Posted by viridis on December 12, 2002, at 0:18:51
In reply to Anxiety AAAHHHHHH, posted by David131 on December 10, 2002, at 13:54:20
I'll second (or third) the recommendation that you see a psychiatrist who knows about anxiety disorders, if you haven't already. In my experience, many GPs don't have a clue about anxiety or other mental problems. The ones I've seen insist on SSRIs and related drugs (such as Effexor), which have to be used very cautiously in anxiety patients (and many others too). I've had very bad reactions to antidepressants such as SSRIs, but many GPs simply refuse to prescribe benzodiazepines because they're supposedly "addictive".
This whole issue has been covered in excruciating detail on this board recently, but the bottom line is that:
1) Benzos are very safe and have a long track record of effectiveness for anxiety disorders, used both short- and long-term;
2) They are very rarely "addictive" for anxiety patients, although they often produce tolerance (just as ADs such as Effexor can). This means that if you've been using them for a while and need to discontinue them, it should be done gradually. This is standard for many drugs (especially Effexor!).
Klonopin (clonazepam) is an extremely effective benzo for anxiety for many (like me), and a well-informed doctor or psychiatrist should be comfortable with letting you try it. Xanax (alprazolam) is also very effective, although doctors are more cautious with it. There are lots of other benzos; these are just two of the best-known, and the ones that work best for me.
Again, you're most likely to get appropriate treatment from a psychiatrist. If Effexor or another antidepressant works, great -- but don't be afraid to ask for a trial with a benzo, especially if you need fast relief. Many ADs take weeks to work, and if the anxiety is overwhelming, you shouldn't have to wait that long.
poster:viridis
thread:131247
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021210/msgs/131423.html