Re: NEW HERE help

[Guest guest]

Maybe you could try enzymes first?

My kids take Peptizyde AFP, Zyme Prime and No Fenol from

http://www.houstonni.com - my son is able to eat a lot of gluten now

with no problems as long as he always takes enzymes just prior to

eating. My daughter can eat some gluten and has no problem with

dairy on the enzymes. She will only eat a few things also, but this

has improved.

Since your son does slightly better on gluten initially, he might

benefit from starting with Peptizyde AFP and letting him have a

little gluten with that. Just make sure he takes some with EVERY

meal and snack that contains any gluten. My kids take chewables - 3

Peptizyde AFP chewables for each meal with gluten, and my daughter

takes 2 Zyme Prime chewables with each meal also, and they each take

1 capsule No Fenol for their 3 main meals. No Fenol is coming out

in chewable soon too and when it does, they will take 1 chewable No

Fenol with each meal.

If you decide to start the enzymes usually people start with just

one then if it goes ok, add the next one. I would start with

Peptizyde AFP.

Good luck.

Amy

>

> I am very much interested in the enzyme discusion and though I

have

> a bachelors degree in biochemistry find much of the information

> confusing, or at least way too much information for me digest (no

> pun intended...well OK maybe a little bit).

>

> I have 6 1/2 yo son who is very verbal but quite spacy and can

> Asperger on certain topics. His stool has always been too soft

for

> my comfort level, and bleeds color into the water (though so does

> his sister's and she's a typical). He is essentially on a GF/CF

> diet but he cheats and oddly I notice that after he has been

gluten

> free for a while, if he gets some he becomes seemingly more alert

> and clear. Then if he keeps eating gluten he gets spacy. Akin to

> my depression levels and increased sugar intake.

>

>

> So what do I do? Can someone just tell me what he should take. I

> can't read all this stuff. I want him to be more alert and

focussed

> and more broad in his range of topics. Also, lately he seems to

get

> frustrated more easily. Therefore, I am much intrigued by this

> Happy Child syndrome.

>

> He used to stim (handflap) and grimace but with sublaxation

> chiropracty this is no longer an issue (I thought that would never

> end). He does some finger tapping but I could care less about

that.

>

> Would I like to completely take him off the GF/CF diet? Sure.

But

> I have gathered here that it is better to fix his leaky gut

first.

> Am I right?

>

> Someone just please tell me what to do.

>

> Also, I have him taking this wonderful multivitamin High B and

> Calcium supplement that seems to hel quite a bit.

>

> Oh, one final thing. He eats like eight things. None of which

are

> fruits or vegetables. I made him eat a nail head size piece of

> cantalope this summer and he started to retch and gag! You have

no

> idea how much this pissed me off (well actually I bet a lot of you

> do). So if he could eat maybe three more things I would be much

> relieved.

>

[Guest guest]

thank you will give it a shot-chris

Re: NEW HERE help

Maybe you could try enzymes first?

My kids take Peptizyde AFP, Zyme Prime and No Fenol from

http://www.houstonni.com - my son is able to eat a lot of gluten now

with no problems as long as he always takes enzymes just prior to

eating. My daughter can eat some gluten and has no problem with

dairy on the enzymes. She will only eat a few things also, but this

has improved.

Since your son does slightly better on gluten initially, he might

benefit from starting with Peptizyde AFP and letting him have a

little gluten with that. Just make sure he takes some with EVERY

meal and snack that contains any gluten. My kids take chewables - 3

Peptizyde AFP chewables for each meal with gluten, and my daughter

takes 2 Zyme Prime chewables with each meal also, and they each take

1 capsule No Fenol for their 3 main meals. No Fenol is coming out

in chewable soon too and when it does, they will take 1 chewable No

Fenol with each meal.

If you decide to start the enzymes usually people start with just

one then if it goes ok, add the next one. I would start with

Peptizyde AFP.

Good luck.

Amy

>

> I am very much interested in the enzyme discusion and though I

have

> a bachelors degree in biochemistry find much of the information

> confusing, or at least way too much information for me digest (no

> pun intended...well OK maybe a little bit).

>

> I have 6 1/2 yo son who is very verbal but quite spacy and can

> Asperger on certain topics. His stool has always been too soft

for

> my comfort level, and bleeds color into the water (though so does

> his sister's and she's a typical). He is essentially on a GF/CF

> diet but he cheats and oddly I notice that after he has been

gluten

> free for a while, if he gets some he becomes seemingly more alert

> and clear. Then if he keeps eating gluten he gets spacy. Akin to

> my depression levels and increased sugar intake.

>

>

> So what do I do? Can someone just tell me what he should take. I

> can't read all this stuff. I want him to be more alert and

focussed

> and more broad in his range of topics. Also, lately he seems to

get

> frustrated more easily. Therefore, I am much intrigued by this

> Happy Child syndrome.

>

> He used to stim (handflap) and grimace but with sublaxation

> chiropracty this is no longer an issue (I thought that would never

> end). He does some finger tapping but I could care less about

that.

>

> Would I like to completely take him off the GF/CF diet? Sure.

But

> I have gathered here that it is better to fix his leaky gut

first.

> Am I right?

>

> Someone just please tell me what to do.

>

> Also, I have him taking this wonderful multivitamin High B and

> Calcium supplement that seems to hel quite a bit.

>

> Oh, one final thing. He eats like eight things. None of which

are

> fruits or vegetables. I made him eat a nail head size piece of

> cantalope this summer and he started to retch and gag! You have

no

> idea how much this pissed me off (well actually I bet a lot of you

> do). So if he could eat maybe three more things I would be much

> relieved.

>

[Guest guest]

>>He is essentially on a GF/CF

> diet but he cheats and oddly I notice that after he has been gluten

> free for a while, if he gets some he becomes seemingly more alert

> and clear. Then if he keeps eating gluten he gets spacy.

