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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by disney4 on January 27, 2003, at 8:06:21
Could Buspar be the answer for someone like me who is very medication sensitive, and needs something to help with anxiety and act as a mild AD? I understand it acts as a mild dopamine enhancer, as well as possibly having a mild effect on NE and SER. My only concern is TD, which is a small possibility on this med, as it does act on dopamine, although I have heard the same about Wellbutrin and other AD's, although it is not a common occurance. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Elsie
Posted by zeugma on January 27, 2003, at 9:20:33
In reply to WHAT ABOUT BUSPAR???!!!, posted by disney4 on January 27, 2003, at 8:06:21
> Could Buspar be the answer for someone like me who is very medication sensitive, and needs something to help with anxiety and act as a mild AD? I understand it acts as a mild dopamine enhancer, as well as possibly having a mild effect on NE and SER. My only concern is TD, which is a small possibility on this med, as it does act on dopamine, although I have heard the same about Wellbutrin and other AD's, although it is not a common occurance. Any thoughts?
> Thanks,
> Elsie
I have found Buspar very helpful for a month now. My therapist said that because I have a history of being medication sensitive, there was a better chance of it working; it's a subtle drug, so she said, so it's helpful mostly for those sensitive to subtle effects.
From what I've been able to gather, there is little chance of TD. It's a dopamine agonist, not a dopamine antagonist like neuroleptics, so it doesn't carry the same kind of risk.
Posted by disney4 on January 27, 2003, at 9:25:33
In reply to Re: WHAT ABOUT BUSPAR???!!! » disney4, posted by zeugma on January 27, 2003, at 9:20:33
Does it help you with depression or just anxiety? Have you had any side effects?
Posted by zeugma on January 27, 2003, at 10:11:36
In reply to Re: WHAT ABOUT BUSPAR???!!! » zeugma, posted by disney4 on January 27, 2003, at 9:25:33
> Does it help you with depression or just anxiety? Have you had any side effects?
Only side effects I've had are occasional lightheadedness and dizziness.I think that it is helping with depression as well as anxiety. I also take low-dose nortriptyline, and while this helps with things like sleep and appetite (when I get depressed I can't eat A THING), I wasn't feeling too good as far as mood went. I immediately felt better on Buspar. What I'm noticing now is that anxiety has been the trigger for a lot of depression. My form of GAD tands to manifest mostly in two ways: fear of getting sick thru something i eat, and social phobia. So yesterday I went for some pizza, and it didn't taste EXACTLY the same as it usually does- not saying it tasted BAD, but in the past even a slight difference in any aspect would trigger a low-grade panic attack, I'd throw the food out and then ruminate on it for hours which would lead to insomnia and depression. This used to happen all the time, but last night I noticed I was able to remain calm and even finish eating. I got to sleep fairly early last night and woke up this morning feeling OK- before I started on the Buspar this was very rare even if I went to sleep early, but it's getting to be 'normal' for me now.
So I'd say it definitely helps with both.
By the way, I just called my pdoc to let him know how I'm doing in the med- I'm increasing my dosage to 30mg/day (10mg 3x/day with meals) from 20 mg/ day because it seems to wear off after around 8 hours.
Posted by Dave1 on January 27, 2003, at 19:54:18
In reply to WHAT ABOUT BUSPAR???!!!, posted by disney4 on January 27, 2003, at 8:06:21
Does anyone know if it helps with OCD?
Thanks,
Dave
Posted by disney4 on January 28, 2003, at 11:03:03
In reply to Re: WHAT ABOUT BUSPAR-OCD, posted by Dave1 on January 27, 2003, at 19:54:18
Hi Dave,
At least in theory, Buspar is supposed to help OCD, as OCD is an anxiety disorder and Buspar is primarily an anxiety med. In practicality I'm not sure how much it would actually help. I have OCD myself, but can't tolerate the SSRI meds. I am currently looking into Gepirone, which is the chemical cousin to Buspar, but is supposed to pack more of a punch for depression. Good luck and keep me posted on your progress.
Elsie
Posted by Dave1 on January 28, 2003, at 19:23:41
In reply to Re: WHAT ABOUT BUSPAR-OCD » Dave1, posted by disney4 on January 28, 2003, at 11:03:03
Hi Elsie,
Maybe you should try low dose risperdal. I took it when it first came out and it helped my OCD temporarily. They say your supposed to take it with an SSRI, but I took it alone. There are some posts on it by Yeltom.
Dave
Posted by zeugma on January 29, 2003, at 13:37:30
In reply to Re: WHAT ABOUT BUSPAR-OCD » disney4, posted by Dave1 on January 28, 2003, at 19:23:41
> Hi Elsie,
>
> Maybe you should try low dose risperdal. I took it when it first came out and it helped my OCD temporarily. They say your supposed to take it with an SSRI, but I took it alone. There are some posts on it by Yeltom.
>
> DaveJust curious- is it wise to take an AP for OCD? I have heard that the risk of EPS is greater for non-psychotic patients on AP's.
Posted by disney4 on January 29, 2003, at 14:25:04
In reply to Re: WHAT ABOUT BUSPAR-OCD » disney4, posted by Dave1 on January 28, 2003, at 19:23:41
I am so afraid of the atypicals, well actually afraid of almost all meds now, because I am so med sensitive! I am looking into the Straterra too, because I am really depressed more than anxious.
Posted by sl on January 29, 2003, at 20:49:54
In reply to WHAT ABOUT BUSPAR???!!!, posted by disney4 on January 27, 2003, at 8:06:21
Hey....
If you have any trouble...urinating...call your doctor immediately and/or skip your next dose if possible.
It's apparently a very rare side-effect, but I and one other on this board have experienced it with Buspar. Not fun. Not common, either, but something you can catch early if you're watching for it.Luck!
sl
Posted by Dave1 on January 30, 2003, at 0:45:08
In reply to Re: WHAT ABOUT BUSPAR-OCD » Dave1, posted by zeugma on January 29, 2003, at 13:37:30
I think the new APs are supposed to be pretty safe with regards to EPS.
Dave
This is the end of the thread.
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