Hi everyone, I have depression that years ago was diagnosed as bipolar. Then I also have Generalized Anxiety Disorder which manifests as extremely severe hypochondria.

I am currently on Lexapro 10 mg and Xanax as needed. The problem is that the Lexapro seems to have stopped working as for the past few weeks I have been crying uncontrollably and my anxiety is really bad. I mean, constant anxiety. It even wakes me up at night. It's like a panic attack that never ends.

I don't take the Xanax very often because I am terrified of addiction.

My best friend takes Seroquel for her bipolar and has good things to say about it. Then other people are telling me to try Buspar or Klonopin for the anxiety.

I am seeing my physician on Wednesday. He is not a psychiatrist and I don't think he knows a lot about all this stuff. The problem is I am on financial assistance with him and I am not insured, therefore I cannot afford to see a real psychiatrist.

I am going to see if he thinks I should switch to Seroquel. If I do, do I need to wean off the Lexapro first to avoid withdrawal or can I just stop taking Lex and start taking Seroquel right away?

As far as Klonopin vs. Buspar -- which is recommended for severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Thanks!

Angela Harris

I have been diagnosed with both also. I am not crazy about the meds I take but I have heard good things about the Seroquel. I have tried the Buspar and it didn't help at all. You have to remember that meds can quit working after a time for no reason at all.

I take xanax and it seems to help but some friends take the Klonopin and like that.

The doctor can look up in his book and let you know if you would need to wean off any of the meds. Make sure he does this. He has a book that tells him these things. You can also look it up on the internet.

Hope this helps a little bit.

I take buspar and it has helped alot. I also have low dose xanax if needed. Don't know about seroquel or klonopin except that klonopin is addictive and buspar isn't. Godbless

Wow, i feel so bad for you. my son suffered just like that lots of anxiety and depression..mostly anxiety. he was on buspar, it didnt work great for him, but it needed more time..klonopin and xanax are benzos and be quite addictive so, if you have that kind of personality (he does) than you should stay away from them. he cant take any benzos anymore..he is on a mood stabilizer and zoloft..he was on serequol and was doing well, but had alot of weight gain..thats a huge issue for him so he stopped.. maybe you should try serequol..ask your doc what he knows about it..and good luck;) keep us posted..

Thanks, everyone. I am going to the doc on Wednesday, I will let you know what we end up doing.

Hey,

I have tried a lot of medication including these you mentioned.
I take 30mg of Lexapro. My doctor increased the dosage over time, but 10mg did not help me. I stayed at 20mg for a long time. It seems to help me but I take Lamicital as well --it is a mood stabilizer--and has been a miracle for me.

As far as Klonopin-it is in the same family as Xanax but is long-lasting whereas the Xanax wears off quicker. I take the drug in a low dose and have had success. Alos, you may asked your doc about Ativan. It is in the same class and worked for me. It did not sedate me as much as Xanax. Everyone is different but Xanax wiped me out.

Buspar did nothing for me. I could not tell any decrease in my anxiety.

Seroquel helped my mood and anxiety but I took it in conjunction with Klonopin and Lexapro. It made me very tired and I would take it before bed.

Also, if you are not sure your doc knows his or her stuff you may want to start looking for a new one.

Gee, you have a lot to think about. I hope you find relief soon!!!