He might need the B vitamins and selenium found in most wheat, but the

wheat causes problems. Consider giving wheat with enzymes, and/or

adding a multi B vitamin supplement.

http://www.houstonni.com/

> Would I like to completely take him off the GF/CF diet? Sure. But

> I have gathered here that it is better to fix his leaky gut first.

> Am I right?

Not necessarily. Some kids need diet, but many can leave diet

restrictions with enzymes.

> Also, I have him taking this wonderful multivitamin High B and

> Calcium supplement that seems to hel quite a bit.

How high is the B vitamin?

> Oh, one final thing. He eats like eight things. None of which are

> fruits or vegetables. I made him eat a nail head size piece of

> cantalope this summer and he started to retch and gag!

My son did not tolerate anything orange, even with enzymes. Cantalope

would have made him a wild child.

Dana

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe anxiety about 6 months

ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self help courses etc. In the end

I started taking the lexpro my doc had prescribed 2 months earlier

After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but then things

started to improve.

I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative therapies such as

pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the lex definitely helped

me get to a point where I could at least start to see a way out.

I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found that 10mg was the

best doseage for me - I started getting more depression with the higher doses!

I was worried about side effects but havent really experienced any except the

initial anxiety increase when you first start taking lex - and after a few weeks

my sleeping started to improve which may have been due to the med - increased

serotonin levels lead to increased melatonin - the sleep chemical.

Good luck

Mike

---------------------------------

Sent from .

The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

[Guest guest]

I too have taken it for several years with only very minor issues. It has helped

considerably. You need to take it consistantly as directed, and give it time to

kick in. If you don't see improvement in 6 weeks or so, or have any side effects

that make you nervous, call your Doc. He/she can likely try something else for

you.

Dennis

Skillings <jaskillings@...> wrote:

I think it works fine, as I've used it for almost 3 years. Some side

effects present...mild weight gain, decreased libido.

_____

From: Lexapro [mailto:Lexapro ] On Behalf Of

bethcatenenery

Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2008 3:02 PM

Lexapro

Subject: new here help

I am a 36 year old women who has suffered from panic and anxiety for

like 10 years.. been on and off of different things.. My issues

usually start this time of year.. I have now gotten to the point where

I don't want to leave the house.. Mind you when I am fine I am the

most social outgoing person there is as I am a bartender and work for

a doctors office... Its like looking at two different people when i

go through this..

Anyways. I used to take Lexapro but I was nefver real diligent with

it.. Now I have realized that I am not going to get through this

without any meds ( I do have Xanax but take it very very sparingly).

My doctor gave me Lexapro again and I am terrified to take it.. i keep

thinking , what if it makes me worse, what if it does not work becuase

I did not take it properly before, What if I have a severe reaction to

it, etc etc etc...

Does this pill work for panic and anxiety.. Will someone please reach

out and tell me to take the damn pill already

[Guest guest]

hi mike,

actually my name is tanya... i didn't not realize i was using my

rommates acct but she doesn't care.. gosh, you would think your

anxiety would have disipated from taking lex. i am am usually such

a strong person and very social, but today i did a three cheers for

me for walking into the supermarket without taking a xanax... i felt

anxious but i fought it.. I am so undecided about whether or not to

take it.. I wonder if jsut getting out and pushing everyday will

make this go away or if i really am chemically imbalanced... i keep

worrying the lex is going to make me worse but, i guess i would not

know until i started again... wondering if night or day is better

and if i should start at 5 or 10 mg.. doc said i could try either...

just want this gone... I start a new job tomorrow and the last thing

I need is to walk in and have a full blown panic attack.. I am also

curious to why this happens around feb march and april and no other

times for me...perhaps it is because it gets closer to the deaths of

my children I don't really know but I do not think that is the case

because i wentn through a brief run when they were alive. sorry for

rambling but it actually helps to know I am not the only one having

this issue , not that i would wish this on my worst enemy

>

> Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe anxiety

about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self

help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc had

prescribed 2 months earlier

>

> After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but then

things started to improve.

> I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative therapies

such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the lex

definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start to

see a way out.

>

> I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found that

10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more depression

with the higher doses!

>

> I was worried about side effects but havent really experienced

any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start taking

lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which may

have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to

increased melatonin - the sleep chemical.

>

>

> Good luck

>

> Mike

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Sent from .

> The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Take the damn pill already! ;-)

It works *very* well for anxiety disorders. Most people that take it feel like

it's the difference between night and day. *But* you must take the way the

doctor tells you to: Every day. It takes several weeks for the full effect of

the drug to become apparent. It takes that long for the drug to work. You can

take it at night or in the morning. It's simply whichever dose time works best

for you. If you don't take it every day it can't and won't work.

When first starting some SSRI's a very small percentage of people might

experience a short term increase in anxiety symptoms. If this happens cut your

dose in half (instead of 10 mg take 5) for the first week or two and then

increase it to the full 10 mg dose.

If you were going to have a severe reaction to it that would have have happened

the first time you took it. If you're worried, as I said above, start with only

half a pill for the first week or so. It differs for each person. Some can start

on the full dose without any problems and others need to start at a lower dose.

Take it! You'll probably end up wondering why you waited so long. ;-)

Barbara

new here help

I am a 36 year old women who has suffered from panic and anxiety for

like 10 years.. been on and off of different things.. My issues

usually start this time of year.. I have now gotten to the point where

I don't want to leave the house.. Mind you when I am fine I am the

most social outgoing person there is as I am a bartender and work for

a doctors office... Its like looking at two different people when i

go through this..

Anyways. I used to take Lexapro but I was nefver real diligent with

it.. Now I have realized that I am not going to get through this

without any meds ( I do have Xanax but take it very very sparingly).

