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Okay that is an overstatement.....they can work, but at really high doses. I have had anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember. No meds work for me. SSRIs make me more anxious, and other antidepressants make me totally disconnected with the world.
(1) Did you ever take a short acting Benzodiazepine for an extended period of time? (Ativan, Dalmane, Serax, Xanax). Tolerance may be an issue. Taking a "drug holiday" may re-establish efficacy in this case. Hypnotics such as Ambien and Lunesta can also cause tolerance issues, as they are cross-tolerant with Benzodiazepines.
(2) The underlying component is primarily a depressive state. It is important to differentiate between anxiety and depressive states, and treat the dominating disorder. Treating the dominating disorder generally treats both the dominant and secondary disorders.
(3) The underlying component is something other than primary depression or anxiety, or coexisting anxiety/depression. These can include Bipolar I and II disorder, Schizoaffective disorder, and personality disorders.
One alternative to Benzodiazepines is Miltown (Meprobamate), but much like Xanax, tolerance occurs rapidly (but not always).
Alternatives to SSRI's are the Tricyclics (Asendin, Elavil, Endep, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, and Tofranil), and the Tetracyclics (Desyrel, Remeron). Both the Tricyclics and Tetracyclics have proven efficacy at treating coexisting anxiety/depression.
Perhaps you can discuss some of these alternatives with the doctor.
(1) Did you ever take a short acting Benzodiazepine for an extended period of time? (Ativan, Dalmane, Serax, Xanax). Tolerance may be an issue. Taking a "drug holiday" may re-establish efficacy in this case. Hypnotics such as Ambien and Lunesta can also cause tolerance issues, as they are cross-tolerant with Benzodiazepines.
(2) The underlying component is primarily a depressive state. It is important to differentiate between anxiety and depressive states, and treat the dominating disorder. Treating the dominating disorder generally treats both the dominant and secondary disorders.
(3) The underlying component is something other than primary depression or anxiety, or coexisting anxiety/depression. These can include Bipolar I and II disorder, Schizoaffective disorder, and personality disorders.
One alternative to Benzodiazepines is Miltown (Meprobamate), but much like Xanax, tolerance occurs rapidly (but not always).
Alternatives to SSRI's are the Tricyclics (Asendin, Elavil, Endep, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, and Tofranil), and the Tetracyclics (Desyrel, Remeron). Both the Tricyclics and Tetracyclics have proven efficacy at treating coexisting anxiety/depression.
Perhaps you can discuss some of these alternatives with the doctor.
Ryan