A question regarding Anxiety - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

madmag · 07-30-2004, 03:42 PM

Hello All,
I have a question.... After getting sober (from alcohol) 18 months ago, I was prescribed Xanax for my anxiety. HUGE ANXIETY. Probably like most people who stop drinking. I also have a small bit of OCD in me. Thats why I worry even more.

Well, anyway...needless to say, I abused the xanax and after a year of being addicted to them, I had to go to a detox to get clean of them. (I tried once on my own, but had a seizure and could not do it alone). This was the end of March...so its only been 4 months.

My question is what do people recommend besides Xanax or other benzos for anxiety? I am currently on Celexa for depression and Risperdal for anxiety. The risperdal seems to be working...but it has also made me more lazy and 15 pounds heavier.

Just want opinions....I go back to my doctor next month and going to ask her also. Just wanted to do a little homework first. If the weight gain stays the same, then I'm ok...but 15 pounds in two months is alot and I don't want any more, thats for sure!!

Thanks guys!!

eddie z. · 08-01-2004, 09:56 PM

Buspirone (BuSpar) is a non-benzo drug for anxiety. It is not addictive. If your weight stabilizes, though, you might want to stick with the Risperdal, since it seems to be working and the buspirone doesn't always do the trick. I would also recommend that you see a psychiatrist, preferably one well-versed in addiction, if you're not already. Best wishes to you!
Love, Eddie

madmag · 08-02-2004, 07:36 AM

Thanks Eddie!!

:tongue3:

MootPoint · 08-02-2004, 04:59 PM

Be sure to be upfront with your pdoc about your being in recovery from alcohol. I had to be totally upfront with my pdoc about everything I used! INCLUDING Klonopin.

I was put on Risperidol and it worked great, except that I had the rare side effect of it messing with my hormones. I found that the 'lazy" feeling lessened after a month.

I think all the atypical antipsychotics have the side effect of lessened anxiety.

But all this is a doctor question.

eveie · 08-09-2004, 06:01 PM

I take a drug called topamax I also take klonopin, (yuck) and ativan, it helps alot.. i always check out web md as well to see whats new out there too, just a suggestion! Good luck

eddie z. · 08-09-2004, 07:29 PM

You're welcome, madmag!!

madmag · 08-10-2004, 03:59 PM

Has anyone out there ever have a problem coming off risperdal? I am soo done.
I will do it slow, but I am done.

BLUESMAN52 · 08-11-2004, 06:57 AM

Buspar is your non-benzo anti-anxiety drug as previously stated. Takes time to work, but it does work. It needs to be evaluated by your pdoc. Some drugs are not good for all of us.

Risperdal? I was on it for a while and had to work closely with my doc to come off.

You can get increased anxiety and other stuff, not too serious, but PLEASE work with your doc.

07-30-2004, 03:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
madmag Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: someplace, somewhere Posts: 57	A question regarding Anxiety Hello All, I have a question.... After getting sober (from alcohol) 18 months ago, I was prescribed Xanax for my anxiety. HUGE ANXIETY. Probably like most people who stop drinking. I also have a small bit of OCD in me. Thats why I worry even more. Well, anyway...needless to say, I abused the xanax and after a year of being addicted to them, I had to go to a detox to get clean of them. (I tried once on my own, but had a seizure and could not do it alone). This was the end of March...so its only been 4 months. My question is what do people recommend besides Xanax or other benzos for anxiety? I am currently on Celexa for depression and Risperdal for anxiety. The risperdal seems to be working...but it has also made me more lazy and 15 pounds heavier. Just want opinions....I go back to my doctor next month and going to ask her also. Just wanted to do a little homework first. If the weight gain stays the same, then I'm ok...but 15 pounds in two months is alot and I don't want any more, thats for sure!! Thanks guys!! __________________ "This too shall pass"

08-01-2004, 09:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,913	Buspirone (BuSpar) is a non-benzo drug for anxiety. It is not addictive. If your weight stabilizes, though, you might want to stick with the Risperdal, since it seems to be working and the buspirone doesn't always do the trick. I would also recommend that you see a psychiatrist, preferably one well-versed in addiction, if you're not already. Best wishes to you! Love, Eddie __________________

08-02-2004, 07:36 AM	#3 (permalink)
madmag Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: someplace, somewhere Posts: 57	Thanks Eddie!! :tongue3: __________________ "This too shall pass"

08-02-2004, 04:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
MootPoint we're all mad here! Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: a padded room with bars Posts: 1,683	Be sure to be upfront with your pdoc about your being in recovery from alcohol. I had to be totally upfront with my pdoc about everything I used! INCLUDING Klonopin. I was put on Risperidol and it worked great, except that I had the rare side effect of it messing with my hormones. I found that the 'lazy" feeling lessened after a month. I think all the atypical antipsychotics have the side effect of lessened anxiety. But all this is a doctor question. __________________ The duke had a mind that ticked like a clock and, like a clock, it regularly went cuckoo. ---------Terry Pratchett

08-09-2004, 06:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
eveie I've Taken My Life Back!! Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montana Posts: 106	I take a drug called topamax I also take klonopin, (yuck) and ativan, it helps alot.. i always check out web md as well to see whats new out there too, just a suggestion! Good luck __________________ Eveie "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away."

08-09-2004, 07:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
eddie z. No expectations! Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,913	You're welcome, madmag!! __________________

08-10-2004, 03:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
madmag Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: someplace, somewhere Posts: 57	Has anyone out there ever have a problem coming off risperdal? I am soo done. I will do it slow, but I am done. __________________ "This too shall pass"

08-11-2004, 06:57 AM	#8 (permalink)
BLUESMAN52 King of the Blues Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sittin on Top of the World Posts: 1,125	Buspar is your non-benzo anti-anxiety drug as previously stated. Takes time to work, but it does work. It needs to be evaluated by your pdoc. Some drugs are not good for all of us. Risperdal? I was on it for a while and had to work closely with my doc to come off. You can get increased anxiety and other stuff, not too serious, but PLEASE work with your doc. __________________ Joe C. "The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." ~~~Buddha~~~

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