My doctor gave me Lexapro again and I am terrified to take it.. i keep

thinking , what if it makes me worse, what if it does not work becuase

I did not take it properly before, What if I have a severe reaction to

it, etc etc etc...

Does this pill work for panic and anxiety.. Will someone please reach

out and tell me to take the damn pill already

[Guest guest]

Thanks Barabara, the main reason I am afraid to take it because

last time i was on it i did not take it the way i should have.. I

would take it like every other day.. Then I weaned off... Now I am

afraid its not going to work for me this time around because I did

screw around with it.. Not rreally purposely , jsut trying to like

wean off it.. I have been told once you stop a med, if you start it

again it usually wont; work.. Part of me does not believe that as i

could go a year without taking advil and it still works everytime I

take it..

I am also being silly by thinking I will go into anaphalactic shock

from it.. Doctor told me people do not usually have reactions like

that to ssri's. Also, is it ok to take the xanax with it

>

> Take the damn pill already! ;-)

>

> It works *very* well for anxiety disorders. Most people that take

it feel like it's the difference between night and day. *But* you

must take the way the doctor tells you to: Every day. It takes

several weeks for the full effect of the drug to become apparent. It

takes that long for the drug to work. You can take it at night or in

the morning. It's simply whichever dose time works best for you. If

you don't take it every day it can't and won't work.

>

> When first starting some SSRI's a very small percentage of people

might experience a short term increase in anxiety symptoms. If this

happens cut your dose in half (instead of 10 mg take 5) for the

first week or two and then increase it to the full 10 mg dose.

>

> If you were going to have a severe reaction to it that would have

have happened the first time you took it. If you're worried, as I

said above, start with only half a pill for the first week or so. It

differs for each person. Some can start on the full dose without any

problems and others need to start at a lower dose.

>

> Take it! You'll probably end up wondering why you waited so

long. ;-)

>

> Barbara

>

>

> new here help

>

>

> I am a 36 year old women who has suffered from panic and anxiety

for

> like 10 years.. been on and off of different things.. My issues

> usually start this time of year.. I have now gotten to the point

where

> I don't want to leave the house.. Mind you when I am fine I am

the

> most social outgoing person there is as I am a bartender and

work for

> a doctors office... Its like looking at two different people

when i

> go through this..

> Anyways. I used to take Lexapro but I was nefver real diligent

with

> it.. Now I have realized that I am not going to get through this

> without any meds ( I do have Xanax but take it very very

sparingly).

> My doctor gave me Lexapro again and I am terrified to take it..

i keep

> thinking , what if it makes me worse, what if it does not work

becuase

> I did not take it properly before, What if I have a severe

reaction to

> it, etc etc etc...

> Does this pill work for panic and anxiety.. Will someone please

reach

> out and tell me to take the damn pill already

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Barabara, the main reason I am afraid to take it because

last time i was on it i did not take it the way i should have.. I

would take it like every other day.. Then I weaned off... Now I am

afraid its not going to work for me this time around because I did

screw around with it.. Not rreally purposely , jsut trying to like

wean off it.. I have been told once you stop a med, if you start it

again it usually wont; work.. Part of me does not believe that as i

could go a year without taking advil and it still works everytime I

take it..

I am also being silly by thinking I will go into anaphalactic shock

from it.. Doctor told me people do not usually have reactions like

that to ssri's. Also, is it ok to take the xanax with it

>

> Take the damn pill already! ;-)

>

> It works *very* well for anxiety disorders. Most people that take

it feel like it's the difference between night and day. *But* you

must take the way the doctor tells you to: Every day. It takes

several weeks for the full effect of the drug to become apparent. It

takes that long for the drug to work. You can take it at night or in

the morning. It's simply whichever dose time works best for you. If

you don't take it every day it can't and won't work.

>

> When first starting some SSRI's a very small percentage of people

might experience a short term increase in anxiety symptoms. If this

happens cut your dose in half (instead of 10 mg take 5) for the

first week or two and then increase it to the full 10 mg dose.

>

> If you were going to have a severe reaction to it that would have

have happened the first time you took it. If you're worried, as I

said above, start with only half a pill for the first week or so. It

differs for each person. Some can start on the full dose without any

problems and others need to start at a lower dose.

>

> Take it! You'll probably end up wondering why you waited so

long. ;-)

>

> Barbara

>

>

> new here help

>

>

> I am a 36 year old women who has suffered from panic and anxiety

for

> like 10 years.. been on and off of different things.. My issues

> usually start this time of year.. I have now gotten to the point

where

> I don't want to leave the house.. Mind you when I am fine I am

the

> most social outgoing person there is as I am a bartender and

work for

> a doctors office... Its like looking at two different people

when i

> go through this..

> Anyways. I used to take Lexapro but I was nefver real diligent

with

> it.. Now I have realized that I am not going to get through this

> without any meds ( I do have Xanax but take it very very

sparingly).

> My doctor gave me Lexapro again and I am terrified to take it..

i keep

> thinking , what if it makes me worse, what if it does not work

becuase

> I did not take it properly before, What if I have a severe

reaction to

> it, etc etc etc...

> Does this pill work for panic and anxiety.. Will someone please

reach

> out and tell me to take the damn pill already

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I've been on it for 4 years. I'm on 20 mg. now.

I also take Librium with it at times.

I tried several other SSRI's and could only

tolerate the Lexapro.

Yeah, just take it

You're not going to go into anaphalactic shock.

Carol

new here help

>

>

> I am a 36 year old women who has suffered from panic and anxiety

for

> like 10 years.. been on and off of different things.. My issues

> usually start this time of year.. I have now gotten to the point

where

> I don't want to leave the house.. Mind you when I am fine I am

the

> most social outgoing person there is as I am a bartender and

work for

> a doctors office... Its like looking at two different people

when i

> go through this..

