What kind of medication would you suggest?

[lazy900]

Just need opinions here.

I have a pretty severe anxiety disorder. I always knew I had an anxiety disorder, but I never knew that it was the cause of so many of my problems.  At one point I even thought I was bipolar, then I was told that anxiety can cause symptoms that mimic other disorders. I don't get panic attacks. The problems I have are: chronic (& almost constant) irritability, irrational fears, non stop thoughts, frequent mood fluctuations, depersonalization to name a few.

I have tried a couple of antidepressants before, and they didn't do anything.   I also have a fear of gaining weight. On antidepressants I fear the whole time that I will gain weight, and that just causes me more anxiety.  The only one I would try is Wellburtin because it doesn't cause weight gain...but of course that is the ONE antidepressant that isn't for anxiety!

I was recently given Xanax by my doctor. I felt like this could be the pill I was waiting for. I thought it would be perfect for me...especially since I take Adderall and I could use something to help with the crash. Then I read it's not for long term use.

Bottom line: I need something long term-- I need something daily. My anxiety disorder has literally been around since the I was a baby, so I don't plan on it just going away on its own.  It affects me all day every day. My mood, how I treat other people...it affects everything. What kind of anxiety medication do you think is right for me?

[Door]

Xanax can be safely used long term.  Many on this board have been on it for years, including myself.

[mindonfire]

you might want to talk to your doc about the adderall.

That med,along with most adhd meds,is not exactly helpful for someone with an a.d, due to it's stimulating factor,which can increase adrenalin. 

I have both GAD and ADHD,and can not take any of the meds because they aggravate my anxiety,and make me manic.

My depression is well controlled by lamictal,which is weight neutral.

good luck

[Door]

My doc suggested that if I want to try a new medication, I should consider Lamictal.  She said that in her clinical experience it has fewer side effects than SSRIs.  I'm still scared to take it.

[WiSp]

Xanax can be safely used long term.  Many on this board have been on it for years, including myself.

I'm surprised to read things like that, while a lot of people talk about the hell of xanax withdrawal and addiction. Or to think about its short half life compared to Ativan and others. But I'm sure it's safe about the long term. I wish I could use it like you, Door, because I'm apparently in the need-to-raise-because-no-more-effect pattern, and this is go fast. But don't misunderstand, I loved xanax. If only it would still work...Ativan doesn't work either at the similar xanax dosage, plus it made me nauseous and feeling like a volcano in belly. Xanax was at least side-effect free, except for a light dizzyness.

[Door]

I'm surprised to read things like that, while a lot of people talk about the hell of xanax withdrawal and addiction. Or to think about its short half life compared to Ativan and others. But I'm sure it's safe about the long term. I wish I could use it like you, Door, because I'm apparently in the need-to-raise-because-no-more-effect pattern, and this is go fast. But don't misunderstand, I loved xanax. If only it would still work...Ativan doesn't work either at the similar xanax dosage, plus it made me nauseous and feeling like a volcano in belly. Xanax was at least side-effect free, except for a light dizzyness.

I've been through Xanax withdrawals.  I weaned off slowly, over 2 months, I think.  The dose was dropped by 0.25 mg every two weeks.  I had spells of light headedness for a day or two following the reduction, then I felt fine.  It was not bad at all.  Weaning off Celexa and Lexapro were worse. 

I think Xanax would work at the right dose for your body.  The problem is getting your doctor to believe that.  You can go up to 4 mg/day, and you are still in the safe zone with regards to dependence and withdrawals.  The highest recommended dose is 10 mg/day.  10 mg!  Anxiety people are the least likely to get addicted because, again, we are overly conscientious.  Have you noticed that those here who take Xanax take less than what they were prescribed?  We just won't do it.  I am allowed to take 3 mg/day.  Ha!  I won't do over 2 mg.

Klonopin is probably the 2nd most favorite benzo.  Doctors seem comfortable prescribing it.  I'd say try to go for that.

[Crush]

At one point I even thought I was bipolar, then I was told that anxiety can cause symptoms that mimic other disorders. I don't get panic attacks. The problems I have are: chronic (& almost constant) irritability, irrational fears, non stop thoughts, frequent mood fluctuations, depersonalization to name a few.

Keep in mind that an SSRI will give you more OCD and phobias at first. Especially if you are taking a strong dose.

It sounds like you have dominant OCD resulting in a mild depression.

I recommend going to an OCD specialty forum like http://www.ocdforums.org and seeing what they use as it's a different animal than Anxiety disorder.

It doesn't matter if they both stem from the same place, they are different illnesses and should be treated different (IN MY OPINION OF COURSE).

Anxiety suffering is all about physical symptoms.. pains, heart palpitations, hot flashes.. very physical etc. Anxiety sufferers will usually always get mild OCD.

Having OCD as a primary disorder is in the mind. All about thoughts and actions and concequences. All about thoughts and will be coupled with mild depression and mood disorder most of the time which it sounds like you have. It's hard to behave normal with all these intrusive thoughts. OCD is also something long term. Anxiety comes and and goes for sufferers but not OCD so much.

At an OCD forum, your thoughts aren't taboo and you can tell people what your thinking and afraid of. There will be 10 more just like you. When it comes to OCD you really need support and assurance so I suggest checking one of those forums out and the medications that suite them.

[TinfoilxTouch]

I'm surprised to read things like that, while a lot of people talk about the hell of xanax withdrawal and addiction. Or to think about its short half life compared to Ativan and others. But I'm sure it's safe about the long term.

Is the doc giving you the Xanax a GP or a Psychiatrist? This makes a big difference in what your path will likely be. Since you're already on Adderall- which is a much more tightly controlled substance than any Benzo, a good Psych doc shouldn't be too afraid to work with you. A GP often starts seeing more than one scheduled drug, sees the patient raising the doses, and freaks out.

There are literally dozens of Benzos available. You could try asking to increase the dose or frequency of Xanax useage. If that doesn't work, the next logical thing would be a drug like Klonopin or Valium, both of which are very long acting. If those don't work, there are a bunch of less common benzos that only a psych doc would probably know enough about to consider.