Posted by fuzz54 on October 5, 2007, at 11:41:52
In reply to Best med for GAD to substitute for Benzo., posted by torachan on October 4, 2007, at 9:03:18
As I understand it, Paxil is the best SSRI for hitting GAD, depression, and OCD. Although I'm guessing you've already tried it. How long have you stuck with these SSRIs that you tried before giving up on them? It can take 6 to 8 weeks before the initial increase in anxiety from an SSRI will go away if it does. I experienced a definite increase in anxiety on paxil when I first started it, but then a decrease after 6 weeks. If you are thinking about trying Lexapro, then think about Celexa also since they are both based on the same drug. Lexapro is just the active psychoactive isomer of the Celexa's chemical structure.
If you really think you can't tolerate any SSRIs then you might think about trying an MAOI, although those meds have much more specific dietary restrictions and some doctors are hesitant to prescribe them due to fears of adverse reactions to them. If the Benzos work for you over the long term and you aren't developing too much tolerance to them then I don't see why you wouldn't stay on them, although I'm not a doctor. Many doctors worry about addiciton and tolerance with Benzos over the long term, but that is all dependent on your individual situation.
poster:fuzz54
thread:786819
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070929/msgs/787047.html