Posted by cache-monkey on November 8, 2005, at 16:27:09
In reply to Benzo or Anti-pyshc, posted by willyee on November 8, 2005, at 10:06:00
Kind of a tough choice.
Benzos are really the best agents against classic forms of anxiety. The primary problems with benzos, of course, are tolerance and withdrawal. However, my understanding of the Harvard study of Klonopin for panic is that most participants were able to find a dose at which tolerance did not develop. Withdrawing from a benzo can be pretty hard for some people, although a lot less hard when using a valium taper. Secondardy issues with the benzos: cognitive dulling (less of a problem with Klonopin, I've heard) and exacerbation of depression. The latter varies from person to person and may not be an issue with an AD on board.
Racing thoughts and hyperactiveness sound like possible indicators of mild (dysphoric) hypomania. In which case a mood stabilizer or an atypical AP might be more beneficial.
As far as the atypicals: I've heard that they can be pretty effective for what you describe. They do come with a different potential set of side effects: mostly EPS and reduced prolactin with Risperdal if memory serves me correctly. EPS is still rare, though, unless you've got freaky-sensitive D-2 receptors like I do.
Another thing I wonder about is the Ritalin. I am wondering whether that might be leading to some of these anxiety-like conditions. Have you tried reducing the Ritalin to see if that helps? (Or do you lose the AD benefit?)
Best,
cache-monkey
> Right now im having a lot of trouble with anxiety,or racing mind,hyperactivness etc....
>
> Klonopin has been my weapon of choice,as well as Nuerontion as needed.Right now i wanna toss all of it in the cr*pper.
>
> Im on parnate/ritalin AD combo which works ,least i think,can anyone tell me if risperdal might benifit me more than klonopin in these side effects im having?
poster:cache-monkey
thread:576687
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051106/msgs/576810.html