BuSpar/xanax

[Ellen]

About a month and a half ago I began having anxiety attacks--not even so much an attack as a feeling of anxiousness all day.  Insomnia, shallow breathing, agigtated, etc.  I've been to the dr. and had EKG, echocardiogram, lung x-rays, thyroid ultrasound and bloodwork done.  Everything is normal with the exception of being diagnosed with Hashimotos Thyroiditis.  I've been put on synthroid, which I take daily.  My doc. also prescribed me xanax 0.25mg to help me sleep.  I've been told and have read that I could be experiencing anxiety due to the thyroid problem, but since it takes a month for the synthroid to take effect, I won't know if that will help for another 2 weeks or so.  Since then, my anxiety is getting worse.  I saw an assoiciate of my doctors' on Friday and she prescribed BuSpar, which I had filled, but have yet to take.  I've heard so many negative things about BuSpar that I'm afraid to take it.  I'm out of the xanax and want to know that if I get another prescription for that, would it be a problem to take it with the BuSpar--assuming I decided to take that.  Also, do you know of any studies that show the effectiveness of BuSpar.  And finally is it possible for Hashimotos Thyroiditis to cause anxiety/anticipatory anxiety.  Sorry so longwinded.  Thanks for your help.

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Ellen,

I apologise for the delay in replying to your question. Response to our forum has been great and we have to research some questions. I am sorry to hear that your anxiety is getting worse. I have reviewed your previous questions posted on 8/25/99 and 9/3/99, and I agree with the responses offered by HFHS.MD-JM and HFHS.MD-RG. There are clinical studies showing the effectiveness of Buspar in the treatment of anxiety, although it is not an effective anti-panic agent. Xanax as well as a number of antidepressants are effective in panic attacks and generalized anxiety. You may continue Xanax, and probably discuss an increase in dosage with your doctor. Buspar may be taken in combination with Xanax,if recommended by your doctor. I urge you to discuss your concerns further with your physician, and consider referral for cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy.

[sue]

I am on buspar since just last week and the booklet I have says it takes 2 to4 weeks for it to start working.  I have been fighting depression for years and started having anxiety attacks over a year ago.  I cannot take medications for depression because of the side effects but the booklet I have says that  it is generally well tolorated.  I feel like it is so far I haven't seen any side effects from it and I also have a Dr. who has been my Guardian angel for 8 years so I know he wouldn't put me on it if he thought it would harm me.  I feel you should at least give it a try.

Good luck.