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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on December 30, 2005, at 10:09:01
First of all let me say two things: Every med affects everyone differently, and there is usually a trade-off with every med.
I have seen a lot of discussion on here about Seroquel, which has been an absolute miracle drug (50mg/day) for me for severe anxiety which absolutely ravaged me for eight long years. However, Seroquel does come with a trade-off: It sometimes, well a lot of times, makes me feel groggy throughout the day.
So then I have to make the choice: Do I stay on it to terminate that race of anxious thoughts or quit it so I am not so tired? For me, it is an easy choice. I don't want the anxiety for anything in this world, and a few extra yawns per day are worth the sacrifice.
My point is this: With most meds, if not every med, there is going to be some sort of trade-off, whether it be grogginess, gaining weight, losing weight, too much sleep, not enough sleep. You and only you have to make the choice whether or not that trade-off is worth it. But know there are going to be a few side effects.
Posted by Sebastian on December 30, 2005, at 12:54:51
In reply to Seroquel is great for anxiety, posted by UgottaHaveHope on December 30, 2005, at 10:09:01
Same situation I'm in with zyprexa. Great for anxiety, but weight gain and tiredness. The tiredness I actualy injoy now, the weight gain I can manage.
Posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2005, at 20:40:29
In reply to Re: Zyprexa is great for anxiety, posted by Sebastian on December 30, 2005, at 12:54:51
Sometimes I wonder if any of these meds except benzos are worth the side effects. Benzos have been around long enough for any permanent, serious side effects to surface. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on December 30, 2005, at 22:53:07
In reply to Re: Zyprexa is great for anxiety, posted by Phillipa on December 30, 2005, at 20:40:29
And I have tried most of the Benzos and related meds, anything from Klonopin, Xanax, BuSpar, all types of sleeping pills and so many others.
Many of them did not have side effects, but many of them also did not have ANY effect, on me.
While we are on the subject, to me the most worthless meds are the SSRIs. I am sure there are people out there who speak of them in miraculous terms but the dozen or so I tried never did a thing for me.
Here's hoping you have found your med ....
Posted by rjlockhart on December 31, 2005, at 16:11:40
In reply to Re: Seroquel is my Benzo, posted by UgottaHaveHope on December 30, 2005, at 22:53:07
Posted by UgottaHaveHope on January 1, 2006, at 1:05:37
In reply to Re: Seroquel is my Benzo, posted by UgottaHaveHope on December 30, 2005, at 22:53:07
You will calm down after taking Seroquel. The only way on God's green Earth I can see that not happening is if you are taking other meds also (weird interaction). Just try it. It is not like the SSRIs. You will feel this within 30 minutes, not 30 days.
Posted by med_empowered on January 2, 2006, at 3:12:36
In reply to Re: Yes, it is like being shot with elephant dart, posted by UgottaHaveHope on January 1, 2006, at 1:05:37
I'm glad Seroquel and the other atypicals help some people with anxiety, but I think its important for doctors and patients to proceed with caution here. Benzos are actually pretty safe. They shouldn't be given to everyone (ideally, most people should be helped with non-chemical methods) and they shouldn't be used too frequently long-term (again, I think this is a good approach for *any* medication), but they are remarkably safe and predictable.
Antipsychotics, on the other hand, can be kind of tricky. There's some indication the akathisia induced by antipsychotics can **increase** violence, instead of reducing violence among the mentally ill. Also, there's the cost issue: these new drugs are very expensive, while benzos are very, very cheap.
Posted by sdb on January 2, 2006, at 13:55:38
In reply to Seroquel is great for anxiety, posted by UgottaHaveHope on December 30, 2005, at 10:09:01
Hi,
50mg/day is a quite tiny dosage and half-life isn't long. Do you split the 50mg per day dosage and when do you take it?
kind regards
sdb
This is the end of the thread.
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