[THE16THDOCTOR]

I have a diagnosis of bipolar and generalized anxiety/panic disorder. I take Lexapro and lamactil as well as Klonipin (as needed). My doctor mentioned Buspar bc my anxiety is so bad sometimes and I don't want to build up a tolerance to the Klonipin (I want to take it bc it works but I don't want it to get to the point where my body is so used to it it does nothing). Has anyone taken Buspar? Side effects? How effective was it for you? How long did it take to kick in after you started it? Thanks!!!

[Artchic528]

*raises hand* I take Buspar!!

After I had a friendship turned budding relationship go severely south, I wound up asking for help when I felt those pesky demons overwhelm me. While visiting my local psych ward for the evening (you meet the most interesting and colorful people there BTW), the doc who was accessing me suggested that, as an alternative to a major med change, that I add Buspar to my daily pill intake.

I now take one 5mg tablet in the morning, and again at night (though with my very bad memory, I often forget to take it at night, so I don't quite know if I'm getting the full effects of the med or not). Yes, my memory flakes out on me from time to time, through no fault of a disease or disorder, I might add. I just was born with a terribly sucky memory.

ANYWAYS, It helped somewhat, but only just. The thing was, and still is for that matter, that I had to roll up my sleeves and actually help the med to work through a good change in attitude (and a lot of finger snapping, a page I took from Vital's book here: http://forums.psychcentral.com/depre...n-escaped.html)

It's this way with any given med. You can't sit on the couch, waiting for some miracle pill to do all the work for you. YOU have to get off that couch and get that reluctant rear into gear. I know that anxiety makes thrusting yourself in the bosom of society a chore, or even a downright painful experience, but taking little baby steps each and every day towards a bigger goal you set, might help.

Remember though, that if you don't achieve your goal, it's okay. The ever incomparable Bruce Lee once said, "A goal is not always meant to be reached. It often serves simply as something to aim at."

If you couldn't tell, I admire and take inspiration from Bruce Lee. I could go on for days about how awesome a man he was. But, to spare you from a 3 day lecture on overcoming adversity and whatnot, I'll just end my post here. Good Luck and here's to a bright new year!!!