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doglunatik
Stranger
Reged: 12/20/04
Posts: 1
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Hi all and thanks in advance.
I have been on Prozac for 9 years and my dose is now 60 mg per day to control the depression and regulate mood swings. Once I went up to that dose, I noticed I have an anxiety/anger management problem developing. just ordered some Xanax for severe episodes but now I'm wondering if maybe I should switch from Prozac to Buspar? Seems like Buspar has more anti-anxiety properties. I have heard Klonipin is good for the long-term, would that be better than the Xanax for every day use?
No, I have no doctor who will prescribe anything for me. My ob-gyn was nice enough to help me with the Prozac even though he didn't want to. I was a heroin addict for three years in my twenties and as a result, no one will give me an aspirin now even though it has bewen ELEVEN YEARS since I got clean. Not even for removal of my wisdom teeth. Nice, huh?
Thanks in advance.
Becky
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lela
Member
Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 183
Loc: Southwest
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 Re: Advice from the knowledgable about Buspar, Xanax, Klonipin [Re: doglunatik]
#210010 - 12/24/04 03:52 PM
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Buspar did nothing for me. Never tried Klonopin. Hate to be a Xanax pusher. I worked with a woman, back in the early 90's, who's husband worked in the Prozac research at a major university, also had friends that were prescribed it, beware. Good luck and research, research and research. Wish I could be of more help.
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Free your mind and your a** will follow.
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rojoreina
Newbie
Reged: 08/28/04
Posts: 25
Loc: tennessee
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hi,
buspar didn't do a thing for me either, but it helped my daughter alot. i was put on klonopin for anxiety attacks and let me tell you coming off that drug after a year of steady, daily use was horrible. i mean delirium horrible, it should not be taken lightly.
xanax would be my last choice. valium my first for anger and anxiety. keep your dose down though.
you might try out the buspar first, at 3x's daily it may help and it does take a while to build up in your system.my doc told me that it actually has some anti-depressant properties as well. i was taking it for migraine prevention..
good luck in your quest, rr
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if you follow what your "soul" tells you is right, you will never do a wrong.
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MRNUTTY
Board Addict
Reged: 12/15/03
Posts: 376
Loc: east coast. USA
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Re: Advice from the knowledgable about Buspar, Xanax, Klonipin [Re: doglunatik]
#210125 - 12/25/04 04:18 PM
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buspar works for me.
wellbutrin works for me
xanax works for me
valium works for me.
SSRI's like prozac, and lexapro do not work me.
mood stalibizers like treleptal also don't work for me.
benzos i can take when i need them; i don't like being on SSRI's or coming off them.
i wouldn't mix them unless under psychiatrist supervision.
if you have insurance, and a primary care physician, he should be able to hook you up with the proper specialist safely.
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ktscarlett
Stranger
Reged: 11/06/04
Posts: 10
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Becky,
Do you have insurance? Is there any way you can see your own doctor (or even OB-GYN,maybe) and have them refer you to a psychiatrist....someone who is knowledgeable in the field of psych meds.
As stated in the previous posts, not everything works the same on everyone. Our make-ups are all different.
I would hesitate to just stop the Prozac after 9 years of usage. Coming off some of the SSRI's CT can be dangerous. Usually a doctor will "wean" you off.
I speak from experience. I was on zoloft (SSRI) and one day just decided to stop taking it. Big mistake, Went thru he!!, never felt worse.
And as far as the xanax goes, it is very effective in treating anxiety/panic. But is also VERY addicting. And WD's from xanax are the worst I have experienced.
And sadly, with your prior abuse of drugs on the record, your doctor is not willing to prescribe any drugs w/ the possibilities of addiction, no matter how long it's been.
I am speaking from experience. I also have a notation on my PCP's chart indicating that I had misused narcotics/benzos in the past.
My medical records are quite extensive. I have had numerous surgeries, kidney failure, kidney stones, migraines, etc. I've also been under Dr.'s care for depression/anxiety for over 30 years. Although I always had a legitimate reason for using these drugs, it was my "more is better" attitude that got me into trouble. I am a prime example of why people should not self medicate.
The only drug my Dr. would prescribe was my anti-depressant. On occasion, due to the severity of my back problems & frequent migraines, he would prescribe Tramadol. I am allergic to aspirin & all NSAIDS, so the only other med I could take was Extra Strenghth Tylenol.
