![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rocket Jackson on April 23, 2003, at 23:31:06
As is the case with many other SP'ers out there, I have been in a constant struggle to find the optimal meds or combo of meds to treat this debilitating disease. However, one class of meds I haven't been willing to try up to this point have been the SSRIs, namely as a result of the infamous and well reported AEs such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction. But with the preponderance of anecdotal evidence out there that seem to show they do indeed work in many instances, I think I may finally bite the bullet and give 'em a try. Zoloft will most likely be my first trial.
But what I'd really like to know is, how do the SSRIs make you "feel" when you suffer from SP? I've read of numbness, detachment, apathy, etc., but how do they help deal specifically with social anxiety? Have they been the silver bullet for some? Do you feel more calm, less worried about criticism, have fewer of the persistent negative thoughts, etc.? I'd really appreciate hearing of any of your experiences out there. The side effects may be frustrating, but if they can help me unleash from this imprisoning cloak of inhibition, they just may be well worth it.
I can say that what has worked for me thus far has been a Klonopin/Provigil combo taken prn when anxious situations are anticipated. But I'm also looking for something "baseline" to keep going in the background on a daily basis. I'm hoping an SSRI such as Zoloft may just be this background med.
I can also tell you what hasn't worked for me. For starters, Neurontin seemed to be a total bust. I suffered dreaded fatigue at first, and then really nothing to speak of. And Gabitril was worthless. I actually felt MORE anxiety on this med, but perhaps I haven't given it a sufficient trial. And finally, Wellbutrin SR just made me more anxious and irritable, on top of some major weight loss.
And if weight gain is so prevalent with the SSRIs, what types of meds might help counteract this? I've read of individual physician trials with such combos as Prozac and Phentermine (the "phen" of "fenphen" as many of you probably know) that appear to show some success. So I would imagine that perhaps an addition of something like Provigil, Phentermine, or some other CNS stimulant may be of some help. The sexual AEs may be another story...
Thanks everyone for all of the helpful posts on this forum. I have been a silent reader for a couple of years with a few scattered posts, and have learned much from what you all have to say. I genuinely feel for each and every one of you and hope that someday soon we can all find the treatments we've been looking for to live the kind of lives we know we have the potential of living.
Regards,
Rocket, MD
Posted by Caleb462 on April 24, 2003, at 0:40:22
In reply to Social phobics: how do SSRIs make you feel?, posted by Rocket Jackson on April 23, 2003, at 23:31:06
> But what I'd really like to know is, how do the SSRIs make you "feel" when you suffer from SP? I've read of numbness, detachment, apathy, etc., but how do they help deal specifically with social anxiety? Have they been the silver bullet for some? Do you feel more calm, less worried about criticism, have fewer of the persistent negative thoughts, etc.? I'd really appreciate hearing of any of your experiences out there. The side effects may be frustrating, but if they can help me unleash from this imprisoning cloak of inhibition, they just may be well worth it.
>I have a good deal of experience with SSRIs, and also suffer from mild/moderate SP, so maybe I can shed some light. There is a familiar "SSRI feeling" that you'll get after 4 to 6 weeks of being on one. On the positive, it's a feeling of inner strength, self-sufficience, and emotional stability. On the negative, it can also be a feeling of detachment and an inability to feel strong emotions. In the past, SSRIs have enabled me to function much better in social situations. There was a large reduction in persistent negative thoughts about the situation, and a huge reduction in worries about criticism. I felt much more secure with myself. This happened to me with both Paxil and Effexor. Unfortunately, Effexor has pooped out (I have recently upped the dose, so hopefully it will kick in again in a few weeks) and I switched off Paxil a long time ago cause of side effects. The main two side effects were severely delayed ejaculation and sweating. I really wish I wouldn't have stopped Paxil, actually. I did that about a year ago, and this past year has been by far the hardest of my life.
