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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TrishP on December 16, 2005, at 11:07:20
Ok - once again, not sure what to do. I have successfully gotten off Effexor twice. I was pretty sure I was losing my mind when I was down to the last days of Effexor.
Now - I am not taking any meds. I have to spend Christmas with my step-kids (whom I'm can't stand - they always bring out the monster in me). When I took Effexor or Celexa, I pretty much didn't care and they didn't bother me.
I suffer more from anxiety, which after a while leads to depression and anger outbursts.
I feel like the only thing that really worked pretty well was the Effxor, but it was such an awful drug if I missed just one dose.
Wellbutrin makes me crazy. Still haven't lost the 30 lbs I gained on Celexa.
I just don't know what to take anymore and I'm afraid of NOT taking something.
Popping Klonopin when I have to be around the family doesn't help much.
Any suggestions?
Any good drugs for anxiety? It effects my whole life!
Posted by Phillipa on December 16, 2005, at 21:47:46
In reply to Anxiety, Irritable, pretty much miserable..., posted by TrishP on December 16, 2005, at 11:07:20
I hated klonopin dulled me. I'd try ativan or valium. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Racer on December 17, 2005, at 18:48:46
In reply to Anxiety, Irritable, pretty much miserable..., posted by TrishP on December 16, 2005, at 11:07:20
>
> I suffer more from anxiety, which after a while leads to depression and anger outbursts.
>
> I feel like the only thing that really worked pretty well was the Effxor, but it was such an awful drug if I missed just one dose.
>
> Wellbutrin makes me crazy. Still haven't lost the 30 lbs I gained on Celexa.
>
> I just don't know what to take anymore and I'm afraid of NOT taking something.
>
> Any suggestions?
>
Yes -- my suggestion is to revisit the Effexor question. Yes, the {ahem} "discontinuation syndrome" is a [bad word], but if it was working well for you, and you're suffering without it, it's worth reexamining it as an option.If Effexor was effective, but you're not willing to try it again, it might be worth looking at Cymbalta, which is also an SSNRI. Unlike Effexor, Cymbalta's action is more balanced between 5HT and NE.
If Celexa helped, though, my guess is that another of the less activating SSRIs might also help. Lexapro, maybe, which is a daughter drug to Celexa, or maybe Luvox? I'm not entirely familiar with which SSRIs are more sedating, so I can't tell you for sure if Luvox is activating or not. Paxil is sedating, and I know it's considered a good choice for anxiety disorders.
I know that weight gain is a major issue, and that it's not as easy as saying, "if the drug works, put up with it," but it is also true that many psychoactive drugs affect weight. Adversely. The only advice I can give you there is to talk to your doctor about your concerns, and see if there's a way to mitigate it if it occurs. And if you don't trust your doctor enough to be open about this issue, it might be worth finding another.
Good luck.
Posted by Phillipa on December 17, 2005, at 21:07:38
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Irritable, pretty much miserable... » TrishP, posted by Racer on December 17, 2005, at 18:48:46
Luvox is sedating the only one that I ever tolerated high dose of. And paxil even in a low dose made my anxiety worse. But that's just me. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by lynn971 on December 18, 2005, at 0:03:11
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Irritable, pretty much miserable..., posted by Phillipa on December 17, 2005, at 21:07:38
I am thinking - stick with the effexor. Anxiety is horrible. I had a horrible bout with it last week. I missed a whole week of work because I could not function. I am now on effexor and I am doing well. I am thankful for the meds. Just try not to miss a dose. Anxiety is too horrible.
Posted by RobertDavid on December 18, 2005, at 13:33:13
In reply to Anxiety, Irritable, pretty much miserable..., posted by TrishP on December 16, 2005, at 11:07:20
You mentioned trying klonopin without luck. What dose did you try? Did you just take it as needed? For anxiety, many respond and tolerate benzo's best. But if you don't take enough, it won't work well.
I tried all the meds that have been talked about in this string (for anxiety)and none were worth the side affects or handled the anxiety.
Of the benzo's I think klonopin should be a first choice as it has such a long half life (you can take once a day at night which may help with sleep) vs mulitiple daily dosing. If you have constant anxiety and not just occational issues you may want to consider talking with your doc about on going\dosing.
I have heard many such as yourself say that they have "tried" a benzo and it didn't work, but if your dose wasn't high enough then it won't tackle the anxiety. Typical dosing is 1 to 4 mgs, slowly going up till you find a dose that works.
All that said, it's not for everyone, but it changed my life. It seems to be a fronline med to treat anxiety disorters (without depression)Just something to think about.
Posted by RobertDavid on December 18, 2005, at 14:56:35
In reply to Anxiety, Irritable, pretty much miserable..., posted by TrishP on December 16, 2005, at 11:07:20
Also, just wondering if you considered blending and anti depressant with a benzo like klonopin. Seems many with anxiety need more than one med to handle the problem, help the anxiety and keep the mood up. Perhaps then smaller doses of a benzo can be affective. Just a thought.
This is the end of the thread.
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