posted 02-04-2003 05:22 PM            

prozac, paxil, zoloft all left me in a weird state. when i was awake i wasn't really awake and when i slept it was like i really wasn't sleeping

it is very nice and non-addictive, it calms a person down.

i know xanax gives a person a little "high" which makes it very dangerous for some people.
does ativan do the same thing?

i think klonopin can cause a person to become a little depressed -- but the effect is probably very mild. you probably have good tolerance to the benzos since you have been taking them for 20 years. the transition should be okay for you. i don't see a problem.

posted 02-04-2003 07:46 PM            

Did 5-HTP do any of the other things for you that it promotes such as weight loss or helping with insomnia?

posted 02-04-2003 08:53 PM            

5-htp came onto the market approximately 5 years ago and is slowly replacing prescription drugs like prozac.

it is far superior to prozac, zoloft, and the others in my opinion. it is a chemical that your body requires and demands. the side effect profile is far, far superior to prozac. it helps with general pain, IBS symptoms, fibromyalgia, anxiety, and causes far less sleep problems than the typical anti-depressant.

the onset of action is the only problem -- for some people it takes longer to exert its action. however, that was not the case with me. some people who have severe depression might be better off on a drug such as effexor, prozac, wellbutrin, etc.

your body does not demand prozac or paxil. however, some people (for many reasons) will do better on prescription drugs like prozac or effexor, etc.

i believe that treating depression or a chemical imbalance is all about trying to supply your body with as many of the raw ingredients that it needs so that it can manufacture the chemicals that it needs.

in the case of depression it has been proven that additional serotonin will help the majority of the people. in fact, autopsies on suicide victims consistantly show lowered serotonin receptor activity.

in some cases other chemicals need to supplied to stimulate the production of dopamine or norepinephrine. wellbutrin is effective for accomplishing that task, or a person can supplement with phenylalanine, tyrosine, and some sulfur amino acids (methionine).

ultimately, a well balanced diet will provide a valuable assist. proper digestion of food is also critical for any long term success.

psychological and social factors might also have to be addressed.
(concerning weight loss -- if you are an "anxious eater" then it could very well help with weight loss)

posted 02-08-2003 11:30 PM            

The most studies of benzo-type drugs for treating anxiety have been with Klonopin. It's been considered one of the best in it's class (benzodiazepine's) for anxiety.

Also, don't drink alcohol went on them as this will intensify the effects.

It's a good med in my opinion. But I have heard that all benzo's can be addictive. However, if you don't have a dependent type personality and you take them in low doses for a specific reason, they should be well tolerated. Just taper off them slowly when you want to stop. Your Dr. will tell you all about it.