long term medication effectiveness

My husband has been diagnosed with OCD--he is also anxious and depressed. He has managed this condition over the last 14 years with imipramine. Nine years ago, when the OCD flared up over a  new fear (fear of flying), he was given xanax to fly. Recently, he has had another flare up over work issues. The flare up was particularly intense over our family vacation. I insisted he take xanax in the evening so he could sleep and function during the day. He was sure he would become addicted to the xanax. He took 1/2 of a .25 dose for 9 days. Has imipramine lost its effectiveness? Can xanax be used long term? Is imipramine indicated for OCD? What can he expect when transitioning to a new medication? His psychiatrist (new--first visit) wanted to admit him immediately). BUT the Dr. (his Physicians Assistant) refused to discuss what my husband could expect in the hospital. So we declined the admission...he is currently on a business trip using xanax to cope. Should a Dr. be expected to consult the patient on treatment before admission? My husband has yet to meet the Dr.

My husband works in a field that is not sympathetic to these issues. Much of his anxiety is centered around keeping his job and not being humiliated at work. We live in a small city and rumors fly quickly. What can we do to insure privacy?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

I would recommend that your husband switch to a newer medication that does better with ocd, anxiety and depression. These medications are in a family called ssri's and they include Paxil, Prozac, Zolfot, Effexor and Celexa.  Any one will work better than what he is using.  I would get your general practitioner doctor to prescribe them so you can keep your privacy.

Xanax is hard to get off of if taken regularly so continue until your husband gets settled on the new medication.