Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 399779

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Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---utopizen

Posted by utopizen on October 7, 2004, at 8:54:52

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---utopizen, posted by mcp on October 7, 2004, at 2:43:33

> No disrespect, but I think it is reckless and irresponsible for you to casually recommend someone take an AD and join the AD for life club, as you put it.
>

Saying that I "casually" recommend this peson to do this is wrong. It's disrespectful and insulting to characterize my language in such a way, and I don't think it's appropriate. I never casually said anything-- I simply said it. Ultimately, someone has to go to a doctor, and that suggests they need to SERIOUSLY consider these things.

There's nothing "casual" about a prescription medicine. Please be more polite in the future. thanks! =)

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---utopizen

Posted by utopizen on October 7, 2004, at 8:58:26

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---utopizen, posted by mcp on October 7, 2004, at 2:43:33

> No disrespect, but I think it is reckless and irresponsible for you to casually recommend someone take an AD and join the AD for life club, as you put it.
>

sorry, but I rather like how users on this board tend to refrain from characterizing other users' language in such a way. It's why I use this and avoid the curmudgeons on Usenet!

I hope you enjoy this board, and avoid trying to make such judgement calls as this. I think you should realize I'm a pretty serious kid, and I don't lightly advise people things-- I think these are serious matters, and that's inferred by the fact that you must see a doctor over them. Have an enjoyable day!

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos: Xanax/Ativan?

Posted by cache-monkey on October 7, 2004, at 13:47:35

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos, posted by Fred23 on October 6, 2004, at 22:58:36

<<
> I seem to recall a benzo that actually has antidepressant qualities, but I'm not sure it is available in the US.

You're thinking of Xanax, which is available, but doctors are less likely to prescribe it now due to its bad reputation.


Ativan is another benzo that doesn't worsen depressions, and is less sedating that Klonopin, but doesn't have as long of a duration of action.
>>

So, my pdoc has been giving me a prescription for Xanax to help with my bouts of anxiety and near-panic-attacks. Low dose; 0.25mg tablets, which I take maybe 5 of a week. Thing about it is that I can sometimes feel a little "hung over" the next day when I take one in the evening. Is this common to all benzos, or is it some reaction I'm having to Xanax?

I'm thinking about asking for a different benzo and had been thinking about Klonopin because of its long half-life. (In the back of my mind I'm worried about getting dependent. I've been fine so far with the Xanax, as indicated above, but I'm pretty thoroughly addicted to cigarettes, so...) But I'm concerned about Klonopin's potential for depression because I tend to have dysthymia.

So I'm wondering about Ativan. Anyone have experiences with it? Efficacy? Any sort of "hang over" effect?

Thanks for your feedback,
cache-monkey

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos: Xanax/Ativan?

Posted by KevinM on October 7, 2004, at 20:05:56

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos: Xanax/Ativan?, posted by cache-monkey on October 7, 2004, at 13:47:35

> <<
> > I seem to recall a benzo that actually has antidepressant qualities, but I'm not sure it is available in the US.
>
> You're thinking of Xanax, which is available, but doctors are less likely to prescribe it now due to its bad reputation.
>
>
> Ativan is another benzo that doesn't worsen depressions, and is less sedating that Klonopin, but doesn't have as long of a duration of action.
> >>
>
> So, my pdoc has been giving me a prescription for Xanax to help with my bouts of anxiety and near-panic-attacks. Low dose; 0.25mg tablets, which I take maybe 5 of a week. Thing about it is that I can sometimes feel a little "hung over" the next day when I take one in the evening. Is this common to all benzos, or is it some reaction I'm having to Xanax?
>
> I'm thinking about asking for a different benzo and had been thinking about Klonopin because of its long half-life. (In the back of my mind I'm worried about getting dependent. I've been fine so far with the Xanax, as indicated above, but I'm pretty thoroughly addicted to cigarettes, so...) But I'm concerned about Klonopin's potential for depression because I tend to have dysthymia.
>
> So I'm wondering about Ativan. Anyone have experiences with it? Efficacy? Any sort of "hang over" effect?
>
> Thanks for your feedback,
> cache-monkey
>
>

