I've been on Buspar for over a year and my psych added Klonopin (.5) over the past 9 mos or so as needed. My Buspar started very low but now I'm up to 60 mg, which is the max, 30 mg. 2/day. I still have GAD and the Klonopin helps to take the edge off but it also makes me tired. As a SAHM with two kids under 5, I can't be tired because then I get cranky! My older child goes to PS in the mornings 4 days a week and my DD only 2 - 1/2 days. When they're both together and the fighting starts or DH has a long day at the office (most days), I feel the anxiety creeping up. I hate to rely on Klonopin every day but that's what it's come to.

I really don't have a chance to exercise except for running after the two kids and I know that would help. When they're both in school F/T, I'll have some time to myself but, now, I don't even have uninterrupted bathroom time!

I don't like to rely on meds to begin with but they're not really working. I've tried therapy, hypnosis, meditation, etc. but nothing really works that well so I went on meds to help me over the next year or so. I mentioned that I'm still anxious with the max of Buspar even though it seemed to work sporadically in the past. My psych knows I'm reluctant to go on meds but said maybe going off Buspar and staying on Klonopin might be an option. Would my Klonopin increase? Is is safe to stay on daily?

I just was at my wit's end because my sleep was HORRIBLE a couple of years ago. I also had shortness of breath from anxiety but it was GAD, not panic attacks. Since starting meds, my sleep has gotten better but I do take Sonata as needed as well as OTC Benadryl every night which my psych ok'd. I'm just afraid to mess with my sleep but it doesn't seem like Buspar is cutting it during the day.

I'm not really depressed although I'm not overly happy either. Just not classic depressive symptoms. I hate to start on the road to antidepressants and borrow more trouble - I don't want the weight gain, sexual side effects that are so common with those. THAT will depress me. I'm just wondering what my options are. Any opinions?

Thanks.

I personally like Zoloft. I have tried a few and I was always tired. Not with Zoloft. I am finally sleeping through the night and my anxiety is so much better. And I finally have energy! I do take a small amount of Klonopin when needed. which has dropped by 1/2 since 5 weeks on the Zoloft. I have lost weight as well. No sexual side effects for me.

The other one I like is Prozac.

You should try, try, try to get some excersize. It really does help a bit.

just be aware klonopin is hard to come off of. Buspar is not.

Hello, I have been on Buspar for about 5 months I was too also on the MAX 60 Mg. I started off on a low dose and gradually went up w/ the drs permission. What started happening was awful!!! I was Dizzy, lightheaded, I would get confused, (honestly this is the worst drug that i've ever been on). So my psychiatrist, put me on Klonopin. That was a miracle drug for me, I've been on it for 3 years 1mg 3x per day. It takes the edge off and makes me more calm. Its all trial and error, what workes for me might not work for jane down the street. You know what I mean...

But I would talk to the DR and try to get on a Benzodiapam... Klonopin,Xanax, Ativan, etc, those work better than the buspar. But yOU have to do what is right for you. So good luck and have a great day.