Posted by Lindenblüte on September 28, 2006, at 15:55:54
In reply to Re: do I need something for anxiety? » Lindenblüte, posted by SLS on September 26, 2006, at 8:18:56
I typed a lovely response to your post yesterday. I guess it didn't stick. I HATE it when that happens. sorry.
> For the intermittent use you are indicating, Xanax or Ativan probably make the most sense. Benzodiazepines can be enormously effective and safe tools if you look at them as such. If you respect them, they can be very helpful. Personally, I have not found either of these drugs to be depressive, sedating, or emotionally blunting. They are calming. I think, in a way, this is emotionally diffusing. Xanax is probably more so than Ativan. I used Ativan at night for sleep. However, during the day, it was anxiolytic. Xanax is probably better for panic disorder or social phobia. I prefer Ativan because I felt less intoxicated and more clear-headed. Everyone is different, though.
>
> > I explained to him that I was having uncontrollable outbursts of really strong emotions, like rage, and tears, and inappropriate laughter, etc, and that I was spending hours at home, shaking, and having suicidal thoughts for the first time in a long time
>
> For stuff like this, I think Xanax would be better. It is more potent as an anxiolytic and has antidepressant properties.Okay, thanks for this info. I will look into it online. I'm not so worried about the abuse potential. currently I'm abusing myself (SI) so, I guess I should tell pdoc more about this stuff. He might change his mind.
> By the way, is there any history of mental illness in your family? Bipolar disorder?
Oh YES! Uncle: schizophrenic. institutionalized for several years, committed suicide in his late 20's. Brother 1) Dx with either bipolar or unipolar depression. hospitalized for a year as inpatient. Multiple suicide attempts. Violent temper, etc... "recovered" for the last few years. Brother 2) Dx with depression as a child. (therapy, no meds, currently doing well) 3) Mom: Dx with depression at several points, but also has a sh*tty marriage and chronic hypothyroidism and sleep disorders narcolepsy and apnea, which complicate matters 4)Dad, who my psychologist believes is bipolar, and also has severe childhood neurological disorders and learning disability.
Me? I'm perfect. No problems here. I'm the healthy one. Well-adjusted and cheerful!
> I agree with Alexandra that you should do as much as you can to reduce your levels of anxiety through techniques of the mind since it is activity of the mind that is triggering the anxiety episodes in the first place. If you reduce the "anxious pressure" that you are placing on the brain, you might be able to reduce the biological force that drives these episodes. Perhaps you can ask some questions over on the Psychology board for suggestions on how to deal with the anxiety as memories, thoughts, and emotions emerge as a result of your psychotherapy.
thanks- I have had to quit doing PT/bodywork, 'cause it was causing me anxiety (required hands-on contact from a man) and meditation scares the crap out of me! Had to quit, 'cause I kept on getting these flashbacks and really nasty feelings... aerobic exercise is something I need to pursue, but at the moment I've got some asthma (they're painting the walls in my office building. I had to leave after an hour today). So, that's out. I know I just need to be patient with the therapy, but I'm kinda struggling... :(> What's going on with the Seroquel and the Provigil?
>seroquel- have been taking 12.5 to 25 mg for months (depression insomnia) and recently increased to 50 mg when pdoc didn't want to give me anything for my anxiety. He had no problem with the seroquel increase.
provigil- 90 mg of cymbalta makes me yawn and nap all day long. ugh. now I'm awake.
poster:Lindenblüte
thread:689265
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060927/msgs/689980.html