I found the name of the drug I was thinking about-adinazolam. Unfortunately not available in the US. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030723/msgs/245823.html

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos » KevinM

Posted by Michael Bell on October 7, 2004, at 20:32:27

In reply to Help with anxiety/benzos, posted by KevinM on October 6, 2004, at 19:38:41

Kevin, for those doctors that specialize in continuous anxiety disorders (such as GAD or SP), klonopin is the first line of defense. Period. However, it can lead to low grade depression, anhedonia, or dysthymia, call it what you want. I myself have experienced this problem. For some people, augmenting with an antidepressant helps. For many others, however, SSRIs do nothing or only worsen the apathetic feelings.

I would recommend trying to augment with one of the following: Amisulpride, very low dose Selegiline (note: selegiline by itself is not good for anxiety), Adrafinil or low dose Adderall/Dexedrine. Regarding Adderall and Dexedrine, this may be very difficult for you to get, and you need to understand the risks involved in taking amphetamines.

Also, I found Reboxetine to be better for apathy than SSRIs. However, it cause some sexual side effects and sleep problems that eventually led to discontinuation.

Good luck.


> I have been taking Klonopin for several weeks and it has helped greatly with my anxiety. Unfortunately it started causing a depression that I haven't felt for some time. Does anyone have an opinion of an alternative that might be better in that regard? I get the impression that Klonopin is more "PC" than others although my Pdoc is usually open to suggestions. Thanks for your help.

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos

Posted by utopizen on October 7, 2004, at 21:59:55

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos » KevinM, posted by Michael Bell on October 7, 2004, at 20:32:27

Taking a benzo other than Klonopin because of depression as a side-effect really needs to be re-thought. Stop and examine what's REALLY agitating things. Sure, Klonopin can lead to depression, but let's not kid ourselves: there's people who never get depressed while on Klonopin for years, and no one knows why.

You may simply be more prone to experiencing depression, especially given that you already have a mental illness. The Klonopin may simply be agitating existing factors in your life. Maybe your support system or life events are stressing you out, maybe you lack a mate at the time, I have no clue. But it's very important to consider all these things, and take them seriously. CBT is very important too. There's no guarantee simply removing Klonopin will remove your depression, and trying to focus all of your energy on benzo alternatives might be interfering with your other options.

Talk to your doc/therapist, and take one thing at a time. But most importantly, chill- you're smart, and are sure to get to the matter at some point.

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---partlycloudy

Posted by mcp on October 8, 2004, at 4:23:37

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---utopizen » mcp, posted by partlycloudy on October 7, 2004, at 6:58:16

> So what would be your advice to Kevin if ADs are the last resort?
> pc
>

WIthout getting into my personal feelings about how liberally these drugs are prescribed and often as a first resort, let me just point out some obvious things. Therapy. Nutrition. Exercise. Natural Alternatives. If all three are given a genuine effort then a synthetic drug may not be needed. If it is, then so be it, but never as a first resort. Just my opinion

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---utopizen

Posted by mcp on October 8, 2004, at 4:33:58

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---utopizen, posted by utopizen on October 7, 2004, at 8:54:52

Perhaps casually was a poor choice of words. I apologize for offending you. Nevertheless, it doesn't take away from my point.

"Moral of the story: try lowering or substituting the Klonopin, but don't look for this as a solution within itself: if you're like me, join the antidepressant for life club. (Start trying 'em for social anxiety disorder, stay on 'em once you get depression)."