Posted by Tepiaca on April 24, 2003, at 16:20:41
In reply to Social phobics: how do SSRIs make you feel?, posted by Rocket Jackson on April 23, 2003, at 23:31:06
Hello there
I dont know too much about drugs.But I can tell you my experience with Zoloft to treat SP.I have
severe SP , I noticed the benefit in 8 - 9 hours
after I took my first pill.I went shopping and I felt less anxious , a little less fear to people and more calm . It was the first drug that help however the benefit was no wonderful , I just can tell you that helped me 30% more or less , but what can I do? I prefer to have 30% relief than 0%
Im still looking for other drugs because I want a better quality of Life
Hope this helps you a bit
Tepiaca
Posted by Sarah S on April 24, 2003, at 19:19:08
In reply to Re: Social phobics: how do SSRIs make you feel? » Rocket Jackson, posted by Tepiaca on April 24, 2003, at 16:20:41
Well, I took Effexor, which is sort of like an SSRI, for depression and social phobia. It did help a little with the social anxiety--I no longer got sweaty hands and a racing heart every time I had to call someone on the phone, for instance. But it really wasn't that great, and it made me so tired that I didn't even care about socializing.
I'm currently on Wellbutrin, which is helping the SP more than the Effexor did. It doesn't just take away the anxiety, it actually gives me some confidence, which is a big help. It isn't perfect though, so I'm thinking of adding Klonopin and Provigil, or switching to Nardil, which as you probably know is the best drug for social phobia.
Posted by Rocket Jackson on April 24, 2003, at 21:21:20
In reply to Re: Social phobics: how do SSRIs make you feel?, posted by Caleb462 on April 24, 2003, at 0:40:22
Thanks a million for your input. In terms of the delayed ejaculation effect, did it seem as if there was a severe delay in getting to orgasm, or more of a problem with the orgasm/ejaculation itself? I've heard both types of problems reported, so I'm just curious what kind of experience you had. Because my wife and I still plan on having a few more children, I'm worried I won't be able to contribute my share. :)
Are you thinking about going back on the Paxil? I'm sorry to hear your situation over the past year has been so frustrating. Hopefully you'll find a med to get back on track.
Thanks again,
Rocket
Posted by Rocket Jackson on April 24, 2003, at 21:26:45
In reply to Re: Social phobics: how do SSRIs make you feel? » Rocket Jackson, posted by Tepiaca on April 24, 2003, at 16:20:41
> Hello there
> I dont know too much about drugs.But I can tell you my experience with Zoloft to treat SP.I have
> severe SP , I noticed the benefit in 8 - 9 hours
> after I took my first pill.I went shopping and I felt less anxious , a little less fear to people and more calm . It was the first drug that help however the benefit was no wonderful , I just can tell you that helped me 30% more or less , but what can I do? I prefer to have 30% relief than 0%
> Im still looking for other drugs because I want a better quality of Life
> Hope this helps you a bit
> TepiacaHi Tepiaca,
Thanks for your input. I'm happy to hear the Zoloft is at least helping somewhat. How long have you been on it now? What dosage? Are you still feeling some benefit? What about side effects? Sorry for all the questions. But I truly do appreciate your experiences!
Thanks,
Rocket
Posted by Rocket Jackson on April 24, 2003, at 21:38:59
In reply to Re: Social phobics: how do SSRIs make you feel?, posted by Sarah S on April 24, 2003, at 19:19:08
> Well, I took Effexor, which is sort of like an SSRI, for depression and social phobia. It did help a little with the social anxiety--I no longer got sweaty hands and a racing heart every time I had to call someone on the phone, for instance. But it really wasn't that great, and it made me so tired that I didn't even care about socializing.
> I'm currently on Wellbutrin, which is helping the SP more than the Effexor did. It doesn't just take away the anxiety, it actually gives me some confidence, which is a big help. It isn't perfect though, so I'm thinking of adding Klonopin and Provigil, or switching to Nardil, which as you probably know is the best drug for social phobia.Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your reply. I'm worried about fatigue with Zoloft as well (even though it's supposed to be 'activating'), which is why your thoughts of adding something like Provigil definitely make sense. I'm taking it now with Klonopin (I take 100mg of Provigil with 1mg of Klonopin) on an as needed basis, and it seems to work extremely well. I just don't feel comfortable with taking both on a daily basis (I guess I'm a little paranoid about tolerance to its effects).