> Anyways. I used to take Lexapro but I was nefver real diligent

with

> it.. Now I have realized that I am not going to get through this

> without any meds ( I do have Xanax but take it very very

sparingly).

> My doctor gave me Lexapro again and I am terrified to take it..

i keep

> thinking , what if it makes me worse, what if it does not work

becuase

> I did not take it properly before, What if I have a severe

reaction to

> it, etc etc etc...

> Does this pill work for panic and anxiety.. Will someone please

reach

> out and tell me to take the damn pill already

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Yes, it's fine to take Xanax with Lexapro. There are many drugs you can take

with Lex with no problems.

The issue you talk about (Lex not working the second time around) does come up

once in awhile but is very unusual. The thing is the only way to know for sure

is to simply take the drug and see what happens. As far as a severe allergic

reaction, unless you're known to be allergic to a high number of things, drugs

in particular, it shouldn't be an issue for you. There are more common allergic

problems associated with Lex but if that was the case I would think you'd have

had problems the first time you took the Lex.

When one suffers from anxiety no fear is 'silly'. It's part of the disorder. :-)

Barbara

new here help

>

>

> I am a 36 year old women who has suffered from panic and anxiety

for

> like 10 years.. been on and off of different things.. My issues

> usually start this time of year.. I have now gotten to the point

where

> I don't want to leave the house.. Mind you when I am fine I am

the

> most social outgoing person there is as I am a bartender and

work for

> a doctors office... Its like looking at two different people

when i

> go through this..

> Anyways. I used to take Lexapro but I was nefver real diligent

with

> it.. Now I have realized that I am not going to get through this

> without any meds ( I do have Xanax but take it very very

sparingly).

> My doctor gave me Lexapro again and I am terrified to take it..

i keep

> thinking , what if it makes me worse, what if it does not work

becuase

> I did not take it properly before, What if I have a severe

reaction to

> it, etc etc etc...

> Does this pill work for panic and anxiety.. Will someone please

reach

> out and tell me to take the damn pill already

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi Kim -

>

> I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in

your experience with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and

did you take it on a daily basis or just as needed?

>

> Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded

as being highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say

is very interesting and seems to tie in with this:

>

> " Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4

weeks) of severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be

used for longer periods of time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant

to the drug's effects, which may translate to decreased efficacy.

> Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of

high doses puts the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug

is discontinued suddenly.

>

> However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose

escalation was not a characteristic of long-term alprazolam users,

and the majority of patients indicated that alprazolam continued to

be effective. A 2003 study did not support the hypothesis that long-

term use of benzodiazepines frequently results in notable dose

escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic

disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a

positive response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5-

year follow-up study of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of

tolerance emerged "

>

> Quote from Wikipedia

>

>

> Mike i have been going off lex for almost 3 weeks, was given a

script of alprazolam to help get me thru it.I feel i should have been

on this from the start, will be talking to my doc tommorow.Who i have

faith in, but worried about addiction

>

> ---------------------------------

> Sent from .

> The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

>

>

[Guest guest]

The first couple of years were the worst. It's gotten easier as time has gone

on. By easier I mean less painful. I can remember the good things and the good

times now and it makes me smile rather than cry.

Back then I wasn't taking anything. I actually had a breakdown but didn't

recognise it as such. Knowing what I know now I would have seen it. But

hindsight is 20/20. ;-)

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's never easy.

Barbara

Re: new here help

Thank you Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot

understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no problems

then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so

silly...

I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before i

had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i got

bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since 8

o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over

two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to myself,

what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am

getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost my

job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going

through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but then

i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing

anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man and

feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me

whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor..

I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to do..lol...

my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out of

whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek...

Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more

than .25 mg in a 24 hour period...

ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol

> >

> > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe

anxiety

> about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self

> help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc

had

> prescribed 2 months earlier

> >

> > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but

then

> things started to improve.

> > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative

therapies

> such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the

lex

> definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start

to

> see a way out.

> >

> > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found

that

> 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more

depression

> with the higher doses!

> >

> > I was worried about side effects but havent really

experienced

> any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start

taking

> lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which

may

> have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to

> increased melatonin - the sleep chemical.

> >

> >

> > Good luck

> >

> > Mike

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Sent from .

> > The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Technically speaking it's not an addictive drug like xanax is. Drugs in the

class that Xanax come from cause drug seeking behaviour. Think junky. Lex and

other AD's do not.

SSRI's work with your brain chemicals. When you stop cold turkey you've not

given your brain and body time to adjust to the SSRI not being there. That's not

an addiction.

Drugs like Xanax bind to certain receptors in the brain causing a pleasurable

sensation. Lex and other SSRI's don't work that way. You don't get a buzz from

taking a SSRI pill. You can from taking Xanax.

I'm sure there are better ways to explain this as I've read better, clearer

explanations. But that seems to be the gist of it. I'll see what I can find

tomorrow.

Barbara

Re: Re: new here help

>

>

> Ok, I dont mean to butt in. But I took xanax .25 for 4? years one

a night before bed and if needed in the day time. Lexapro, I thought

was great NO!!!!! now I cant get off of it and I hate the feeling of

being ill if I miss (mentaly).... I was " fine " with the xanax. It

worked for me and I didnt go into a " mental state " anytime I didnt

have it like with the lexapro. I dont know WHY I let my doctor talk

me into it No! NOTHING bothers me! my life now has become flat and

dependent on a drug. Im so angry with my doctor, why couldnt I just

stay on the xanax?

>

> bethcatenenery <bethcatenenery@...> wrote: Thank you

Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot

> understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no

problems

> then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so

> silly...

