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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr Eamerz on March 27, 2003, at 9:29:04
Hi All.....
I need something for intense anxiety for dentist visits.. dealing with work etc...
Valium doesn't help also Activan doesn't help...I was thinking of Klonopin or Xanax.
Can these drugs be taken as needed?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on March 27, 2003, at 9:41:38
In reply to Benzo question, posted by Dr Eamerz on March 27, 2003, at 9:29:04
I've found Xanax to be better on an as-needed basis. I've always had to take Klonopin regularly for several weeks before realizing any benefit.
Posted by T_R_D on March 27, 2003, at 11:18:57
In reply to Benzo question, posted by Dr Eamerz on March 27, 2003, at 9:29:04
Is there any way you can ask your dentist to give you Nitrous Oxide (aka laughing gas.) Worked great for me when I had it!
Posted by zeliva on March 27, 2003, at 13:12:20
In reply to Re: Benzo question, posted by T_R_D on March 27, 2003, at 11:18:57
That is funny because I hate the dentist too. I take 0.25mg of Xanex on an as needed basis. Works great. Thanks for the idea of the dentist. I never thought to take a Xanex before I go. Good luck.
Jill
Posted by Janelle on March 27, 2003, at 13:40:16
In reply to Benzo question, posted by Dr Eamerz on March 27, 2003, at 9:29:04
IMHO, forget Klonopin, it's long acting, long lasting and takes time to build up. Xanax would be more effective, just do not take it a lot because it is addictive.
However, I agree with whoever suggested the nitrous oxide - I have done that and it works wonders. Just be sure that when your dentist is done that he or she switches what's going into the tube to just oxygen or you'll be dizzy and feel funny when you stand up. A few good breaths of plain oxygen and you're fine again.
Posted by Tabitha on March 27, 2003, at 14:05:03
In reply to Benzo question, posted by Dr Eamerz on March 27, 2003, at 9:29:04
Dreamer, regarding Nitrous, you might try it. That's why they have it, for anxiety. But... personally I didn't like the feeling from it. I certainly didn't mind the dental work, but it was too overwhelming, like a hallucinogen, my mind broke up and didn't work right, and I said some stuff that embarrassed me later.
Posted by Dr Eamerz on March 27, 2003, at 14:12:31
In reply to Re: Benzo question, posted by Tabitha on March 27, 2003, at 14:05:03
Thanks everyone!
I didn't know that dentists still did that..and all this time I suffered in panic. Wow I'm almost looking forward to going lol.
Xanax is only prescribed in uk privately because of it's addictive qualities but it may be useful in stressful situations.
Thanks for klonopin info.
Posted by Dragonslayer on March 27, 2003, at 14:53:14
In reply to Re: Benzo question » Dr Eamerz, posted by Janelle on March 27, 2003, at 13:40:16
Just to add my experience. Klonopin, even in the beginning of taking it, I felt the effects within an hour of taking it. Still do. I always take my regular or as an extra dosing about an hour or so prior to any *traumatic* appointment, to include dental visits. I take it routinely, so that may make a difference but I never really had to build up the effects, but everyone's different. I have a friend that has to always take Valium to get on a plane and that works well for them. Good luck, I hate them visits, too.
Posted by Janelle on March 27, 2003, at 17:13:20
In reply to Re: Benzo question, posted by Dragonslayer on March 27, 2003, at 14:53:14
I take Klonopin regularly also, and have it as a PRN for extra anxiety. I rarely have to use it that way, but I must admit that when I do, that extra dose on top of what I already take does relax me a bit.
Posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 22:52:13
In reply to Benzo question, posted by Dr Eamerz on March 27, 2003, at 9:29:04
HI there,
Good luck to you:-)
I take Klonopin and it works better for me than Xanax. I don't usually have any porob with going to the dentist though. I llike the Nitrous idea LOL
all the best, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Hi All.....
>
> I need something for intense anxiety for dentist visits.. dealing with work etc...
> Valium doesn't help also Activan doesn't help...I was thinking of Klonopin or Xanax.
> Can these drugs be taken as needed?
Posted by Krissy P on March 27, 2003, at 22:53:15
In reply to Benzo question, posted by Dr Eamerz on March 27, 2003, at 9:29:04
oops, and yes, you bet, these meds can be taken PRN as in your case for the dentist visit:-)
> Hi All.....
>
> I need something for intense anxiety for dentist visits.. dealing with work etc...
> Valium doesn't help also Activan doesn't help...I was thinking of Klonopin or Xanax.
> Can these drugs be taken as needed?
Posted by Viridis on March 27, 2003, at 23:01:56
In reply to Benzo question, posted by Dr Eamerz on March 27, 2003, at 9:29:04
Both can be taken as-needed; for a short-term situation like a dentist visit, I'd think Xanax would be better. It comes on quickly, is usually a very good anxiolytic, and generally wears off after 3-4 hours. However, individual responses to benzos vary a lot; you might also consider Ativan (lorazepam). One thing to watch out for if you're not used to benzos is sedation/lack of coordination, so be careful if you're driving.
Nitrous oxide can also be very helpful, as some others mentioned. Some dentists use it, some don't -- you should ask.
Coincidentally, I have a dentist friend who told me that he occasionally prescribes very small amounts of Xanax to especially nervous patients, to be used only for their visits. He says it's a big help for them (and him!).
Good luck!
Posted by Dr~ Eamerz on March 28, 2003, at 0:15:45
In reply to Re: Benzo question, posted by Viridis on March 27, 2003, at 23:01:56
This is the end of the thread.
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