That's great that Wellbutrin is working well for you. I really wanted that one to be my "wonder" drug due to its lack of sexual side effects. But it ended up making me more anxious than I was before, so I had to drop it. And for some reason I'm still terrified of Nardil, despite its great reputation as a treatment for SP. It's not the dietary restrictions so much as the huge weight gain, sexual dysfunction, constipation, etc. But I'd be very interested to hear your experience if you indeed decide to try it.
Good luck!
Rocket
Posted by Caleb462 on April 24, 2003, at 22:04:08
In reply to Re: Social phobics: how do SSRIs make you feel? » Caleb462, posted by Rocket Jackson on April 24, 2003, at 21:21:20
> Thanks a million for your input. In terms of the delayed ejaculation effect, did it seem as if there was a severe delay in getting to orgasm, or more of a problem with the orgasm/ejaculation itself? I've heard both types of problems reported, so I'm just curious what kind of experience you had. Because my wife and I still plan on having a few more children, I'm worried I won't be able to contribute my share. :)
A severe daily in getting to orgasm was the main problem. Once I got there, it was for the most part, no different than usual. On low doses of Zoloft, I acutally got a more intense, pleasurable experience when I orgasmed - though it was still delayed.
> Are you thinking about going back on the Paxil? I'm sorry to hear your situation over the past year has been so frustrating. Hopefully you'll find a med to get back on track.
Well, the plan now is to see if the Effexor will kick in again at a higher dose. We'll see what happens I guess. Good luck to you and thanks for the support, I need it.
Posted by jflange on April 24, 2003, at 23:12:02
In reply to Social phobics: how do SSRIs make you feel?, posted by Rocket Jackson on April 23, 2003, at 23:31:06
Rocket:
I experience moderate to severe social phobia in conjunction with panic disorder and take Zoloft and Buspar. I can really recommend Zoloft as a general motivator and activator in terms of getting myself into social situations. But also, it works very well at keeping the self-criticism in check and keeps the anxiety at a level that is commensurate with the experience, i.e. by dulling or removing performance anxiety.
Too bad, though, it has never been a magic bullet for me. I have always experienced a "ramped up" sensation with Zoloft on its own that made me feel ever on the verge of a panic attack. Buspar works as a great augmentor by modulating Zoloft's serotonergic effects (among other things), which can sometimes really feel like a worsening of my anxious symptoms. I am sure the K you take will be able to do the same thing, more or less. Don't know about the Provigil.
Best of luck,
jflange
Posted by Rocket Jackson on April 25, 2003, at 0:03:06
In reply to Re: Social phobics: zoloft as a motivator, posted by jflange on April 24, 2003, at 23:12:02
Jflange,
Thanks for the Zoloft info. The feelings you've described are more or less exactly what I'm looking for in an SP med. I think I'm gonna give it a shot.
Just out of curiousity, what's your current Zoloft dosage? How long have you been on it so far (I'm worried about possible poop-out)? Any weight gain, sexual dysfunction, or other side effects?
Thanks again for the info!
Rocket
Posted by Tepiaca on April 25, 2003, at 0:24:13
In reply to Re: Social phobics: how do SSRIs make you feel? » Tepiaca, posted by Rocket Jackson on April 24, 2003, at 21:26:45
Hi again .
Ive been on the Zoloft for about 2 years. I stoped
last month to try Effexor , and I found the same results , so I decided to go back to zoloft because its cheaper and the sexual disfunction is less severe.
Now Im only on 25mg , but most of the time I was on 50 mg . I tried higher doses but I did not found any extra benefit (100mg) only higher sexual disfunction . Thats why I only take 25 mg ,
klonopin 3 mg , and fish oil.
Im not happy althought
Ask me whatever you want , If I can help you I will
Good luck
Are you on zoloft already???
Tepiaca
Posted by jflange on April 25, 2003, at 17:52:18
In reply to Re: Social phobics: zoloft as a motivator » jflange, posted by Rocket Jackson on April 25, 2003, at 0:03:06
Hi Rocket:
I take 75mgs/Zoloft a day with 15 mgs of Buspar. I now have nearly 100% reduction in symptoms at these doses for about 9 months.