> I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before

i

> had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i

got

> bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since

8

> o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over

> two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to

myself,

> what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am

> getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost

my

> job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going

> through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but

then

> i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing

> anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man

and

> feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me

> whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor..

> I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to

do..lol...

> my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out

of

> whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek...

> Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more

> than .25 mg in a 24 hour period...

> ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol

>

>

> > >

> > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe

> anxiety

> > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with

self

> > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc

> had

> > prescribed 2 months earlier

> > >

> > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but

> then

> > things started to improve.

> > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative

> therapies

> > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but

the

> lex

> > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least

start

> to

> > see a way out.

> > >

> > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found

> that

> > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more

> depression

> > with the higher doses!

> > >

> > > I was worried about side effects but havent really

> experienced

> > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start

> taking

> > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve

which

> may

> > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to

> > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical.

> > >

> > >

> > > Good luck

> > >

> > > Mike

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Sent from .

> > > The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Thanks - I'm sorry for your loss.

What do they consider " breakdown " now?

I think I'm in the middle of one now, actually.

I only get done the bare minimum of things

to keep functioning.

Re: new here help

Thank you Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot

understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no problems

then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so

silly...

I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before i

had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i got

bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since 8

o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over

two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to myself,

what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am

getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost my

job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going

through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but then

i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing

anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man and

feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me

whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor..

I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to do..lol...

my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out of

whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek...

Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more

than .25 mg in a 24 hour period...

ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol

> >

> > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe

anxiety

> about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with self

> help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc

had

> prescribed 2 months earlier

> >

> > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but

then

> things started to improve.

> > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative

therapies

> such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but the

lex

> definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least start

to

> see a way out.

> >

> > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found

that

> 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more

depression

> with the higher doses!

> >

> > I was worried about side effects but havent really

experienced

> any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start

taking

> lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve which

may

> have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to

> increased melatonin - the sleep chemical.

> >

> >

> > Good luck

> >

> > Mike

> >

> >

> >

> > ---------------------------------

> > Sent from .

> > The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Barbra

No, as always you make it " clear " ( I knew you would) I get what you are

saying. You always have a way of explaining things so that I understand better,

and that is why im here.

Barbara <bjarrett@...> wrote:

Technically speaking it's not an addictive drug like xanax is. Drugs

in the class that Xanax come from cause drug seeking behaviour. Think junky. Lex

and other AD's do not.

SSRI's work with your brain chemicals. When you stop cold turkey you've not

given your brain and body time to adjust to the SSRI not being there. That's not

an addiction.

Drugs like Xanax bind to certain receptors in the brain causing a pleasurable

sensation. Lex and other SSRI's don't work that way. You don't get a buzz from

taking a SSRI pill. You can from taking Xanax.

I'm sure there are better ways to explain this as I've read better, clearer

explanations. But that seems to be the gist of it. I'll see what I can find

tomorrow.

Barbara

Re: Re: new here help

>

>

> Ok, I dont mean to butt in. But I took xanax .25 for 4? years one

a night before bed and if needed in the day time. Lexapro, I thought

was great NO!!!!! now I cant get off of it and I hate the feeling of

being ill if I miss (mentaly).... I was " fine " with the xanax. It

worked for me and I didnt go into a " mental state " anytime I didnt

have it like with the lexapro. I dont know WHY I let my doctor talk

me into it No! NOTHING bothers me! my life now has become flat and

dependent on a drug. Im so angry with my doctor, why couldnt I just

stay on the xanax?

>

> bethcatenenery <bethcatenenery@...> wrote: Thank you

Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot

> understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no

problems

> then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so

> silly...

> I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before

i

> had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i

got

> bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since

8

> o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over

> two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to

myself,

> what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am

> getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost

my

> job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going

> through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but

then

> i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing

> anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man

and

> feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me

> whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor..

> I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to

do..lol...

> my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out

of

> whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek...

> Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more

> than .25 mg in a 24 hour period...

> ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol

>

>

> > >

> > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe

> anxiety

> > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with

self

> > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc

> had

> > prescribed 2 months earlier

> > >

> > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but

> then

> > things started to improve.

> > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative

> therapies

> > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but

the

> lex

> > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least

start

> to

> > see a way out.

> > >

> > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found

> that

> > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more

> depression

> > with the higher doses!

> > >

> > > I was worried about side effects but havent really

> experienced

> > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start

> taking

> > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve

which

> may

> > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to

> > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical.

> > >

> > >

> > > Good luck

> > >

> > > Mike

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Sent from .

> > > The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Hi! I have to agree with the most recent post about how the drugs work. It is

unfair to blame your doctor for putting you on lexapro, when in actuality it is

a much safer medication then xanax, valium, klonipin and the like. Also, you

are not necessarily addicted to lexapro, per say. That is an unfair term to

use. You merely need to wean off the drug to give your brain's recpetors time

to adjust to different reuptake levels between the neurons. Xanax is a

controlled substance b/c of its ability to become an addictive medication, lex

and other SSRI's are not.

I understand your frustration. Please talk to your doctor about why he put

you on lexapro in the first place. Perhaps he is trying to combat depression,

as well as anxiety, which xanax is not as good at doing. Also, if you hate lex,

talk to your doctor about other options. Even different SSRI's work better for

some people than others. I went through two different SSRI medications which

were NOT beneficial for me before finding lexapro. You really need to have an

open communication with your dr. Also, consider finding a psychiatrist if you

do not have one. Primary care dr's are not USUALLY as proficient at prescribing

these types of medications.

Barbara <bjarrett@...> wrote:

Technically speaking it's not an addictive drug like xanax is. Drugs

in the class that Xanax come from cause drug seeking behaviour. Think junky. Lex

and other AD's do not.