I just find it bothersome that you suggest he goes on the AD for life club. Also, "start trying 'em for social anxiety disorder, stay on 'em once you get depression." No, don't start trying 'em. That is where I got the casual reference. There are a myriad of things people should take a strong look at and try before they start trying 'em. My impression is that you are of the medicate it first crowd. If am wrong, then you can correct me. I think this crowd, which is pervasive on this board, have not fully examined all the things you can do before resorting to the drastic step of taking a dangerous drug. Hope I didn't offend you here either. Just my opinion. All the best

> > No disrespect, but I think it is reckless and irresponsible for you to casually recommend someone take an AD and join the AD for life club, as you put it.
> >
>
> Saying that I "casually" recommend this peson to do this is wrong. It's disrespectful and insulting to characterize my language in such a way, and I don't think it's appropriate. I never casually said anything-- I simply said it. Ultimately, someone has to go to a doctor, and that suggests they need to SERIOUSLY consider these things.
>
> There's nothing "casual" about a prescription medicine. Please be more polite in the future. thanks! =)

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos

Posted by KevinM on October 8, 2004, at 8:00:04

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos, posted by utopizen on October 7, 2004, at 21:59:55

> Taking a benzo other than Klonopin because of depression as a side-effect really needs to be re-thought. Stop and examine what's REALLY agitating things. Sure, Klonopin can lead to depression, but let's not kid ourselves: there's people who never get depressed while on Klonopin for years, and no one knows why.
>
> You may simply be more prone to experiencing depression, especially given that you already have a mental illness. The Klonopin may simply be agitating existing factors in your life. Maybe your support system or life events are stressing you out, maybe you lack a mate at the time, I have no clue. But it's very important to consider all these things, and take them seriously. CBT is very important too. There's no guarantee simply removing Klonopin will remove your depression, and trying to focus all of your energy on benzo alternatives might be interfering with your other options.
>
> Talk to your doc/therapist, and take one thing at a time. But most importantly, chill- you're smart, and are sure to get to the matter at some point.

Yes, I'm prone to depression. Everything I have read regarding Klonopin as it relates to making one more depressed indicates this may be a factor. I know there is no magic bullet. I have taken many medications (including Nardil) as well as CBT. I have SP- Klonopin has been something I have taken situationally before. Recently, I thought taking Klonopin on a regular basis would be worth a trial. It worked *very* well until the depression started. I'm not sure in the long term it would have made as much of a difference. Experience has told me the effect any medication can make may only be temporary. But even if this is the case, hopefully I can gain something- even if it is just insight during that period of time.

While I gather any benzo can cause depression, I'm just seeing if anyone has an opinion or experience as to if there may be a better alternative to Klonopin. Perhaps there no clear cut answer.

I understand what your saying :) Thanks for writing.

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos

Posted by Squiggles on October 8, 2004, at 8:16:41

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos, posted by KevinM on October 8, 2004, at 8:00:04

I would be interested to know if people
discussing K here, are taking it WITH
ADs or without; i have no depression
with it at all and take Lithium; however,
my friend may have started getting depression
when taking it with Imipramine. Perhaps
the drug interactions are different.

BTW, I just saw an interesting article on
BMJ on fetal anti-convulsant syndrome with
epileptic drugs (of which I *think* K is one).

Its virtue seems to be the low tolerance
build-up over years, but its disadvantage
is the impossibility of getting off it after
years.

Squiggles

 

Re: please be civil » utopizen » mcp

Posted by Dr. Bob on October 8, 2004, at 18:32:11

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---utopizen, posted by mcp on October 8, 2004, at 4:33:58

> I think it is reckless and irresponsible...
>
> mcp

> It's disrespectful and insulting...
>
> utopizen

> I just find it bothersome...
> I think this crowd, which is pervasive on this board, have not fully examined all the things you can do before resorting to the drastic step of taking a dangerous drug.
>
> mcp

Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down or jump to conclusions about them.

Sharing something about your own issues and their possible role in your reaction might be an interesting exercise -- and might help others respond to you supportively.

If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil

Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.

Thanks,

Bob

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos: Xanax/Ativan? » cache-monkey

Posted by Fred23 on October 8, 2004, at 19:33:47

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos: Xanax/Ativan?, posted by cache-monkey on October 7, 2004, at 13:47:35

> So I'm wondering about Ativan. Anyone have experiences with it? Efficacy? Any sort of "hang over" effect?

After spending a few months working with it, and getting my GP to up the dose once, so far, it seems that it may be the trickiest one to take effectively.

