Meds for constant anxiety - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

shutterbug · 09-30-2006, 12:56 PM

okay....so any options out there other than benzos that have worked well for anyone?

I'm on Effexor and Wellbutrin and either one or both are suppose to 'help' with anxiety, but I may need something more.

MamaGoose · 09-30-2006, 01:22 PM

I've been taking Zoloft (50 mg) and it's helped me alot with anxiety and probably depression too.
The other stuff gets me jittery or I get flashy things in my eyes.

There are lots of new meds out there. I hope you find something that works for you.

Take care shutterbug

liveweyerd · 09-30-2006, 04:47 PM

hugs,

live

**historyteach** · 09-30-2006, 05:03 PM

BuSpar *can* be very helpful for some people.
My counselor said it worked well for me, but, that was during the time I was on WAY too much medication, and was stoned out of my mind.
Talk to your doctor about it.

Shalom!

lilac · 09-30-2006, 05:47 PM

I have found that the Zoloft works best for me.

Ws Flower Purple Transparent Dagrapevine Flip Up

Bozo · 10-01-2006, 06:03 AM

200mg of Zoloft is OK for OCD, but doesnt do much for my anxiety at all.

A quarter of a tablet of Trazodone help takes the edge of the anxiety, but it also makes me feel sleepy, that is not what I like during the day.

I think that BuSpar teach is talking about is very interesting.

Mike

liveweyerd · 10-01-2006, 06:10 AM

Bozo,

I miss you bro'! Yep I am interested in the Buspar too. I asked my pdoc about it recently and she said no but I am still thinking about it. She seemed to think it wouldn't be strong enough effective for me...but I am not yet convinced.
Did I say, I miss you?! LOL

Josiol · 10-01-2006, 06:17 AM

I've been on Effexor, Wellbutrin & Buspar for my anxiety and none have really worked well at all. I recently started Zoloft in June and what a difference. It's working wonders for me

liveweyerd · 10-01-2006, 06:29 AM

thanks for that info! Can you tell me something a bit more about the Buspar?
Mike is all ready on Zoloft. I, too, am on an SSRI and trazadone. I balk because I am diagnosed as having a severe anxiety disorder and am on xanax. I have really cut back my dosage and find that the lower dose works just as well...but it gets such bad flack around here, that it is easy for me to worry about it.

**historyteach** · 10-01-2006, 07:14 AM

Josiol;
I'm AMAZED that you were on Welbutrin for anxiety!
IT's well known to bring on anxiety and/or panic attacks!

It can be helpul for depression, though.

Xanax is a benzodiazapan, and easy to get hooked on. I have it and take it as needed. I've not had to take it since I got off the Welbutrin in early May. (It was causing me panic attacks.) That's why xanax gets a bad rap here.

Shalom!

liveweyerd · 10-01-2006, 07:38 AM

Teach, thanks. My husband was thrown into horrible anxiety with Welbutrin.

Bozo · 10-01-2006, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liveweyerd

Teach, thanks. My husband was thrown into horrible anxiety with Welbutrin.

Ditto!

shutterbug · 10-02-2006, 07:32 PM

wow guys...thank you all for the great response.

I hadn't a clue that Welbutrin can bring on more anxiety or panic attacks. I've already been thinking of getting off the Welbutrin for a while to get it out of my system so I can go back on it to help me through the initial cig cravings while I seriously stop smoking b/c i'm scared pretty bad about the health of my lungs and know how close I came to quitting when first put on the Welbutrin and I wasn't even trying.

First I have to get my pdoc paid off b4 i can go see him, but i'm working on the paperwork i need to get the money out of my medical savings acct thingy so it shouldn't be too long....hopefully...before I can get into see him or another pdoc (i have to pay visits out of my pocket for another 6 months b/c of pre-existing condition clause in insurance).

Anyway...lots of great posts! Thanks all!

Arpeggioh · 10-05-2006, 01:37 PM

Suzin:
Thanks for the Campral plug! This paper scrip has been laying around for ages, seemingly worthless because I can't seem to quit drinking...and I'm also using .25 Xanax twice a day for anxiety. (I know, horrible mix, I'm awful, shouldn't even be posting, yadda yadda!!!)

But I get hopeful whenever I hear someone talk up the Campral. I know, medication for alcohol cessation is almost as "politically incorrect" in some corners as Xanax for anxiety! So when I hear anecdotal evidence, I'm almost hopeful for a second or two...

Thanks,
Michael (Arp)

Ten Chips Down · 10-06-2006, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shutterbug

wow guys...thank you all for the great response.

I hadn't a clue that Welbutrin can bring on more anxiety or panic attacks.

And lowers the seizure threshold and causes a general rise in blood pressure.

....Many of you will be suprised to learn that bupropion actually shares a very close chemical analogue with a new stimulant called Provigil, generic name modafinil.