I got very sick (physically & mentally), weighed only 89 lbs. and existed on caffeine & cigarettes. (Well balanced diet) (This as AFTER discontining zoloft)
I ended up in the hospital in serious condition.
This was almost a year ago. Initially the only drug I was taking was Zoloft.
As time went on I started to literally fall apart The zoloft had lost its' effectiveness. My pain issues intensified, so that I could hardly get out of bed, let alone do any work. My anxiety/panic heightened to the point I could not leave my house. So I had to quit working.
I had no insurance and could not afford my psychiatrist or psychologist's fees. However, I have the most wonderful psychologist! Out of desperation I called him one day. We had a very long talk, I guess a session via telephone. He advised me to make appt. w. PCP and he would also get in touch w/ Dr. "L".
Things are looking up. Both dr.'s agreed that the depression/pain/anxiety issuses were all connected They decided to prescribe Effexor -XR. And also Ativan and Lortab, to take as needed. We all know there is a risk of me becoming dependant again, but it was agreed that the risk was necessary in order to provide me w/ much needed relief.
I see Dr. L on a weekly visit for monitoring. I am starting to feel some relief. I take my Effexor religiously. And I do take the Lortab to ease the constant pain. I am very hesitant w/ the Ativan though, remembering my xanax experience.
No person is the same. People will have diff. results w/ diff. meds. Only a Dr. can diagnose your problem and prescribe accordingly.
Talk to your Dr. Better yet, if you have insurance see a psychiatrist. Explain the state you're in, as you did here on the board.
Because of your previous abuse, they probably will be leery. But there alot of compassionate Dr.'s available to seek treatment from. And, as far as I know, many psychiatrist do prescribe benzos along w/ ad's. Do what I did to prove your need is genuine, agree to weekly monitoring. And smaller scripts written one weeks' worth at a time.
Good Luck, Becky. I really hope you will seek professional help.
This board is absolutely wonderful w/ support, ideas, knowledge, sharing experiences and suggestions.
But anything gleaned from reading the boards should not be used in lieu of a professional opinion.
kts
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FyErMoN
Journeyman
Reged: 10/01/04
Posts: 60
Loc: Midwest
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Get this....I am a disabled Firefighter with Medicare...not a single PSY./PSC will take it..The only chioce i was left with is state run Comp. Care who told me i have at least a 3 month wait....Till i see a Dr.
When a person is in need of help...i mean serious help in my state...You have at least a 3 month wait through state run orgs. Go Figure FyErMoN
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Daeshay76
Old Hand
Reged: 03/22/04
Posts: 412
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just wondering do you really have to tell the docs about the addiction that you had so many years ago? IMO i wouldnt....but thats just me....as far as the Klonopin i have been on it little over a month now at 1mg ans still do not like it i do not remember anything about 30min after taking it as for the xanax i took it for a little while and it did nothing for me but the w/d were bad i am now back on my lexapro and love it! Good luck!!
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gumster
Newbie
Reged: 10/24/04
Posts: 39
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Mr. Nutty:
I also took SSRI (Paxil) for 1 year for anxiety and panic attacks. I simpy can not find a doctor to prescribe the medications that work, Benzo's, and I have no history or genetic history of addiction or drug problems. I had panic attacks frequently in my late teens, early twenties, and I did not even know what they were called. I simply thought I was dying, not only during the attacks but all the time. I was convinced I had some type of health problem that was going to result in my untimley death. This added anxiety to anxiety and panic changed to flat out FEAR. I am sorry but I did not want to die, it was a sad and lonley thought at 21 to honestly belive some type of heart problem was going to kill me any day now. Well I obtained Valium through compassionate entities (I will leave it at that) and it was a miracle drug. I proceeded to see doctors now that I knew I was having panic attacks and I found out what they are, and attempt to get treatment so I could enjoy life like my friends, go to college and do normal things, and FEEL normal. Benzo's made me feel normal. Well, SSRI's had the same effect on me as you speak of, simply bad. I (STUPIDLY) quit xanax cold turkey because my anxiety and need for it, and obtaining it through IOP's since no doctor I found would give me more than 10 Ativan every two months, led me to abuse it. This is why even though I disagree heavilly with so much in the world of medicine, I know that I should be seeing an expert for my anxiety and not self medicating. Well I can not find anyone whom I feel is more knowledgeable than me on how I feel, and what medicines help. This addiction fear is out of control. I am also addictied to Iron and Vitamin B3. Without these precious elements I am too weak to even go to work. ( Niacin deficiencies cause extreme lethargy, in Africa this deficiency in nutrient is called beri-beri, literally, "I can't, I can't"). See, addiction is OK with me, if it solves the crippling anxiety. Sorry for the sarcastic tone and rambling but I really just wanted to ask you if Buspar and Wellbutrin were SSRI's. I noticed