75 mgs of Z feels more or less like 50mgs to me, but I have been too lazy to go back down. 100mgs is the level at which one is supposed to get an extra dopamine effect but it made me feel a bit more manic than I am comfortable with.
As for s/e's: no sexual dysfunction after the first month or so. Weight gain: initially yes, but later went away when I cut out sugar, and now I am at the same weight as when I started. Sleep disturbance is a problem at first but is a side effect that usually goes away. The one problem I encountered with Z was muscle stiffness (shoulders/neck/arms) but this seemed to get better once I took a vitamin supplement with Cal/Mag/Potassium on a Psycho-Babble tip.
As for poop-out: it has not happened to me. If a poop-out does happen, Zoloft can be augmented with other things or the dose can be raised. Also, with Klonopin, Zoloft will interact differently (perhaps more efficently - stronger at lower doses? I am not sure, but it is likely). I wouldn't worry to much about that.
Good luck!
jflange
Posted by Rocket Jackson on April 26, 2003, at 0:55:28
In reply to Re: SP Zoloft dose, posted by jflange on April 25, 2003, at 17:52:18
> Hi Rocket:
>
> I take 75mgs/Zoloft a day with 15 mgs of Buspar. I now have nearly 100% reduction in symptoms at these doses for about 9 months.
>
> 75 mgs of Z feels more or less like 50mgs to me, but I have been too lazy to go back down. 100mgs is the level at which one is supposed to get an extra dopamine effect but it made me feel a bit more manic than I am comfortable with.
>
> As for s/e's: no sexual dysfunction after the first month or so. Weight gain: initially yes, but later went away when I cut out sugar, and now I am at the same weight as when I started. Sleep disturbance is a problem at first but is a side effect that usually goes away. The one problem I encountered with Z was muscle stiffness (shoulders/neck/arms) but this seemed to get better once I took a vitamin supplement with Cal/Mag/Potassium on a Psycho-Babble tip.
>
> As for poop-out: it has not happened to me. If a poop-out does happen, Zoloft can be augmented with other things or the dose can be raised. Also, with Klonopin, Zoloft will interact differently (perhaps more efficently - stronger at lower doses? I am not sure, but it is likely). I wouldn't worry to much about that.
>
> Good luck!
> jflangeWow, thanks for the great info. From your experience and others', it does appear that Zoloft offers its best SP alleviation in the 75-100mg range, most likely from the dopaminergic effect as you mentioned. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Z will be as effective as my current Klonopin/Provigil combo. If not, at least I know I have something that works.
Thanks again for the info. I wish you continued success with your current med regimen!
Rocket
Posted by Donna Louise on April 26, 2003, at 8:08:47
In reply to Re: SP Zoloft dose, posted by Rocket Jackson on April 26, 2003, at 0:55:28
> > Hi Rocket:
> >
> > I take 75mgs/Zoloft a day with 15 mgs of Buspar. I now have nearly 100% reduction in symptoms at these doses for about 9 months.
> >
> > 75 mgs of Z feels more or less like 50mgs to me, but I have been too lazy to go back down. 100mgs is the level at which one is supposed to get an extra dopamine effect but it made me feel a bit more manic than I am comfortable with.
> >
> > As for s/e's: no sexual dysfunction after the first month or so. Weight gain: initially yes, but later went away when I cut out sugar, and now I am at the same weight as when I started. Sleep disturbance is a problem at first but is a side effect that usually goes away. The one problem I encountered with Z was muscle stiffness (shoulders/neck/arms) but this seemed to get better once I took a vitamin supplement with Cal/Mag/Potassium on a Psycho-Babble tip.
> >
> > As for poop-out: it has not happened to me. If a poop-out does happen, Zoloft can be augmented with other things or the dose can be raised. Also, with Klonopin, Zoloft will interact differently (perhaps more efficently - stronger at lower doses? I am not sure, but it is likely). I wouldn't worry to much about that.
> >
> > Good luck!
