The perfect anxiety pill!

[jennica]

Ok, so there isn't one.

I'm fairly new to the anxiety meds world. I was at my general doctor explaining my constant stomach problems that I've had for (gulp) 14 years. We went over the whole lactose intolerance diagnosis that I received when I was 16 which just didn't really help or explain anything. So then I mentioned my anxiety and the two just fit. So she prescribed Effexor XR. I gradually increased dosage to 187.5 and it's helped me tremendously not just with anxiety & my stomach, but with my social phobia. She also recommended that I see a therapist and she gave me a small script of Xanax for really bad moments - of course I took those regularly. So I made an appt with a pyschiatrist when I really should've just seen a psychologist. This guy was like, "why would you be on Effexor for anxiety, it's for depression etc etc" and then he was looking in a med book which kinda scared me and he said "How long hav eyou been depressed" and I said, "I'M NOT!"...Anyhow, he said Xanax was not good and I should be on Klonopin. So I've been trying that and basically it just makes me want to sleep.

So I see him again on the 30th. Joy....and I now see a therapist as well that first and foremost said EXERCISE...and I joined a gym (only because a friend did, otherwise I wouldn't have had the courage) and it feels GREAT.

Anyhow, let's see, what my point....

Oh, are there any anxiety meds you use that do NOT make you want to sleep? Also, the addiction part is semi-scary...and the fact that if you keep taking them they induce anxiety ...A friend mentioned Atarax...?

Just looking for something for those really tense times. I hope in time that deep breaths will be enough and I don't have to depend on pills. I'm not ready for that yet...

[bulletinboard25]

Xanax and Klonopin are pretty much top-notch anti-anxiety pills....

A psych I visit rates Xanax as his #1 choice.

I don't think you'll find something "better".

If you want something in the same class of medicines thats less sedating and milder... you might want to inquire about Ativan.... its also a "benzo" anti-anxiety med, that most seem to find less sedating at lower dosages...

Anti-depressants like Paxil and Zoloft have been approved to treat anxiety.

Anti-depressants 'can' work for anxiety... so I don't understand someone questioning why you were put on anti-depressants.

[jennica]

Originally Posted by bulletinboard25

Xanax and Klonopin are pretty much top-notch anti-anxiety pills....

A psych I visit rates Xanax as his #1 choice.

I don't think you'll find something "better".

If you want something in the same class of medicines thats less sedating and milder... you might want to inquire about Ativan.... its also a "benzo" anti-anxiety med, that most seem to find less sedating at lower dosages...

Anti-depressants like Paxil and Zoloft have been approved to treat anxiety.

Anti-depressants 'can' work for anxiety... so I don't understand someone questioning why you were put on anti-depressants.

Thanks for your input! Yeah, the psychiatrist was REALLY shocked about the Effexor. It definitely stressed me out and confused me... But I know he and I are not compatible. I will ask him about Ativan and see what he says. I may switch back to Xanax until finding a new doc.

One off the topic thing, he asked me to spell my last name...it's Polish and long and odd...and so I spelled it...then he said sternly, "There are two K's in your last name???" and I thought about it because he asked like I was crazy...so when I didn't answer right away he almost yelled "I said, ARE THERE TWO T'S IN YOUR LAST NAME?" hahaha.... I was like whoa dude, I'm not crazy, just stressed and you are NOT helping (I didn't say that, but I should have). Turns out the front office spelled my name wrong so he just assumed I was spelling it to him wrong.

Very disturbing.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to the 30th. Maybe I'll talk over him...heehee

Thanks again.

[anna317]

I am taking Ativan at 0.25 to 0.5 doses. It works great. I yawn maybe a couple of times after taking it, but in general it does not affect me other than calmes down my anxiety.
Today I had elevated blood pressure and I was worried about it. Took Ativan, the blood pressure went back to normal!

[bderozi]

Here's a question....

Why do people take Anti-Depressents (SSRI's) for Anxiety......?

Why not just Benzo's (Ativan, Xanex, etc..) ?

Which is the more serious drug? More harmful drug?

Thanks
-Brandon