than ativan or xanax. In fact, it is often used as a bridge from xanax.
As far as only taking clonazepam for your anxiety, I have asked my doctor the same question, as well as my psychiatrist, and I was told that there is no harm if I end up needing it for the rest of my life. If you way the advantages vs. the disadvantages, it is worth it to take the clonazepam. But it will never fix your brain chemistry, where anti depressants can help promote and manipulate chemicals that may not be working properly. I also suggest CBT, a form of psychotherapy which retrains your reactions. It has been the most successful psychotherapy for anxiety disorders according to the NIMH.
One thing I have learned over the past 6 years, is that doctors tend to go by what they have seen in other patients, unfortunately. Most doctors have their fave med to try first because they have seen a high success rate with their other patients. Stay persistent and stand your ground.
As for Buspar, it never did anything for me, but everyone is different, and it does take alot longer to work.
Good Luck
-hockeygirlcanada
Posted by jasmine neroli on October 10, 2003, at 19:05:59
In reply to Re: Anyone on BuSpar for anxiety?checking in, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 10, 2003, at 5:36:04
Thanks HockeyGirl! I will certainly let my psych know what I want, at my next app't, if there's no improvement on Buspirone by then. I have read of so many people having success on long-term Klonopin use, without needing higher dosages. I know that BuSpar has few side effects, so that it is one reason why it's a medicine of first choice.
Jas
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