you said they work, but you also said SSRI's do not. I thought Wellbutrin and Buspar were SSRI's. Anyway, to everyone else worried about withdrawal, I know it is on a person by person basis. Me, I hated the month I quit xanax, anxiety, depression, these words do not describe it adaquetley, but I was able to make it through while begining my last semester at college, graduated two months later after wd's subsided, yes wd's made it hard, but I still earned a 3.0 that semester. Now I take klonopin, usually keep it low and infrequent, (1) 2mg pill every 3 days or so. Maybe if anxiety gets bad I go back to 1/2 mg to 2 mg's daily, but taper back soon. I just do not know if I should be seeing a doctor regularly, but things are always getting better. Not that my life is perfect, but my mental health is better since I decided to take matters into my own hands. Also, I had more than a few problems with poor grades, trouble (like most kids) with authority, the usual and then some, I really could have messed myself up a few times. But when I started on klonopin two years ago, things have steadily improved in my career and life. I have so much to be thankful for. I do not self destruct with anxiety under control. I have my klonopin usage under control too, and when the time comes I have no worries about tapering and stopping. Withdrawal and dependancy really is an individual thing. Let me know about those two meds though Nutty, I am interested in their effectiveness.
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Mercedes116x
Newbie
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 48
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Re: Advice from the knowledgable about Buspar, Xanax, Klonipin [Re: doglunatik]
#211046 - 12/30/04 06:11 AM
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I am also on 60 mgs of Prozac a day. I think that if the Prozac is working for your depression, then you should stick with it. Doctors always say that the SSRI's should take care of anxiety , but I also have times when it is not enough. When the anxiety gets bad I take a klonopin. I only need then a couple of times a month. It is so hard to find anti-depressants that work because everyone is different, but I feel that if Prozac works then you should stick to it. Also, I would not even tell doctors that you had a heroin addiction. They only know what you tell them so if you don't want that to be a factor, then don't mention it. Good Luck.
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lela
Member
Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 183
Loc: Southwest
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Re: Advice from the knowledgable about Buspar, Xanax, Klonipin [Re: Mercedes116x]
#211256 - 12/30/04 09:46 PM
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Has anyone ever tried Pamelor? Worked great for my depression and anxiety many years ago. I'ts an old one and still around.
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Free your mind and your a** will follow.
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CARLITOS_WAY
Enthusiast
Reged: 06/27/04
Posts: 240
Loc: WASHINGTON, USA
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Buspar does not work for people that are use to benzo's (buspar is not a benzo like Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, and the list goes on and on). Buspar is not a schedule med like benzos. For long time use I would advise Klonopin over Xanax. Klonopin has a longer steady state of med in your system, where as Xanax has a faster peak and drop in your system. You will notice the lack of Xanax in your system and the need for it more readily than Klonopin. Klonopin will not have the peaks and valleys of Xanax.
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lela
Member
Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 183
Loc: Southwest
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Re: Advice from the knowledgable about Buspar, Xanax, Klonip [Re: CARLITOS_WAY]
#211440 - 12/31/04 05:33 PM
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Yes, but I've been warned that when you no longer need anxiety medication, Klonopin is much more difficult and takes much longer to wean yourself off of. What is your experience with Xanax and Klonopin usage and cease of usage. Any advise appreciated.
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Free your mind and your a** will follow.
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CARLITOS_WAY
Enthusiast
Reged: 06/27/04
Posts: 240
Loc: WASHINGTON, USA
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I've been taking benzo's since 1973. I tried once in the early 80's to quit Valium. I couldn't do it. I can quit any narcotic, barbituate, stimulant, but not benzo's. I have found that the ones that peak quick and have a short half life are more apt to be abused (except Valium which has a strong sedative effect with the anti-anxiety effect and peaks fast and has a long half life) and you worry not to miss your dose with short half lifes before the next dose starts working. The real trick, don't take them regularly, and not for extended periods of time. I think I've passed the extended period.  I have always had to take the strongest dose tid of all the benzo's except Klonopin. The middle dose (1mg.) tid has worked for me for 8 years now with no feeling the need to up the dose to 2mg. Each person is different. I know one person that Valium knocks them out and Dalmane works bettter for them for anxiety, even tho Dalmane is marketed for sleep. Well I need to take a breath, sorry for the long answer, which didn't really answer your question.
