[netsavy006]

I did a search on another forum regarding a medication that I took in the past: Lexapro

I was reading my experiences that I posted on the other board in regards to Lexapro, explaining that when I was on the 20mg dose, I became manic from.

Also on one of my posts (on the other forum) I had my med list and both Lexapro and Ativan were on there explaining how they worked for me. The Ativan dosage was 0.5mg three times daily.

While of course a doctor is needed in relation to these questions I have a couple of questions:

1. If Lexapro 20mg caused me to become manic, could I have success at 10mg without switching to mania?
2. Is it possible to taper down from Xanax 2mg/day to Ativan .5mg TID?

I'm doing this research because I wanted to see if I could use an AD to help anxiety and panic in such a way so I can reduce the need for a benzodiazapine.

Of course I know I will need a doctor's help, as I would never make changes on my own.
I'm trying not to become over-obsessive with my medications but I hope you understand where I'm coming from.

I will of course be continuing to see my therapist once a week for 45min sessions each week.

Thanks,
~ Andy

[pgrundy]

Have you tried any SSRNIs like Effexor? I had a severe manic reaction to Prozac but feel really well on high dose Effexor CR (300 mg/day) and 100 mg of Seroquel XR at night. I don't need any benzos at all.

In fact, back in January when I ended up in the hospital from the Prozac reaction, the psychiatric intake nurse said Xanax is one of the worst drugs she's ever seen--that in her opinion it hurts more people than it helps because it is so addictive and people develop a tolerance, then have a horrible hard time coming off it. I was taking Xanax as needed at that point. Now, not at all.

Good luck to you in any case. I would think finding just the right combination of meds would be the key. I am in a good place with what I am on now, but have crashed badly on other regimens.

[dragonfly2]

Hi Andy,

You could try a different class of anti-anxiety med like BuSpar/buspirone. From what I've read it takes a while to become effective, but it is not addictive. There are also other meds that help with anxiety. My husband takes Neurontin/gabapentin for his and it has helped. He doesn't have a diagnosable anxiety disorder per se, but does have some anxiety associated with his depression.

As for the lexapro, it sent me through the roof with mania too. I can't take SSRIs at all, though I've never tried an SNRI like Effexor. I take a combination of Lamictal and Wellbutrin with some success with occasional adjustments here and there.

[netsavy006]

I can't take Buspar. It made me suicidal.

I can't take Neurontin either. It disrupted my mood stability. In general it made me worse rather than better.

[dragonfly2]

Sorry to hear that. It must make things very frustrating for you. Were you taking the lithium you are on now when you tried the Lexapro? If not, that could make all the difference. The Clozaril may also help keep the mania at bay.

[netsavy006]

I don't remember if I was on Lithium at the time. I've been off of Lexapro for at least 2 or 3 years now.