[benzenering]

If you are on anxiety meds, would you please share with me how they are helping and any side effects you may be having? I need to get on a med, but many of them are out because I drink alcohol.

Before I tapered off Saphris two months ago I had not been having much anxiety. I'm beginning to wonder, though, if Saphris was keeping it down as it has really kicked in the last two weeks. It is getting critical that I be treated, as I have not been eating or sleeping.

[gayleggg]

I take klonopin and it makes me a little tired but you are not suppose to drink while taking it.

[splitimage]

Celexa really worked on my anxiety and depression, I didn't really realize how well it was working until I had to lower my dose due to cardiovascular complications.

Seroquel also works really well on my anxiety.

splitimage

[*Laurie*]

I've tried several meds for anxiety over the past 4 years. Nothing helped. Finally I was prescribed Latuda, and that has helped my depression and taken the sharp edge off the anxiety.

[ofthevalley]

I take Latuda gabapentin and Ativan. No side effects but I don't drink.

[seaecho]

I take Xanax ER and Xanax regular PRN. No side effects here either, and I also don't drink.

[jjlltt40]

Klonopin it last a long time doesn't kick in as fast as Xanax but over all I have taken them all and this is the best.Klonopin

[benzenering]

No one on propanolol? I'm looking into asking for this med at my pdoc appointment tomorrow.

[benzenering]

Also, buspar?

[jjlltt40]

I also take Klonopin, like he said it does make you a little tired, and he is right not supposed too drink when taking it. It works well it takes about 1 hour kick in but it last has long half life I think 12 hours or 10, but it also is addictive, so if get some try make on as little as possible.

[TicTacGo]

Okay, so I assume you drink alcohol fairly often, correct? The reason why that is out for frequent drinkers is because benzodiazepines, both alcohol and these sedatives are CNS depressants and may in great quantities of either of both, cause depression of the the respiratory and other systems.

Another thing is the fact that even without alcohol there, you shouldn't drink that type of drug that often in any case- it may cause tolerance and dependence. Therefore, it shouldn't matter if you do drink, as it isn't something that should be used too often, or for an extended period of time. As long as the two are not taken simultaneously.

Options-
SSRI antidepressants such as Zoloft (setraline), Prozac (fluoxetine) and Paxil (paroxetine) among others.

SNRI antidepressants including Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine) among others.

Tricyclic antidepressants examples include Anafranil (clomipramine) , and Elavil (amitriptyline).

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Emsam (selegiline) and Nardil (phenelzine).

(There are others, but these are among the more common)

FOR those unable to make use of antidepressant to other existing disorders (such as bipolar disorder where antidepressants impose a threat of causing mania)
- Seroquel (quetiapine in particular, though brand name may be used off-label)

[seaecho]

Propanolol does absolutely NOTHING for my anxiety or panic attacks. Doesn't for my husband either, but everyone is dfiferent. It wouldn't be my first choice, by far.

[*Laurie*]

Hi benzenering, What did your pdoc say?

[benzenering]

Laurie, she decided that it was due to my new antipsychotic Vraylar. Since it has a long half life she has me taking it every other day. I'm now on day 4 and the anxiety is still pretty intense. I haven't had anxiety like this in years, so I guess I am due I have another appointment in a week or so. Maybe it will be better by then (crosses fingers).

[*Laurie*]

I'm so sorry. To me, there's nothing that feels worse than bad anxiety. If it's still bothering you by your next appointment, please don't give up on insisting she prescribes something for the anxiety. Or changes the med you're on to something that doesn't not cause anxiety.

[Hobbit House]

I use klonopin as well. I was recently placed on gabapentin. It's a anti-seizure medication but can be used for anxiety. Anyway... it works for me.

[mugwort2]

I'm not on an Rx anxiety drug. However I do drink Chamomile tea to help me sleep. Full disclosure the herbal tea contains ginger, lemon grass, orange peel, lemon peel, chicory. Would you ever consider taking a natural substance as long as its safe to take with your meds? For example Valarian. Read Valarian is the source for Valium. Drug makers use one part of the herb ignorning the other components. This is reductivism The prob with this is all parts of the herb are needed for the full effect.

[TicTacGo]

To all the people mentioning benzos (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan etc.)

Those are the "not with alcohol consumption" ones that are being referred to.

Alcohol and sedatives such as benzos both depress the CNS and may cause excessive sedation, impaired motor function and depressed respiratory function in greater quantities of either, or both.

These drugs are great fro emergencies, but should not be taken long-term, and most definitely not with alcohol.

[Blue_Bird]

Propanolol 40mg helps me, no side effects

[*Laurie*]

Originally Posted by TicTacGo

To all the people mentioning benzos (Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan etc.)

Those are the "not with alcohol consumption" ones that are being referred to.

Alcohol and sedatives such as benzos both depress the CNS and may cause excessive sedation, impaired motor function and depressed respiratory function in greater quantities of either, or both.

These drugs are great fro emergencies, but should not be taken long-term, and most definitely not with alcohol.

With respect, I'd like to caution you about telling people in a blanket statement that they should not take benzos. That is up to their doctors. Yes, benzos are best prescribed for short-term use for most people, however, there are some cases in which benzos are helpful and need to be taken long-term (if there is a seizure disorder known or suspected, for example). We would need to know each PC member's medical history in order to tell each one which meds they should take, or not.

[seaecho]

^^^Agree completely!

[Lorimums]

Klonopin is the only thing that helps with my panic attacks. Doc just prescribed Abilify saying that will help with my anxiety but I have not started it yet.

[Hobbit House]

Originally Posted by Lorimums

Klonopin is the only thing that helps with my panic attacks. Doc just prescribed Abilify saying that will help with my anxiety but I have not started it yet.

Abilify makes me anxious. I have to take klonopin and gabapentin just to help control it. It causes restlessness in many people. I suspect it worsens my Tardive Disconesia. In spite of all that it works fairly well for me. At least compared to others.