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lela
Member
Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 183
Loc: Southwest
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Re: Advice from the knowledgable about Buspar, Xanax, Klonip [Re: CARLITOS_WAY]
#211649 - 01/01/05 07:00 PM
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Most every post I've read so far says the same thing that you did about not having to increase the dose of Klonopin. I too have to take above the recommended dose of Alprazolam, always have, but I have no problem weaning myself off as I have a million times. Valium doesn't do much for me and Dalmane either. Everyone is unique. Think I'll give Klonopin a try to see if it works for me. Thanks for the help.
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Free your mind and your a** will follow.
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MRNUTTY
Board Addict
Reged: 12/15/03
Posts: 376
Loc: east coast. USA
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Quote:
Mr. Nutty: Sorry for the sarcastic tone and rambling but I really just wanted to ask you if Buspar and Wellbutrin were SSRI's. I noticed you said they work, but you also said SSRI's do not. I thought Wellbutrin and Buspar were SSRI's.
Gumster, i'm not a doctor, nor do i play one on TV
However, after some work i found:
wellbutrin is indeed an SSRI. Also, Buspar isn't described as an SSRI although it has an "high affinity for serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors".
footnoted from: http://pharma-help.com/
most of my adversion to SSRI's come from a bad experience with lexapro withdrawl (i still feel it sometimes after a couple of months already). i had buspar and wellbutrin several years ago; perhaps i would react as poorly to them now as I recently have with lexapro. I don't like the SSRI's categorically because they interfer to much with my creative processes, and communication skills.
either way, i have consistantly reacted more favorably to valium and xanax all along, as I take them only when i need them, rather than the treatments with SSRI's of constant medication.
hope this helped!
Edited by MRNUTTY (01/03/05 01:01 PM)
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Thanatopium
Journeyman
Reged: 04/22/04
Posts: 78
Loc: The Howling Wastes
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Buspar is an anxiolytic with some neuroleptic like activity (anti-psychotic/major tranquilizer). It has both DA agonist and antagonist effects reported. It is a 5-HT1A partial agonist, non-BZD anxiolytic.
It has little to no effects on reuptake of serotonin. It also has a faltering track record of being ineffective in a large segment of the population. For some its actions are remarkable, others, such as myself, it only makes dizzy, sick and lethargic, as well as dysphoric.
Bupropion is not an SSRI. Bupropion is a relatively weak inhibitor of the neuronal uptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine, and does not inhibit monoamine oxidase.
SSRI's (Selecive serotonin uptake inhibitors) are just that, selective. They have little to no adrenergic or dopaminergic effects on reuptake.
Wellbutrin is not the most efficient drug for monoaminergic blockade of reuptake, but it is one of the very, very few dopaminergic drugs that the FDA allowed out on the market, and as such, it is helpful to many people to whom the SSRI's are useless, or worse than useless.
The FDA has rejected scores of fast acting, efficient antidepressants with excellent side effect to therapetic dosage ratios for the simple fact that someone, some where, might feel good while taking them.
After all, why should someone want feel good? It seems positively sinful to desire such a thing...
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lela
Member
Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 183
Loc: Southwest
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Hi gumster, what dose of Klonopin would you recommend for me to start with? Thanks.
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Free your mind and your a** will follow.
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toe
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 10/09/02
Posts: 1437
Loc: MidWest USA
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WELBUTRIN IS A NOREPINEPHRINE AND DOPAMINE REUPTAKE INHIBITOR
Effect on serotonin regulation are neglible
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"It's the end of the World as We Know it. . ."
-REM "and I'm seeking asylum in Canada"-toe
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leap
Member
Reged: 11/19/03
Posts: 101
Loc: blue state
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Re: Advice from the knowledgable about Buspar, Xanax, Klonip [Re: Thanatopium]
#213989 - 01/10/05 09:05 AM
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Thanatopium, you said:
"The FDA has rejected scores of fast acting, efficient antidepressants with excellent side effect to therapetic dosage ratios for the simple fact that someone, some where, might feel good while taking them.
After all, why should someone want feel good? It seems positively sinful to desire such a thing... "
Is it possible to find out about any of these medicines, if they are available anywhere? Like Europe or something?
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"I want to believe." - Fox Mulder
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