Therefore it is likely that it is not being prescribed in an effective way, leading patients to think that it "doesn't work." Which then means they have to "choose" between Xanax or Klonopin.

What I've learned so far:
1. I takes at least as four time as much Ativan to be as effective as Xanax.
2. Its duration of action is much shorter than its rated half-life, so a dose is needed every 6 hours or so.
3. Real Ativan is needed; the generic is useless.
4. It takes longer to find the "right" daily dose, so more upping of the dosage may be needed along the way.
5. Ativan has a more human "feel" to it than Xanax, which is somewhat distancing.

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos

Posted by utopizen on October 8, 2004, at 22:23:39

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos, posted by KevinM on October 8, 2004, at 8:00:04

> I understand what your saying :) Thanks for writing.

I think you're following the advice, certainly, just trying to keep you encouraged. But maybe lowering the dose, switching to prn use only, with maybe a two week wash out even (of course-- after a CAREFUL tapering off the stuff with your doctor!!!) MIGHT let you have a chance to see what you're like without Klonopin.

I got depressed on Klonopin, too, but it was likely the combination of being off an antidepressant and being with the roommate from hell all at once that my roommates clearly recgonized caused it. I went from being the happiest (albeit socially anxious+akward until I went on Klonopin) to being the most depressed kid on Earth! It's trying, I know.

Maybe an antipsychotic? I dunno, I'm just talking to myself here-- but sometimes combining the antidepressant with the antipsychotic can help bring some relief. I forget if you've said you've tried an AP or not.

I do remember, after being depressed, the Klonopin seemed to have the effect of making me have this really sleepy depression. I'm still depressed now, and again not blaming just the Klonopin-- we don't take these meds in a vacuum, of course- but off the Klonopin, I don't feel tired.

I'm going back on it tomorrow, Yay!, and hopefully I'll not feel tired, just like I felt when I first went on the stuff two years ago. Crossing fingers!

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---partlycloudy

Posted by utopizen on October 8, 2004, at 22:27:40

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---partlycloudy, posted by mcp on October 8, 2004, at 4:23:37


> WIthout getting into my personal feelings about how liberally these drugs are prescribed and often as a first resort, let me just point out some obvious things. Therapy. Nutrition. Exercise. Natural Alternatives. If all three are given a genuine effort then a synthetic drug may not be needed. If it is, then so be it, but never as a first resort. Just my opinion
>

you said it! these are all great things that we all should explore. And meds often allow us to make these things work for us. You might say meds HELP us to these things, follow these regimens.

I've read that minor depression can effectively be controlled through exercising 3x/day. Great! If I had minor depression, I'd be encouraged! =) I exercise daily, on my bike, and it helps. But it's just a few hours. The meds help somewhat too. I wish more so than they did, but of course, that's why I exercise as well...

No one wants to take meds. We'd all prefer to use exercise, good nutrition, etc. over meds. The side effects just aren't that cool, and I think the fact that we resort to using this board says that loud and clear. These meds sometimes lead us to suffer. But we take them because we know we suffer more without them, in many cases. I encourage you to explore all your options, just as I routinely have said similiar advice to so many on this board. =)

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos: Xanax/Ativan? » Fred23

Posted by cache-monkey on October 9, 2004, at 1:55:15

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos: Xanax/Ativan? » cache-monkey, posted by Fred23 on October 8, 2004, at 19:33:47

> > So I'm wondering about Ativan. Anyone have experiences with it? Efficacy? Any sort of "hang over" effect?
>
> After spending a few months working with it, and getting my GP to up the dose once, so far, it seems that it may be the trickiest one to take effectively.
>
> Therefore it is likely that it is not being prescribed in an effective way, leading patients to think that it "doesn't work." Which then means they have to "choose" between Xanax or Klonopin.
>
> What I've learned so far:
> 1. I takes at least as four time as much Ativan to be as effective as Xanax.
> 2. Its duration of action is much shorter than its rated half-life, so a dose is needed every 6 hours or so.
> 3. Real Ativan is needed; the generic is useless.
> 4. It takes longer to find the "right" daily dose, so more upping of the dosage may be needed along the way.
> 5. Ativan has a more human "feel" to it than Xanax, which is somewhat distancing.
>

Thanks for the input! For me I find that the lowest dose of Xanax (0.25 mg) immediate release has usually done the trick. (Although I took two at one point for my Cymbalta-induced freak out...)

