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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by torachan on December 4, 2007, at 2:18:12
I believe I have GAD which resulted from panic attacks that erupted in my early twenties. At least that was the initial diagnosis. I've been on clonazepam for many, many years with great success, but doctors keep insisting I should treat this chronic condition by other means, and to a degree I agree.
My questions is, since I had very good, though not entirely sufficient results with Effexor at 75-150 mgs which allowed me to reduce my daily dose of clonazepam to .125mg, yet not feeling well enough to eliminate entirely, why is it when I give ssri's a chance, Lex/Celexa and Paxil, I seem unable to endure what seems to be an intolerable increase in my anxiety level? When I tried Lexapro, the anxiety seemed to extend at an unacceptable level past the two weeks indicated by many people, even when I dropped the dose down from 10mg--ridiculous anxiety--to 5mg. Even my Paxil attempt at only 10mg/day has got me considering a trip to the ER after only two or three days.
What are the differences in action between the SSRI's and the SNRI Effexor at the doses I indicated? I thought Effexor regulates serotonin at the 75-150mg range, as does the SSRI's. Why is it ssri's aggravate my anxiety MUCH more than the Effexor did, if it did at all as I seem to recall?
Any input from the biochem experts would be appreciated.
Posted by Phillipa on December 4, 2007, at 10:44:41
In reply to SSRI's and GAD!, posted by torachan on December 4, 2007, at 2:18:12
I'm not one just someone same thing has happened too but not with klonopin, valium, ativan, xanax. And took cymbalta not effexor couldn't tolerate that. Good question. Phillipa
Posted by johnj on December 4, 2007, at 15:27:17
In reply to SSRI's and GAD!, posted by torachan on December 4, 2007, at 2:18:12
Personally, I have had the same experience as you with ssri's. I have not tried celexa but paxil and luvox sent my anxiety which was controlled ok without meds throught the roof. I have ocd/anxiety with sleep problems. I will NEVER try ssri's again. Remeron caused chest anxiety too. Something about them is too stimulating for me. I can't take benzos so trying to wait out the anxiety does not work. Effexor may be your best bet.
johnj
This is the end of the thread.
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