SSRI's work with your brain chemicals. When you stop cold turkey you've not

given your brain and body time to adjust to the SSRI not being there. That's not

an addiction.

Drugs like Xanax bind to certain receptors in the brain causing a pleasurable

sensation. Lex and other SSRI's don't work that way. You don't get a buzz from

taking a SSRI pill. You can from taking Xanax.

I'm sure there are better ways to explain this as I've read better, clearer

explanations. But that seems to be the gist of it. I'll see what I can find

tomorrow.

Barbara

Re: Re: new here help

>

>

> Ok, I dont mean to butt in. But I took xanax .25 for 4? years one

a night before bed and if needed in the day time. Lexapro, I thought

was great NO!!!!! now I cant get off of it and I hate the feeling of

being ill if I miss (mentaly).... I was " fine " with the xanax. It

worked for me and I didnt go into a " mental state " anytime I didnt

have it like with the lexapro. I dont know WHY I let my doctor talk

me into it No! NOTHING bothers me! my life now has become flat and

dependent on a drug. Im so angry with my doctor, why couldnt I just

stay on the xanax?

>

> bethcatenenery <bethcatenenery@...> wrote: Thank you

Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot

> understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no

problems

> then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so

> silly...

> I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before

i

> had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i

got

> bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since

8

> o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over

> two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to

myself,

> what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am

> getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost

my

> job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going

> through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but

then

> i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing

> anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man

and

> feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me

> whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor..

> I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to

do..lol...

> my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out

of

> whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek...

> Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more

> than .25 mg in a 24 hour period...

> ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol

>

>

> > >

> > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe

> anxiety

> > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with

self

> > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc

> had

> > prescribed 2 months earlier

> > >

> > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but

> then

> > things started to improve.

> > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative

> therapies

> > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but

the

> lex

> > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least

start

> to

> > see a way out.

> > >

> > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found

> that

> > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more

> depression

> > with the higher doses!

> > >

> > > I was worried about side effects but havent really

> experienced

> > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start

> taking

> > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve

which

> may

> > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to

> > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical.

> > >

> > >

> > > Good luck

> > >

> > > Mike

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Sent from .

> > > The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

I must admit I am wondering whether an anti anxiety med would be better for my

anxiety than an anti-depressant - it helped but anxiety is still ruining my life

this further quote is interesting too

" However, long-term maintenance therapy on alprazolam (xanax) is not

unheard-of in the medical community, and, if a genuine therapeutic need exists,

benefits must be weighed against risks. "

Wikipedia

you say you are coming of lex - is that because your anxiety was gone ? How

are you taking the Alprazolam doseage wise and what effect has it has?

Thanks - Mike

trapper47562 <trapper47562@...> wrote:

>

> Hi Kim -

>

> I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in

your experience with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and

did you take it on a daily basis or just as needed?

>

> Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded

as being highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say

is very interesting and seems to tie in with this:

>

> " Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4

weeks) of severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be

used for longer periods of time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant

to the drug's effects, which may translate to decreased efficacy.

> Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of

high doses puts the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug

is discontinued suddenly.

>

> However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose

escalation was not a characteristic of long-term alprazolam users,

and the majority of patients indicated that alprazolam continued to

be effective. A 2003 study did not support the hypothesis that long-

term use of benzodiazepines frequently results in notable dose

escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic

disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a

positive response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5-

year follow-up study of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of

tolerance emerged "

>

> Quote from Wikipedia

>

>

> Mike i have been going off lex for almost 3 weeks, was given a

script of alprazolam to help get me thru it.I feel i should have been

on this from the start, will be talking to my doc tommorow.Who i have

faith in, but worried about addiction

>

> ---------------------------------

> Sent from .

> The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ah hello? What part of, " you just can't stop taking these kinds of drugs, cold

turkey " didn't you see? ;-)

Now, if you're talking about your depression and/or anxiety coming back after

you stop taking the Lex that's entirely different. There *are* people who may be

on AD's for life. Some for less than that.

Drug seeking behavior...when was the last time you saw anyone jonesin' for a

Lex? Or out on the street pimpin for it?

I know it's difficult to see the difference but there is one. I found this:

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=3237

SSRI addiction is a myth

Up to two out of three people who come off modern anti-depressants suffer

short-term withdrawal symptoms including dizziness, nausea and low mood. But it

is impossible for anyone to become addicted to SSRIs, the Royal College of

Psychiatrists heard yesterday.

" Worries about addiction have arisen because doctors mistake these withdrawal

symptoms for continuing depression and put people back on antidepressants,

instead of reassuring them that the symptoms will soon go,' Dr Haddad, a

psychiatrist at the Community Mental Health Centre in Manchester, told the

College's annual conference. " Typically the symptoms stop immediately the drug

is restarted which gives people the impression that they are addicted.

But Dr Haddad said that dependency in the sense of having a powerful urge to

continue a drug, often for more gratification, does not happen with SSRIs.

Antidepressants do not have street value. People do not forge prescriptions for

fluoxetine. Nor do they register with multiple GPs, turn up at A & E departments

to get more supplies or lie in bed craving an antidepressant,' he said. " As long

as it is used widely, antidepressants have clear benefits, allowing people to

get on with their lives.'

But he admitted there could be problems, perhaps explaining why thousands of

people went on to websites to saying they were addicted to SSRIs. " I have seen

people with apparently intractable withdrawal symptoms but I am always able to

help them come off the drug eventually.' He said people needed reassurance that

the symptoms were temporary. If necessary, the drug could be restarted and then

doses could be reduced slowly.

http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk

Would you say that someone that takes insulin is addicted to insulin? It's much

the same thing with SSRI's. They work on a brain chemical and how your brain

processes it. The difference between insulin and SSRI's is people that take

insulin will die if they stop taking it and people who quit SSRI's only feel

like they're dying.