It is more than to be expected that Wellbutrin will energize (and cause insomnia in) many people. It is more of a fortunate paradoxical effect when this stuff has the action of calming people.

TCD

Eagle1 · 10-07-2006, 07:20 AM

you will be fine

splendra · 10-07-2006, 08:51 AM

((((Jenna))))

I suffered from terrible anxiety and panic attacks what helped me so much was

blue green algae...with the cell wall removed.

I believe I had a trace mineral defiency and the BGA's comeplete trace mineral profile brought my brain into balance. I did not ever once go to the doctor about it cause I knew I would not take any meds for it. I did not even think that the BGA would help it at all when I tried it the first time. But the very first day after I tried it when I woke up I cannot tell you how good I felt... I felt so good I thought something was wrong with me I did not remember abvout the BGA until later in the day. I worked in a bar and I thought it was possible someone slipped me something that made me high or something but as I recounted my night at the bar I realized no one could have possibly gooten to my water that I always drank and kept far away from the reach of the public and I did not leave the bar all night even to go to the restroom....

I have only had anxiety one once since then when I stopped taking it for a few months as soon as I got back on it the anxiety when a way....

I just want to encourage you to seek out something other than drugs...

shutterbug · 10-09-2006, 10:00 AM

Thanks Splendra! It's good to see your name again! It's been awhile since I've seen you around..Hugs and hope all is well with you. I will try to do some research about the algea..i've never heard of it.

chips down...interesting that you bring up a connection btwn welbutrin and Providual...i've actually been wanting to try a prescription for Providual since I often have a ton of trouble with wakefulness and energy...and getting out of bed some days still. My best friend uses it as needed and I would like to just have it available for those monster days when I can't afford to be out of it and zapped of all energy, but i need to do more research on it.

Thanks all!

09-30-2006, 12:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
shutterbug A picture's worth a 1000 words Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: With any luck, I'm lost in a view finder Posts: 2,784	Meds for constant anxiety okay....so any options out there other than benzos that have worked well for anyone? I'm on Effexor and Wellbutrin and either one or both are suppose to 'help' with anxiety, but I may need something more.
	__________________ I'M FINE!! Fanatically Insecure Neuratic & Emotional Bipolar/Depression support: 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).

09-30-2006, 01:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
MamaGoose Honk if you're a codie! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: State of Codependency Posts: 115	I've been taking Zoloft (50 mg) and it's helped me alot with anxiety and probably depression too. The other stuff gets me jittery or I get flashy things in my eyes. There are lots of new meds out there. I hope you find something that works for you. Take care shutterbug
	__________________ MamaGoose "Our recovery is tough. We don't have to give up a drink or a substance. We have to give up our very nature. We are caregivers. It's what we do." - historyteach -

09-30-2006, 04:47 PM	#3 (permalink)
liveweyerd feelin' groovy Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: central Florida Posts: 6,699	hugs, live
	__________________ Each small candle lights a corner of the dark....Roger Waters

09-30-2006, 05:03 PM	#4 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: centered again Posts: 7,643	BuSpar can be very helpful for some people. My counselor said it worked well for me, but, that was during the time I was on WAY too much medication, and was stoned out of my mind. Talk to your doctor about it. Shalom!
	__________________

10-01-2006, 06:03 AM	#6 (permalink)
Bozo On The Bus Join Date: May 2004 Location: Brattleboro, Vt. Posts: 472	Jenna 200mg of Zoloft is OK for OCD, but doesnt do much for my anxiety at all. A quarter of a tablet of Trazodone help takes the edge of the anxiety, but it also makes me feel sleepy, that is not what I like during the day. I think that BuSpar teach is talking about is very interesting. Mike
	__________________ Signature made by my son Alex.

09-30-2006, 05:47 PM	#5 (permalink)
lilac Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lexington, Kentucky Posts: 676	I have found that the Zoloft works best for me.

10-01-2006, 06:10 AM	#7 (permalink)
liveweyerd feelin' groovy Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: central Florida Posts: 6,699	Bozo, I miss you bro'! Yep I am interested in the Buspar too. I asked my pdoc about it recently and she said no but I am still thinking about it. She seemed to think it wouldn't be strong enough effective for me...but I am not yet convinced. Did I say, I miss you?! LOL
	__________________ Each small candle lights a corner of the dark....Roger Waters

10-01-2006, 06:17 AM	#8 (permalink)
Josiol Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: IL Posts: 60	I've been on Effexor, Wellbutrin & Buspar for my anxiety and none have really worked well at all. I recently started Zoloft in June and what a difference. It's working wonders for me

