Guest guest Posted October 24, 2004 Report Share Posted October 24, 2004 Hi Tess I agree you are in a tough spot. Part of the problem is that just about any sedative that works well for anxiety is also addictive. Klonopin is one of the tougher ones, due to the neuro symptoms you can have during withdrawal. Honestly, taking neurontin would probably be safer than klonopin-as far as safety profile, etc. Neurontin does not seem to be habit forming. Any med that works for anxiety affects your central nervous system-that's how they work. The side effect profile for ativan seems gentler, but it too is addictive, as well as xanax. Nothing is perfect in this area. There are a lot of meds which work on anxiety and other things at the same time. Some of the atypical antipsychotics are used for anxiety. Some of the antidepressants are, and also most of the neuroleptics. All of these affect brain chemistry, or they wouldn't work. So does wellbutrin and every other antidepressant. I would have some very candid conversations with your new doc. You might also contact a psychiatrist-part of the issue here may be that psychiatrists are much more comfortable prescribing these kinds of meds than most primary docs, who tend to know less about them. Dr.s hate to deal with problems they are not comfortable with. They tend to avoid rather than learn. So that's another thought. I really feel for you, Tess. My sister is disabled due to depressive and anxiety disorders, so I have more compassion for and insight into your predicament than you know. If I can answer any questions for you as you try to work this out, please let me know. You've come so far, I'm so proud of you and happy for you, and I'm definitely in your corner! Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 24, 2004 Report Share Posted October 24, 2004 Hi Tess I agree you are in a tough spot. Part of the problem is that just about any sedative that works well for anxiety is also addictive. Klonopin is one of the tougher ones, due to the neuro symptoms you can have during withdrawal. Honestly, taking neurontin would probably be safer than klonopin-as far as safety profile, etc. Neurontin does not seem to be habit forming. Any med that works for anxiety affects your central nervous system-that's how they work. The side effect profile for ativan seems gentler, but it too is addictive, as well as xanax. Nothing is perfect in this area. There are a lot of meds which work on anxiety and other things at the same time. Some of the atypical antipsychotics are used for anxiety. Some of the antidepressants are, and also most of the neuroleptics. All of these affect brain chemistry, or they wouldn't work. So does wellbutrin and every other antidepressant. I would have some very candid conversations with your new doc. You might also contact a psychiatrist-part of the issue here may be that psychiatrists are much more comfortable prescribing these kinds of meds than most primary docs, who tend to know less about them. Dr.s hate to deal with problems they are not comfortable with. They tend to avoid rather than learn. So that's another thought. I really feel for you, Tess. My sister is disabled due to depressive and anxiety disorders, so I have more compassion for and insight into your predicament than you know. If I can answer any questions for you as you try to work this out, please let me know. You've come so far, I'm so proud of you and happy for you, and I'm definitely in your corner! Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.