Barbara

Re: Re: new here help

>

>

> Ok, I dont mean to butt in. But I took xanax .25 for 4? years one

a night before bed and if needed in the day time. Lexapro, I thought

was great NO!!!!! now I cant get off of it and I hate the feeling of

being ill if I miss (mentaly).... I was " fine " with the xanax. It

worked for me and I didnt go into a " mental state " anytime I didnt

have it like with the lexapro. I dont know WHY I let my doctor talk

me into it No! NOTHING bothers me! my life now has become flat and

dependent on a drug. Im so angry with my doctor, why couldnt I just

stay on the xanax?

>

> bethcatenenery wrote: Thank you

Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot

> understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no

problems

> then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so

> silly...

> I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before

i

> had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i

got

> bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since

8

> o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over

> two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to

myself,

> what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am

> getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost

my

> job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going

> through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but

then

> i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing

> anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man

and

> feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me

> whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor..

> I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to

do..lol...

> my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out

of

> whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek...

> Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more

> than .25 mg in a 24 hour period...

> ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol

>

>

> > >

> > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe

> anxiety

> > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with

self

> > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc

> had

> > prescribed 2 months earlier

> > >

> > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but

> then

> > things started to improve.

> > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative

> therapies

> > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but

the

> lex

> > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least

start

> to

> > see a way out.

> > >

> > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found

> that

> > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more

> depression

> > with the higher doses!

> > >

> > > I was worried about side effects but havent really

> experienced

> > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start

> taking

> > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve

which

> may

> > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to

> > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical.

> > >

> > >

> > > Good luck

> > >

> > > Mike

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Sent from .

> > > The World 's Favourite Email.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Mike-

well, I had very bad anxiety 2 times in my life. once when I was @24 and once

at @38 (I'm now 41) when I was 24 I had no idea what it was, I thought I was

dieing! I went on xanax for about 6 months and my anxiety just went away and I

stopped taking it. I don't have a clue why it went away or what brought it on

in the first place....now at 38 I knew what it was and got on xanax again it

helps me in many ways.

first: I got my worst anxiety in the morning at work. I took my xanax before

bed and didn't have an attack in the morning.

also I had trouble sleeping (the older I get?) and I cant have a drink like

most people I know. so xanax helped me sleep through the night

If I had to fly or go someplace I wasn't comfortable I would take one and not

feel " buzzed " just " normal " my first doctor told me that " just knowing you HAVE

THEM can help " and that was true. However this time it didnt go away and my

doctors answer was Wellbutrin (too many sides) then Celexa, again too many

sides. Now its Lexapro. No sides until I run out!!! Barbra has good points I

guess you could get addicted, I have never gotten " a buzz " off of xanax but I

can see how some one with anxiety would get hooked...it works! and noone will

say how long you have to take lexapro, just how hard it is to get off? so I

still dont get it...really.

mike jones <mike229892@...> wrote:

I must admit I am wondering whether an anti anxiety med would be

better for my anxiety than an anti-depressant - it helped but anxiety is still

ruining my life

this further quote is interesting too

" However, long-term maintenance therapy on alprazolam (xanax) is not unheard-of

in the medical community, and, if a genuine therapeutic need exists, benefits

must be weighed against risks. "

Wikipedia

you say you are coming of lex - is that because your anxiety was gone ? How are

you taking the Alprazolam doseage wise and what effect has it has?

Thanks - Mike

trapper47562 <trapper47562@...> wrote:

>

> Hi Kim -

>

> I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in

your experience with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and

did you take it on a daily basis or just as needed?

>

> Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded

as being highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say

is very interesting and seems to tie in with this:

>

> " Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4

weeks) of severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be

used for longer periods of time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant

to the drug's effects, which may translate to decreased efficacy.

> Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of

high doses puts the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug

is discontinued suddenly.

>

> However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose

escalation was not a characteristic of long-term alprazolam users,

and the majority of patients indicated that alprazolam continued to

be effective. A 2003 study did not support the hypothesis that long-

term use of benzodiazepines frequently results in notable dose

escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic

disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a

positive response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5-

year follow-up study of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of

tolerance emerged "

>

> Quote from Wikipedia

>

>

> Mike i have been going off lex for almost 3 weeks, was given a

script of alprazolam to help get me thru it.I feel i should have been

on this from the start, will be talking to my doc tommorow.Who i have

faith in, but worried about addiction

>

> ---------------------------------

> Sent from .

> The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Ah, ME!!!! I had to take it to feel normal again!!!! thats the ONLY reason I

spent my last dollar on it! I dont always HAVE money to buy it! Im not talking

about anything " coming back " im talking about how I and many others feel if they

dont have it! I dont think its funny at all! that sometimes people have to buy

food or pay bills and have to " CRASH " UNTIL THEY CAN GET MORE! SOUNDS LIKE

ADDICTED TO ME!

Barbara <bjarrett@...> wrote: Ah hello? What part of, " you

just can't stop taking these kinds of drugs, cold turkey " didn't you see? ;-)

Now, if you're talking about your depression and/or anxiety coming back after

you stop taking the Lex that's entirely different. There *are* people who may be

on AD's for life. Some for less than that.

Drug seeking behavior...when was the last time you saw anyone jonesin' for a

Lex? Or out on the street pimpin for it?

I know it's difficult to see the difference but there is one. I found this:

http://www.news-medical.net/?id=3237

SSRI addiction is a myth

Up to two out of three people who come off modern anti-depressants suffer

short-term withdrawal symptoms including dizziness, nausea and low mood. But it

is impossible for anyone to become addicted to SSRIs, the Royal College of

Psychiatrists heard yesterday.