10-01-2006, 06:29 AM	#9 (permalink)
liveweyerd feelin' groovy Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: central Florida Posts: 6,699	thanks for that info! Can you tell me something a bit more about the Buspar? Mike is all ready on Zoloft. I, too, am on an SSRI and trazadone. I balk because I am diagnosed as having a severe anxiety disorder and am on xanax. I have really cut back my dosage and find that the lower dose works just as well...but it gets such bad flack around here, that it is easy for me to worry about it.
	__________________ Each small candle lights a corner of the dark....Roger Waters

10-01-2006, 07:14 AM	#10 (permalink)
historyteach To Life! Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: centered again Posts: 7,643	Josiol; I'm AMAZED that you were on Welbutrin for anxiety! IT's well known to bring on anxiety and/or panic attacks! It can be helpul for depression, though. Xanax is a benzodiazapan, and easy to get hooked on. I have it and take it as needed. I've not had to take it since I got off the Welbutrin in early May. (It was causing me panic attacks.) That's why xanax gets a bad rap here. Shalom!
	__________________

10-01-2006, 07:38 AM	#11 (permalink)
liveweyerd feelin' groovy Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: central Florida Posts: 6,699	Teach, thanks. My husband was thrown into horrible anxiety with Welbutrin.
	__________________ Each small candle lights a corner of the dark....Roger Waters

10-02-2006, 07:32 PM	#13 (permalink)
shutterbug A picture's worth a 1000 words Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: With any luck, I'm lost in a view finder Posts: 2,784	wow guys...thank you all for the great response. I hadn't a clue that Welbutrin can bring on more anxiety or panic attacks. I've already been thinking of getting off the Welbutrin for a while to get it out of my system so I can go back on it to help me through the initial cig cravings while I seriously stop smoking b/c i'm scared pretty bad about the health of my lungs and know how close I came to quitting when first put on the Welbutrin and I wasn't even trying. First I have to get my pdoc paid off b4 i can go see him, but i'm working on the paperwork i need to get the money out of my medical savings acct thingy so it shouldn't be too long....hopefully...before I can get into see him or another pdoc (i have to pay visits out of my pocket for another 6 months b/c of pre-existing condition clause in insurance). Anyway...lots of great posts! Thanks all!
	__________________ I'M FINE!! Fanatically Insecure Neuratic & Emotional Bipolar/Depression support: 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).

10-05-2006, 01:37 PM	#14 (permalink)
Arpeggioh Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: 45th Parallel, Michigan Posts: 31	Suzin: Thanks for the Campral plug! This paper scrip has been laying around for ages, seemingly worthless because I can't seem to quit drinking...and I'm also using .25 Xanax twice a day for anxiety. (I know, horrible mix, I'm awful, shouldn't even be posting, yadda yadda!!!) But I get hopeful whenever I hear someone talk up the Campral. I know, medication for alcohol cessation is almost as "politically incorrect" in some corners as Xanax for anxiety! So when I hear anecdotal evidence, I'm almost hopeful for a second or two... Thanks, Michael (Arp)

10-07-2006, 07:20 AM	#16 (permalink)
Eagle1 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Up in a Big Tree Posts: 55	you will be fine
	__________________ " All These Things, Washing Away....Like Tear Drops In The Rain"

10-07-2006, 08:51 AM	#17 (permalink)
splendra the girl can't help it Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: splendraville Posts: 4,524	((((Jenna)))) I suffered from terrible anxiety and panic attacks what helped me so much was blue green algae...with the cell wall removed. I believe I had a trace mineral defiency and the BGA's comeplete trace mineral profile brought my brain into balance. I did not ever once go to the doctor about it cause I knew I would not take any meds for it. I did not even think that the BGA would help it at all when I tried it the first time. But the very first day after I tried it when I woke up I cannot tell you how good I felt... I felt so good I thought something was wrong with me I did not remember abvout the BGA until later in the day. I worked in a bar and I thought it was possible someone slipped me something that made me high or something but as I recounted my night at the bar I realized no one could have possibly gooten to my water that I always drank and kept far away from the reach of the public and I did not leave the bar all night even to go to the restroom.... I have only had anxiety one once since then when I stopped taking it for a few months as soon as I got back on it the anxiety when a way.... I just want to encourage you to seek out something other than drugs...
	__________________ nice has a hisssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

10-09-2006, 10:00 AM	#18 (permalink)
shutterbug A picture's worth a 1000 words Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: With any luck, I'm lost in a view finder Posts: 2,784	Thanks Splendra! It's good to see your name again! It's been awhile since I've seen you around..Hugs and hope all is well with you. I will try to do some research about the algea..i've never heard of it. chips down...interesting that you bring up a connection btwn welbutrin and Providual...i've actually been wanting to try a prescription for Providual since I often have a ton of trouble with wakefulness and energy...and getting out of bed some days still. My best friend uses it as needed and I would like to just have it available for those monster days when I can't afford to be out of it and zapped of all energy, but i need to do more research on it. Thanks all!
	__________________ I'M FINE!! Fanatically Insecure Neuratic & Emotional Bipolar/Depression support: 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).