So I'm wondering how to translate that to Ativan. Could you tell me what dose and frequency worked for you with both Xanax and Ativan? That might help with the translation, although I suspect it varies from person to person.

Thanks again,
cache-monkey

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos: Xanax/Ativan? » cache-monkey

Posted by Fred23 on October 9, 2004, at 10:13:35

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos: Xanax/Ativan? » Fred23, posted by cache-monkey on October 9, 2004, at 1:55:15

> Thanks for the input! For me I find that the lowest dose of Xanax (0.25 mg) immediate release has usually done the trick. (Although I took two at one point for my Cymbalta-induced freak out...)

> So I'm wondering how to translate that to Ativan. Could you tell me what dose and frequency worked for you with both Xanax and Ativan? That might help with the translation, although I suspect it varies from person to person.

With Xanax "borrowed" from a friend who wasn't taking it, I found that simply one 0.5 mg dose after breakfast, along with a low dose of a doctor-prescribed beta-blocker, was "enough" for the whole day.

On the followup visit I asked my GP for a benzo to do for my mind what the beta-blocker was doing for my body. He (reluctantly) prescribed a low dose of Ativan, as the generic lorazepam.

It did not behave at all like something half the strength of Xanax, with approximately the same half-life, as the books and charts show.

On the first refill, I switched to real name brand Ativan, which at least had anxiolytic properties, and didn't just act like a sleeping pill. Then I found that the "duration of action" was much shorter than Xanax, so more than one dose per day was needed. And I found that Ativan was more like one *fourth* the effective strength of Xanax. E.g., to be equivalent to 0.5 mg of Xanax, at least 2.0 mg of Ativan is needed, but throughout the day, not all at once.

The typical *starting* dose range for Ativan is 2 - 3 mg per day, so if I've "worked up to" 2.0 mg after 3 months, I'm hoping that if I need it raised to 2.5 mg per day, my GP won't consider that the dreaded "escalation" that doctors are supposed to be on the alert for.

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos

Posted by thug life on October 9, 2004, at 10:46:48

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos---utopizen, posted by mcp on October 8, 2004, at 4:33:58

I consider myself somewhat of a guinea pig when it comes to benzo's.Currently I am on 6mgs a day of Klonopin and found it has never given me depression and doesnt make me sleepy.I basically don't feel anything.The thing thats happening is my anxiety and panic is under full control.A lot of times ,speaking real, some people look for that sorta "high"that overcomes them to control anxiety.I believe those that do this are setting themselves up for hardship.At first I understand people need help but I also understand you need to not have that high feeling,and need a little anxiety to be able to work through it by using self-talk.Xanax to me will be abused the most..... obviously.Its like you become a slave to that pill,carrying them wherever you go etc.
I found myself almost after being diagnosed being reliant on Xanax too much.i realized I was using anxiety as an excuse.I was being reactive to my pain instead of proactive.I think Frued said we put ourselves like that...we keep ourselves sick...to get attention,understanding etc.Its like when most people catch a cold they really consume themselves with being sick and really dont want to get better.People are doing everything for them so....it feels goood to be taken care of.I guess it goes back to childhhood,having your mom be there for you.I dont know these are my ramblings......Klonopin is really the best med IMO.Withdrawl from these meds can be unpleasnt so you have to look at that aspect down the road.

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos

Posted by mattw84 on October 9, 2004, at 11:15:28

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos, posted by thug life on October 9, 2004, at 10:46:48

Exactly, you do become a "slave" to Xanax. And in very little time at that. I found myself pocketing it instantly right along with my adderall. Seems contradictory... I would avoid Xanax even though it is probably the most effective benzo available. I am currently taking Klonopin in the morning and before bed. It has controlled my anxiety perfectly without any hint of addictive potential. GL

Matt

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos

Posted by Snowie on October 12, 2004, at 0:16:52

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos, posted by mattw84 on October 9, 2004, at 11:15:28

Guess I'll put in my 10 cents to these benzo posts. I have probably social anxiety with a little agoraphobia mixed in for good measure.

