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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Amanda S on April 26, 2000, at 19:52:51
Went to a new pdoc today. After 3 years of therapy and one year of a possible bi-polar disorder, the new pdoc doesn't believe I am bi-polar. She believes that I am very anxious and I have always complained to my other pdocs about my anxiety. Unfortunately the anti-anxiety meds are addictive and that worries me. I was told to take .50mgs a day to see if that would alleviate my anxieties. Klonopin has really helped, but I am so frightened of getting hooked. What else can you do? Amanda from SC
Posted by Cam W. on April 26, 2000, at 22:23:39
In reply to longterm treatment for anxiety?????, posted by Amanda S on April 26, 2000, at 19:52:51
Amanda - BuSpar and low dose Effexor are non-addictive antianxiety meds. Also Paxil is used in some anxiety disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be of great value. - Cam W.
Posted by Andy on April 26, 2000, at 22:32:11
In reply to longterm treatment for anxiety?????, posted by Amanda S on April 26, 2000, at 19:52:51
> Went to a new pdoc today. After 3 years of therapy and one year of a possible bi-polar disorder, the new pdoc doesn't believe I am bi-polar. She believes that I am very anxious and I have always complained to my other pdocs about my anxiety. Unfortunately the anti-anxiety meds are addictive and that worries me. I was told to take .50mgs a day to see if that would alleviate my anxieties. Klonopin has really helped, but I am so frightened of getting hooked. What else can you do? Amanda from SC
Not hooked, but medically dependant is a better way of putting it. Diabetics are dependent on insulin, heart patients on their meds etc..etc. I've taken ativan, a similar drug, and for awhile klonopin for anxiety and panic for over ten years and don't have a problem with it. I'll take it till I'm 100 if I have to. I don't abuse it (most don't) and only had to increase dosage once. If it helps you its worth it.
You can also try buspar which doesn't cause dependence. Some like it but I think it good for poop. Doesn't help with my panic type anxiety.
Posted by Alfred on April 27, 2000, at 1:24:10
In reply to Re: longterm treatment for anxiety?????, posted by Andy on April 26, 2000, at 22:32:11
I have been on Ativan for 5+ years. It works better for me than any of the non-benzodiazepine alternatives, (BuSpar, Paxil, etc.). If you use it responsibly it shouldn't cause you problems. If you discontinue it, the dosage is gradually tappered off. There can be withdrawl symptoms, but they aren't to severe, (not as bad as alcohol or nicotine withdrawl, maybe comparable to caffeine withdrawl). The potential withdrawl symptoms would be worse for larger doses so it would be a good idea not to use more than is necessary to control the anxiety sufficiently.
This is the end of the thread.
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