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Anxiety Community
This patient support community is for discussions relating to generalized anxiety, anxiety and eating, anxiety and sleeping, mood swings, and phobias.
Would like to Get off SSRIs
by hatgal, Apr 24, 2007 12:00AM
Hi All - I'm new here, but have had axiety/panic issues for 11+ years. I know all of my issues are hormonally driven, but I won't bore you with that side of it.
A little history: In the beginning, the docs put me on klonopin and it was wonderful for controlling the anxiety/panic attacks that were extremely bad. The I became pregnant and went off of it. Fast foward to 9 months post baby and the anxiety hit again. The doc then put me on zoloft for long-term use, but still had/have the klonopin for actual attacks. Zoloft was wonderful (ask my husband!). However, after several years (my bad), I realized that zoloft was affecting my sex drive (or lack thereof very much so). I thought it was b/c of kids, etc., which it probably was, but because of the hormonal imbalance, not the actual fact of having kids.
Before kids (and the hormonal imbalances thereto) I was a very sexual person - had my husband going all the time (lol). Anyway, a few years ago I addressed the sexual issue with my doc and he prescribed wellbutrin to counteract the zoloft. It seemed to work, but only for a while. In the meantime, had another baby a couple years ago. A few months ago I addressed the sexual issue again with my doc and he changed me from zolfot to effexor - whoah boy!!! I believe the effexor has finally put me over the edge with irritibility, disorientation, and a general insaneness (even thoughts of desperation and taking my life - not that serious, though). So a few days ago, I took my self off the effexor and resumed my zoloft.
Continued on next post..........
A little history: In the beginning, the docs put me on klonopin and it was wonderful for controlling the anxiety/panic attacks that were extremely bad. The I became pregnant and went off of it. Fast foward to 9 months post baby and the anxiety hit again. The doc then put me on zoloft for long-term use, but still had/have the klonopin for actual attacks. Zoloft was wonderful (ask my husband!). However, after several years (my bad), I realized that zoloft was affecting my sex drive (or lack thereof very much so). I thought it was b/c of kids, etc., which it probably was, but because of the hormonal imbalance, not the actual fact of having kids.
Before kids (and the hormonal imbalances thereto) I was a very sexual person - had my husband going all the time (lol). Anyway, a few years ago I addressed the sexual issue with my doc and he prescribed wellbutrin to counteract the zoloft. It seemed to work, but only for a while. In the meantime, had another baby a couple years ago. A few months ago I addressed the sexual issue again with my doc and he changed me from zolfot to effexor - whoah boy!!! I believe the effexor has finally put me over the edge with irritibility, disorientation, and a general insaneness (even thoughts of desperation and taking my life - not that serious, though). So a few days ago, I took my self off the effexor and resumed my zoloft.
Continued on next post..........
Does anyone know if it would be safe to take vicodin and klonopin together? I feel this would really solve my anxiety/depression issues once and for all while allowing my old self to return, whom I have missed very much!
Sorry this is sooooo long, but I really need some help. Thank you in advance for any support you can offer.
Anyway, I believe buspar to be like a wellbutrin and thank you for your information. I do just want to get off the SSRIs altogether so I am seeking the advice for the klonopin. Believe me when I tell you I'm way not too proud to be on the ssri; it's just that my hormones have gone quite haywire lately and I'd like to give the drugs a rest and see if I can get by with just the klonopin.
Thanks again, Suzi-q! Best to you.......
Unfortunately, sexual side effects are fairly common with the SSRI class of antidepressants. The SSRI's are best reserved for depression.
Note that BuSpar, in monotherapy, is a worthless drug (originally developed as an antipsychotic, but was a failure). It came out in the late 80's, around the same time as Prozac. For BuSpar to be effective, it must be combined with an SSRI or SNRI.
Klonopin is indicated for "panic disorder" (recurring panic attacks). Klonopin doesn't have the sexual side effects, and is very effective at preventing "panic" when taken everyday, twice daily. Klonopin is relatively free from side effects, but being in the Benzodiazepine class of drugs, one can develop a tolerance or dependency to it after a prolonged period of time. Never the less, it is one of the most effective treatments. It is the front-line treatment for panic disorder.
The average starting dose is 0.25 mg BID. After three days, the dose may be increased to the "target dose" of 0.5 mg BID.
The downside to using Klonopin is it's interaction with other CNS depressants (alcohol), narcotics, and other sedative-hypnotics. Vicodin is contraindicated with Klonopin, as it has an "additive" effect. 30% of users develop a serious tolerance to its effects (requiring more of the drug to acheive the same results), this is uncommon.
-Ryan
I am just wondering if I am on the RIGHT Benzo. for my attacks, or if you think something like Klonnopin is better suited for my attacks?? My psych upped me to 1 MG, but I am wondering if switching to another benzo. would benefit me in the long run?? What do you think RCA, as you seem to have good knowledge on Panic Attacks and Disorder and the proper meds. for it.
I cannot take any SSRI's, FYI. I get a weird neurological/physiological reaction that causes electrical sensations/vibrations and a ten-fold pins-and-needles feeling to surge through my head, as well as increased Panic Attacks and mood swings (occasionally).
Yet what Benzo. do you think a person like me (that obviously can't take SSRI's) could take? Do you think the Lorazepam 1 MG will be sufficient enough, or is there another one my psych. should prescribe for me?
How was the Lorazepam prescribed (once or twice daily)?
There have been rare reports of Ativan (Lorazepam) causing "extra pyramidal" side effects (those opposite to what the drug is intended to treat). Perhaps this is the case. Personally, I wouldn't even take it again, as the same thing is likely to recur.
Ativan is not the best Benzodiazepine for panic disorder. Ativan in general is not a very useful drug for panic. It is helpful for GAD on a PRN basis. Klonopin (Clonazepam) is twice as strong as Ativan, and has a much longer half-life. I would recommend Klonopin 0.5 mg BID (every 12 hours). Klonopin targets panic specifically.
Definitely let your doctor know about the extra pyramidal side effects you experienced. Ask for Klonopin.
-Ryan
However, I have an opportunity that I really, really really want to do - go visit my best friend in NC next weekend - yes, FLYING!
Does anyone have any thoughts on what else I could take in addition to or besides klonopin in order to fly. I am absolutely petrified to fly and I would be going alone. Haven't flown in about 11 years!
Thanks for any suggestions.
How was the Lorazepam prescribed (once or twice daily)?
There have been rare reports of Ativan (Lorazepam) causing "extra pyramidal" side effects (those opposite to what the drug is intended to treat). Perhaps this is the case. Personally, I wouldn't even take it again, as the same thing is likely to recur.
Ativan is not the best Benzodiazepine for panic disorder