My first pdoc started me on Xanax years ago, with great success at first. I must have been taking about 2-3 mgs. of Xanax per day. Unfortunately I was never told about the dependency issue of Xanax, and, of course, after I started reading up about it I got spooked, although I continued taking it. I didn't get any highs from taking Xanax, but I did get the rebound withdrawal symptoms before my next pill, which I didn't like. It made me feel something like an addict, which bothered me.

I tried Klonopin for several months until I started experiencing depression for the first time, and eventually went back to Xanax. I later tried Klonopin again with terrible results. This time I had withdrawal symptoms from Xanax I suppose, which was surprising since I didn't have it the first time I switched from Xanax to Klonopin.

I've also tried Ativan at some point, and I've been taking 15 mg. of Tranxene in the mornings for a couple of years. I augment that with Neurontin which keeps my anxiety level manageable.

Now down to the nitty gritty about what worked and what didn't work so well for me. Xanax worked very well for many years on anxiety and social anxiety. No highs, just that darned rebound anxiety before the next pill that I didn't like. Klonopin did wonders for my social anxiety the first time I took it, but I felt spaced out while on it some of the time. No highs on it either, but I developed depression after about 5 months of taking it, plus I also developed a bit of aggression, so I went back to Xanax. Like I said, the second time I tried Klonopin I went off of it quickly because I had strange withdrawal effects supposedly from the Xanax. Ativan didn't really do anything for me to be honest. It could have been a sugar pill for all the good it did. A couple of years ago, Xanax seemed to poop out so I tried Neurontin, which helped a lot for some reason. I then started taking Tranxene. Tranxene doesn't help much at all with social anxiety but it does okay with general anxiety, as long as I supplement it with Neurontin.

I'm considering Xanax XR, but have heard good and bad things about it. I would love to find something that lasts a long time without the rebound withdrawal effects I experienced with regular Xanax, doesn't cause depression that I experienced with Klonopin, and helps with social anxiety (unlike Tranxene or even Ativan). I also don't want anything that would cause me to gain weight.

Snowie

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos -- Xanax XR

Posted by awatts on October 13, 2004, at 10:03:58

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos, posted by Snowie on October 12, 2004, at 0:16:52

> ...
> I'm considering Xanax XR, but have heard good and bad things about it. I would love to find something that lasts a long time without the rebound withdrawal effects I experienced with regular Xanax, doesn't cause depression that I experienced with Klonopin, and helps with social anxiety (unlike Tranxene or even Ativan). I also don't want anything that would cause me to gain weight.
>
> Snowie

I'm curious about the "bad things" that you've heard about Xanax XR. I've switched to the XR version and it levels things out. I experience no highs from it, and no longer anxiously wait for the next dose to feel normal again. However, it does not last 24 hours for me, so I take it twice a day.

Please elaborate on the bad things you've heard about XR so I can be on the lookout for them.

Thanks

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos -- Xanax XR

Posted by Squiggles on October 13, 2004, at 10:33:17

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos -- Xanax XR, posted by awatts on October 13, 2004, at 10:03:58

I thought the virtue of Xanax was
its special application to panic
attacks on account of its speed of action.

I hope they don't replace the old one
with the new XR version. There are other
"fast" short half-life benzos, though.

Squiggles

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos » Snowie

Posted by jboud24 on October 14, 2004, at 18:32:35

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos, posted by Snowie on October 12, 2004, at 0:16:52

My experience with benzos for Social anxiety has been:
A) They all work to some extent

B) Ativan is weak for me

C) Valium and Klonopin work the best for me

D) Xanax works very well to, but its majorly
short T1/2 left me with 4x daily dosing and rebound anxiety, and dosage escalation over the course of ~1 1/2 years.

