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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by becksA on July 27, 2004, at 18:06:55
I've been taking the Xanax XR now for a while because it really helps me feel more comfortable whatever the situation or place....at work, going shopping, being around strangers....I just feel much more at ease. however, whenever something "funny" comes up, or everybody seems to be carrying on happy, laughing conversations , like towards the end of the work day, i have to slip out because that makes me tense, I can't smile...etc....
So basically now I feel comfortable in business-like or just regular situations, but when it becomes jovial, or just plain happy-go-lucky social type, i get anxious again, tighten up, can't smile....
What should I ask my pdoc about? mood stabilizer? anti-convulsant? something else? appt. very soon, please respond, thanks!
Posted by jlbl2l on July 27, 2004, at 18:10:53
In reply to Xanax cures my anxiety...but not?!?!, posted by becksA on July 27, 2004, at 18:06:55
try adding neurontin to this, 3Xdaily. also if you are too sedated cut back on the XR dose, same with neurontin if you get it.
Posted by becksA on July 27, 2004, at 18:23:10
In reply to Re: Xanax cures my anxiety...but not?!?!, posted by jlbl2l on July 27, 2004, at 18:10:53
What exactly will the neurontin do to help this problem? (I was actually going to ask to up my dose a bit of the Xanax as well, as it has helped about 75%), even though the "happiness anxiety" I talked about still exists...
Posted by woolav on July 27, 2004, at 21:29:03
In reply to Re: Xanax cures my anxiety...but not?!?!, posted by becksA on July 27, 2004, at 18:23:10
I have the same experiance on xanax. It makes me deal with everyday things alright, but still freak out in certain social situations. I have tried ssri's approved for social anxiety but they dont work. I take Lamictal and just started on prozac. But I think you might want to give lamictal a try. Its a mood stablizer.
Good Luck
S
Posted by captain on July 28, 2004, at 19:05:34
In reply to Re: Xanax cures my anxiety...but not?!?!, posted by woolav on July 27, 2004, at 21:29:03
Hi Bex,
I can relate to what you are talking about. I have read a lot on this and have learned that many times the adrenalin of those situations can send your anxiety into overdrive.
I am taking lexapro for anxiety/anxiety attacks. I have found great success with it so far. I don't use my xanax that much anymore, maybe 2 times a week and even then I take half a pill. Lexapro is approved for generalized anxiety. If i start to "freak out" when in a social setting (even though i am SO social, but you can't help anxiety) i just pop half a xanax and try to relax until it kicks in. I have noticed a big difference on the lex though.
Good luck!
captain
Posted by chemist on July 28, 2004, at 20:42:59
In reply to Re: Xanax cures my anxiety...but not?!?!, posted by becksA on July 27, 2004, at 18:23:10
> What exactly will the neurontin do to help this problem? (I was actually going to ask to up my dose a bit of the Xanax as well, as it has helped about 75%), even though the "happiness anxiety" I talked about still exists...
hello there, chemist here....i cannot speculate how or if neurontin will ease your suffering, but i can comment that you are, in my opinion, on the right track in re: upping xanax as a first-line try. i suggest this for two reasons: one, you are ``almost there,'' having upped your dose and noticed improvement. why not - in consult with your doctor - up it a little bit more, as you might find that xanax is the answer for you, and you can keep extra meds out of the picture? second, xanax is known to have some antidepressant qualities, if you will, that are not associated with drugs such as ativan, klonopin, or valium. perhaps upping the dose will not only address the anxiety, but reduce the social phobia (or whatever label you chose) a bit via the andidepressant effects? as always, consult your doctor. it appears that in your case, increased dosing of xanax correlates with increased quality of life. if you find yourself falling asleep at the desk, then it would indeed be time to back off, but you could augment by a tad - if your doctor is amenable - for a brief time and find out immediately if this addition is warranted. all the best, chemist
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