Posted by stargazer on April 4, 2007, at 7:53:44
In reply to Re: Of course not » Racer, posted by Phillipa on April 3, 2007, at 21:30:42
Phillipa...
This past year I have tried the following meds...none of them were as bad as I anticipated and I can give my thoughts on them. The best for me has been Emsam and Abilify. With anxiety, you need to go with a less activating med and most of these were, with the exception of Emsam. Abilify gives me energy, but is not overly stimulating and works differently than the other AP's.
1.)Lamictal (Mood stabalizer): Not recommended as both you and I had problems, you had excessive salivation, I had balance probs.
2.)Seroquel(AP): this might work for you, it made me very tired, but low dose (25 mg) is a good place to start, 100 mg was too much for me. It made me forgetful and caused loss of balance.
3.)Cymbalta(SNRI): may help you, it made me too tired, even at a low dose, but may be good for your insomnia and anxiety.
4.) Emsam (MAOI): could even work for you despite others who found it too stimulating. At 6 mg, I had some stimulation at first but it has subsided now. You can use Seroquel or something else to combat this.
Rec: try it once for a few weeks.5.) Abilify(AP): I like effects, increased interest and motivation for me. I'm still on at low dose (5mg)with no side effects. You could even try 2.5 mg to start.
6.) Depakote (Mood stablizer): I never tried but it was recommended and I know is very good for anxiety. Side effect profile is MINIMAL and is safe for the elderly, meaning very safe profile and no danger with other meds. I can't try since I need energy not sedation, but for you may be great. Start at 125 mg.
7.) Other AP's: Geodon, Risperdal, Zyprexa, didn't do much for me, could work for you.
I too was very afraid of trying an AP, but after trying a few, they are not as bad as I belived and I am alive to tell my expereinces. Life has no guarantees but if you want to live and I know you do, you have to try a few at low doses.
You are such a fighter but sometimes your strength keeps you from trying things by focusing on the negative aspects of a solution. By trying some meds, you will save time by eliminating that choice which will always exist until you try it.
This is the only way we can help you, giving you our opinions and contiuing to motivate you to try things and not become paralyzed with indecision and rationale. It probably is the only thing you feel you control anymore because so much is out of your control from years of poorly controlled anxiety. It has taken its toll.
Spring is a time for rebirth...
Stargazer
poster:stargazer
thread:746524
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070402/msgs/746812.html