Perhaps adding and Anti-Depressant like zoloft at a low dose would allow you take the long half life benzos and avoid the depression.

Hope that helps,
Justin

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos -- Xanax XR » awatts

Posted by Snowie on October 15, 2004, at 11:03:47

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos -- Xanax XR, posted by awatts on October 13, 2004, at 10:03:58

Hi,

Well, to start off, I can't elaborate for you as to what "bad" from Xanax XR you may experience either now or in the future because since you are taking it and it seems to be working for you, that's half the battle.

My pdoc knows that I took regular Xanax for years, but he hasn't done much to get me to try Xanax XR now, even though I have asked him about it. I don't remember what his answer was, to be honest. I was very interested in Xanax XR years ago (before it finally got FDA approval here in the States) because a few people that I used to chat with in Europe were taking it and they had great things to say about it, which is why I have been reading as many posts about it as possible.

The "good" I've heard is that it supposedly lasts much longer than regular Xanax and that it decreases or eliminates the rebound anxiety effect. The "bad" (bad in the sense that it's disappointing) is that it is much more expensive than regular Xanax, and rather than only take 1 pill a day, many have found that they need to take at least 2 pills a day, if not more. Another "bad" I've read about is that it doesn't seem to have the same potency as regular Xanax. I do hope Xanax XR would work as well as regular Xanax, without the highs and lows. For me, regular Xanax worked great for several hours, and then an hour or so before my next pill it started to wear off very fast. I would hope that Xanax XR would wear on all day without that huge drop at the end.

Hope this answers your question.

Snowie

> > I'm considering Xanax XR, but have heard good and bad things about it. I would love to find something that lasts a long time without the rebound withdrawal effects I experienced with regular Xanax, doesn't cause depression that I experienced with Klonopin, and helps with social anxiety (unlike Tranxene or even Ativan). I also don't want anything that would cause me to gain weight.
> >
> > Snowie
>
> I'm curious about the "bad things" that you've heard about Xanax XR. I've switched to the XR version and it levels things out. I experience no highs from it, and no longer anxiously wait for the next dose to feel normal again. However, it does not last 24 hours for me, so I take it twice a day.
>
> Please elaborate on the bad things you've heard about XR so I can be on the lookout for them.
>
> Thanks

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos -- Xanax XR » Squiggles

Posted by Snowie on October 15, 2004, at 11:11:37

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos -- Xanax XR, posted by Squiggles on October 13, 2004, at 10:33:17

I suspect that you are right. If you have a panic attack and need relief very quickly, regular Xanax would probably be your best med. Luckily, I don't have that problem. I can't imagine that they would ever replace what is now a relatively inexpensive generic with an expensive, name brand XR.

Snowie

> I thought the virtue of Xanax was
> its special application to panic
> attacks on account of its speed of action.
>
> I hope they don't replace the old one
> with the new XR version. There are other
> "fast" short half-life benzos, though.
>
> Squiggles

 

Re: Help with anxiety/benzos » jboud24

Posted by Snowie on October 15, 2004, at 11:17:55

In reply to Re: Help with anxiety/benzos » Snowie, posted by jboud24 on October 14, 2004, at 18:32:35

Some have worked for me better on social anxiety than others, but they all seem to have their pros and cons. Tranxene hasn't helped me much with social anxiety, but adding a little Neurontin has made it more effective. However, my libido is at an all-time low. I haven't done well in the past adding an A/D to the mix. Zoloft gave me a rash, and Prozac made me feel like a zombie.

Snowie

> My experience with benzos for Social anxiety has been:
> A) They all work to some extent
>
> B) Ativan is weak for me
>
> C) Valium and Klonopin work the best for me
>
> D) Xanax works very well to, but its majorly
> short T1/2 left me with 4x daily dosing and rebound anxiety, and dosage escalation over the course of ~1 1/2 years.
>
> Perhaps adding and Anti-Depressant like zoloft at a low dose would allow you take the long half life benzos and avoid the depression.
>
> Hope that helps,
> Justin


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