> > jflange
>
> Wow, thanks for the great info. From your experience and others', it does appear that Zoloft offers its best SP alleviation in the 75-100mg range, most likely from the dopaminergic effect as you mentioned. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Z will be as effective as my current Klonopin/Provigil combo. If not, at least I know I have something that works.
>
> Thanks again for the info. I wish you continued success with your current med regimen!
>
> RocketRocket, I must have missed it, you say that the K/P combo is working for you? Is something still missing? I ask because I am on 100mg zoloft, 10 mg buspar bid and 200-300 provigil and am feeling as good as I ever have. I would love to be able to stop the zoloft, so I am interested if you are doing well on the just the z/k. I wasn't doing that great until I added the provigil, I would love to just take that with the buspar.
Thanks for sharing your experienc.Donna
Posted by Rocket Jackson on April 26, 2003, at 12:37:30
In reply to Re: SP Zoloft dose, posted by Donna Louise on April 26, 2003, at 8:08:47
> Rocket, I must have missed it, you say that the K/P combo is working for you? Is something still missing? I ask because I am on 100mg zoloft, 10 mg buspar bid and 200-300 provigil and am feeling as good as I ever have. I would love to be able to stop the zoloft, so I am interested if you are doing well on the just the z/k. I wasn't doing that great until I added the provigil, I would love to just take that with the buspar.
> Thanks for sharing your experienc.
>
> Donna
>Hi Donna,
Thanks for your post. I'm glad to hear your combo is working well!
Your question on the Klonopin/Provigil combo is a great one, and one I ponder often. Though the two work extremely well for me, I continue to take them on an as needed basis. I guess part of me deep down is worried about being on a daily benzo (fears of tolerance, etc.), even though there's research and a ton of anecdotal evidence that seem to prove otherwise. One of my biggest fears is that increasing my frequency of use might cause the current effect to poop out, which is an absolute nightmare to think about. So I'm hoping that a daily, baseline med such as Zoloft might just provide the maintenance I need between prn Klonopin/Provigils. That is, as long as any possible side effects are kept in check (another worry...).
Are you thinking about dropping the Zoloft soon? How was it doing for you before the Provigil? Any side effects? And what kind of effect has the Buspar had? I would be very interested to hear how things turn out if you indeed decide to stop the Zoloft and just go with the Buspar/Provigil. I would love for a combo like that to work. I've just heard so many conflicting stories about the efficacy of Buspar that I'm not sure whether to give something like that a try or not. When I first learned about it in medical school a couple of years back, I was extremely excited about possibly trying it out. But then on my Psychiatry rotation it was essentially equated to water on so many times by my professors that I wasn't sure what to believe. What do you think?
Thanks again for your info!
Rocket
Posted by Donna Louise on April 26, 2003, at 15:15:11
In reply to Re: SP Zoloft dose » Donna Louise, posted by Rocket Jackson on April 26, 2003, at 12:37:30
> > Rocket, I must have missed it, you say that the K/P combo is working for you? Is something still missing? I ask because I am on 100mg zoloft, 10 mg buspar bid and 200-300 provigil and am feeling as good as I ever have. I would love to be able to stop the zoloft, so I am interested if you are doing well on the just the z/k. I wasn't doing that great until I added the provigil, I would love to just take that with the buspar.
> > Thanks for sharing your experienc.
> >
> > Donna
> >
>
> Hi Donna,
>
> Thanks for your post. I'm glad to hear your combo is working well!
>
> Your question on the Klonopin/Provigil combo is a great one, and one I ponder often. Though the two work extremely well for me, I continue to take them on an as needed basis. I guess part of me deep down is worried about being on a daily benzo (fears of tolerance, etc.), even though there's research and a ton of anecdotal evidence that seem to prove otherwise. One of my biggest fears is that increasing my frequency of use might cause the current effect to poop out, which is an absolute nightmare to think about. So I'm hoping that a daily, baseline med such as Zoloft might just provide the maintenance I need between prn Klonopin/Provigils. That is, as long as any possible side effects are kept in check (another worry...).
>
> Are you thinking about dropping the Zoloft soon? How was it doing for you before the Provigil? Any side effects? And what kind of effect has the Buspar had? I would be very interested to hear how things turn out if you indeed decide to stop the Zoloft and just go with the Buspar/Provigil. I would love for a combo like that to work. I've just heard so many conflicting stories about the efficacy of Buspar that I'm not sure whether to give something like that a try or not. When I first learned about it in medical school a couple of years back, I was extremely excited about possibly trying it out. But then on my Psychiatry rotation it was essentially equated to water on so many times by my professors that I wasn't sure what to believe. What do you think?
>
> Thanks again for your info!
>
> RocketOh, it is my pleasure to toss this idea around with someone!
I had some real doubts about the buspar too but my psychdoc said it wouldn't hurt to try, I wouldn't be out much if it didn't. And it is hard to say if that is what is working, I just know that until I added it to the zoloft, I was still having significant anxiety and afterwards I am not. I was on 150mg zoloft at the time, I have started dropping it to 100 the last few days, I am having no reprecussions from doing that so far. But it wasn't until I added the provigil that there was any significant difference as far as feeling pleasure goes. On just the zoloft I still had anxiety, sexual side effects of course. And I would say apathy probably from the zoloft. I however was functional, just unable to enjoy life very much. I can guarantee that without it I would be confined to the house, probably in the bed. I have taken all the ssri's, paxil had worked the best for anxiety but it was making me a zombie. I took wellbutrin with it to help with that but wellbutrin makes me extremely irritable and agitated. agh. I am so grateful for this provigil!Donna
Posted by Donna Louise on April 26, 2003, at 15:22:15
In reply to Re: SP Zoloft dose, posted by Donna Louise on April 26, 2003, at 15:15:11
oh, btw, the wellbutrin did nothing to counteract the sexual side effects but when I tried it by itself..wow! Not worth all the irritability and agitation though, it was that bad! I couldn't take it. sigh.
Donna
Posted by jflange on April 26, 2003, at 22:22:14
In reply to Re: SP Zoloft dose » Donna Louise, posted by Rocket Jackson on April 26, 2003, at 12:37:30
Rocket and Donna:
Interesting thread!
In my experience with Buspar on its own, it was quite good at managing anticipatory anxiety but, oh my, is it ever useless for panicky sensations! I also found Buspar on its own to be more likely to produce s/e's like sleepiness/wooziness, even a downer effect. So I understand how it got such a bad reputation!
It is a completely different story when Buspar is put into a combination with an SSRI. Buspar absolutely takes the edge off of SSRIs and yet allows one to enjoy the motivating effects of serotonin w/o all the mania/ and low-grade anxiousness that sometimes comes with that. Also, I recently read an article claiming that Buspar enhances the dopamine effect of some SSRIs like Zoloft...But I wonder how Buspar would behave with Provigil, or indeed with other non-SSRIs, i.e. a benzo ?
jflange
Posted by Rocket Jackson on April 27, 2003, at 0:55:07
In reply to Is Buspar no better than water?, posted by jflange on April 26, 2003, at 22:22:14
> Rocket and Donna:
> Interesting thread!
> In my experience with Buspar on its own, it was quite good at managing anticipatory anxiety but, oh my, is it ever useless for panicky sensations! I also found Buspar on its own to be more likely to produce s/e's like sleepiness/wooziness, even a downer effect. So I understand how it got such a bad reputation!
> It is a completely different story when Buspar is put into a combination with an SSRI. Buspar absolutely takes the edge off of SSRIs and yet allows one to enjoy the motivating effects of serotonin w/o all the mania/ and low-grade anxiousness that sometimes comes with that. Also, I recently read an article claiming that Buspar enhances the dopamine effect of some SSRIs like Zoloft...
>
> But I wonder how Buspar would behave with Provigil, or indeed with other non-SSRIs, i.e. a benzo ?
> jflangeJflange,
Your thoughts on Buspar are definitely intriguing. Indeed a combination of Buspar/Provigil would be a very interesting trial for SP or anxiety in general. It makes sense how the Buspar/SSRI combo would be helpful, and I'm glad it's working out for you. Do you recall where you found the article on Buspar potentiating the dopaminergic effects of Zoloft? I'd love to get my hands on that. One thing I'm definitely worried about are the possible anti-dopamine effects of the SSRIs (even though Zoloft appears to be a different story, especially in higher doses). I've thought about adding WB again down the road if I run into some sort dopamine depletion apathy or something to that effect.
This is definitely a thought provoking thread. It's great to bounce ideas off of others who are suffering from the same conditions. We'll find that magic bullet (or bullets) eventually!
Thanks,
Rocket
Posted by Donna Louise on April 27, 2003, at 7:10:48
In reply to Is Buspar no better than water?, posted by jflange on April 26, 2003, at 22:22:14
> Rocket and Donna:
> Interesting thread!
> In my experience with Buspar on its own, it was quite good at managing anticipatory anxiety but, oh my, is it ever useless for panicky sensations! I also found Buspar on its own to be more likely to produce s/e's like sleepiness/wooziness, even a downer effect. So I understand how it got such a bad reputation!
> It is a completely different story when Buspar is put into a combination with an SSRI. Buspar absolutely takes the edge off of SSRIs and yet allows one to enjoy the motivating effects of serotonin w/o all the mania/ and low-grade anxiousness that sometimes comes with that. Also, I recently read an article claiming that Buspar enhances the dopamine effect of some SSRIs like Zoloft...
>
> But I wonder how Buspar would behave with Provigil, or indeed with other non-SSRIs, i.e. a benzo ?
> jflangeWell, I am taking the buspar with provigil and zoloft and that is my question and hope too. That I can drop the zoloft and just do the buspar and provigil. I have dropped from 150mg to 100 and so far so good. I think the provigil has some anti-anxiety properties too, after I got used to it that is. I had to start with 25mg but I was up to 200 after 7-10 days or so. I am sorry if I am repeating myself, I am talking about this on a couple of threads and I don't know where I have said what. Memory not so good. Maybe from current meds or all the self-medication in the past...sorry I ramble, are we still on the zoloft thread??
Donna
Posted by Donna Louise on April 27, 2003, at 7:19:06
In reply to Re: Is Buspar no better than water? » jflange, posted by Rocket Jackson on April 27, 2003, at 0:55:07
> > Rocket and Donna:
> > Interesting thread!
> > In my experience with Buspar on its own, it was quite good at managing anticipatory anxiety but, oh my, is it ever useless for panicky sensations! I also found Buspar on its own to be more likely to produce s/e's like sleepiness/wooziness, even a downer effect. So I understand how it got such a bad reputation!
> > It is a completely different story when Buspar is put into a combination with an SSRI. Buspar absolutely takes the edge off of SSRIs and yet allows one to enjoy the motivating effects of serotonin w/o all the mania/ and low-grade anxiousness that sometimes comes with that. Also, I recently read an article claiming that Buspar enhances the dopamine effect of some SSRIs like Zoloft...
> >
> > But I wonder how Buspar would behave with Provigil, or indeed with other non-SSRIs, i.e. a benzo ?
> > jflange
>
> Jflange,
>
> Your thoughts on Buspar are definitely intriguing. Indeed a combination of Buspar/Provigil would be a very interesting trial for SP or anxiety in general. It makes sense how the Buspar/SSRI combo would be helpful, and I'm glad it's working out for you. Do you recall where you found the article on Buspar potentiating the dopaminergic effects of Zoloft? I'd love to get my hands on that. One thing I'm definitely worried about are the possible anti-dopamine effects of the SSRIs (even though Zoloft appears to be a different story, especially in higher doses). I've thought about adding WB again down the road if I run into some sort dopamine depletion apathy or something to that effect.
>
> This is definitely a thought provoking thread. It's great to bounce ideas off of others who are suffering from the same conditions. We'll find that magic bullet (or bullets) eventually!
>
> Thanks,
>
> Rocket
Rocket, for me, I have not experienced the benefits of zoloft's supposedley dopaminergic effects even at 150mg. When I was taking it alone I was not the zombie that I was on paxil but I didn't really start to feel any enthusiasm until I added the provigil. The best SSRI for me was the first one I took, prozac, but it pooped out. It worked great for me all by itself. I didn't even have the sexual side effects. Lasted a couple of years.Donna
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