" Worries about addiction have arisen because doctors mistake these withdrawal

symptoms for continuing depression and put people back on antidepressants,

instead of reassuring them that the symptoms will soon go,' Dr Haddad, a

psychiatrist at the Community Mental Health Centre in Manchester, told the

College's annual conference. " Typically the symptoms stop immediately the drug

is restarted which gives people the impression that they are addicted.

But Dr Haddad said that dependency in the sense of having a powerful urge to

continue a drug, often for more gratification, does not happen with SSRIs.

Antidepressants do not have street value. People do not forge prescriptions for

fluoxetine. Nor do they register with multiple GPs, turn up at A & E departments

to get more supplies or lie in bed craving an antidepressant,' he said. " As long

as it is used widely, antidepressants have clear benefits, allowing people to

get on with their lives.'

But he admitted there could be problems, perhaps explaining why thousands of

people went on to websites to saying they were addicted to SSRIs. " I have seen

people with apparently intractable withdrawal symptoms but I am always able to

help them come off the drug eventually.' He said people needed reassurance that

the symptoms were temporary. If necessary, the drug could be restarted and then

doses could be reduced slowly.

http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk

Would you say that someone that takes insulin is addicted to insulin? It's much

the same thing with SSRI's. They work on a brain chemical and how your brain

processes it. The difference between insulin and SSRI's is people that take

insulin will die if they stop taking it and people who quit SSRI's only feel

like they're dying.

Barbara

Re: Re: new here help

>

>

> Ok, I dont mean to butt in. But I took xanax .25 for 4? years one

a night before bed and if needed in the day time. Lexapro, I thought

was great NO!!!!! now I cant get off of it and I hate the feeling of

being ill if I miss (mentaly).... I was " fine " with the xanax. It

worked for me and I didnt go into a " mental state " anytime I didnt

have it like with the lexapro. I dont know WHY I let my doctor talk

me into it No! NOTHING bothers me! my life now has become flat and

dependent on a drug. Im so angry with my doctor, why couldnt I just

stay on the xanax?

>

> bethcatenenery wrote: Thank you

Barbara and I am sorry for your loss also.. I cannot

> understand why I can go 6 months, a year, 2 years with no

problems

> then WHAM BAM!! I am not allergic to virtually anything... its so

> silly...

> I started a new job today and took a half a xanax an hour before

i

> had to be there and low and behold I made it through the day.. i

got

> bouts of mild mind wandering, but I have not taken anything since

8

> o clock this am and I am fine... I hadn't taken any xanax in over

> two days prior to this so i am so up in the air.. I say to

myself,

> what can it hurt to take this 5 mg, but then I say, what if I am

> getting through this without the meds. In one months time I lost

my

> job, had a miscarriage and am standing by my partner who is going

> through a divorce so I keep saying, maybe it will go away ,but

then

> i say, take the pills so you don't what if every little thing

> anymore.. UGH!!!!Fortunatley my partner is a very supportive man

and

> feels terrible about all of this but tells me he cannot tell me

> whether nor not to take the lex because he is not a doctor..

> I will post in the am and let you know what I decided to

do..lol...

> my biggest fear is taking it and not having it throw me more out

of

> whack, especially because I am so much better than last weeek...

> Also, As far as the Xanax, I have never ever had to take more

> than .25 mg in a 24 hour period...

> ok, just take the pill and stop rambling..lol

>

>

> > >

> > > Hi Beth - I am fairly new to all this - developed severe

> anxiety

> > about 6 months ago - spent 3 months trying to fight it with

self

> > help courses etc. In the end I started taking the lexpro my doc

> had

> > prescribed 2 months earlier

> > >

> > > After about a week I had several days of severe anxiety but

> then

> > things started to improve.

> > > I still get a lot of anxiety and am using alternative

> therapies

> > such as pilates, meditation self hypnosis, exercise etc. but

the

> lex

> > definitely helped me get to a point where I could at least

start

> to

> > see a way out.

> > >

> > > I started on 10 mg a day then moved to 15+ but I found

> that

> > 10mg was the best doseage for me - I started getting more

> depression

> > with the higher doses!

> > >

> > > I was worried about side effects but havent really

> experienced

> > any except the initial anxiety increase when you first start

> taking

> > lex - and after a few weeks my sleeping started to improve

which

> may

> > have been due to the med - increased serotonin levels lead to

> > increased melatonin - the sleep chemical.

> > >

> > >

> > > Good luck

> > >

> > > Mike

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > ---------------------------------

> > > Sent from .

> > > The World 's Favourite Email.

> > >

> > >

[Guest guest]

Interestingly enough they find the same type of thing with people that take pain

killers for chronic pain. But then some people are more prone to addiction than

others. In other words some of us are more prone to becoming addicted to most

any drug, alcohol, nicotine, pain killers, etc., than others are. I've been

seeing research about this for some time now. Genetic components are well known.

But there are other issues as well. For example, what is it, specifically, that

makes one person more prone to addiction than another? They're learning more and

more about this all the time.

Barbara

Re: Re: new here help

Hi Kim -

I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in your

experience with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and did you take it

on a daily basis or just as needed?

Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded as being

highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say is very interesting

and seems to tie in with this:

" Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4 weeks) of

severe acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be used for longer

periods of time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant to the drug's effects,

which may translate to decreased efficacy.

Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of high doses

puts the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug is discontinued

suddenly.

However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose escalation was not

a characteristic of long-term alprazolam users, and the majority of patients

indicated that alprazolam continued to be effective. A 2003 study did not

support the hypothesis that long-term use of benzodiazepines frequently results

in notable dose escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic

disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a positive

response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5-year follow-up study

of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of tolerance emerged "

Quote from Wikipedia

---------------------------------

Sent from .

The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

[Guest guest]

General practioners are scared to prescribe Xanax. Some of them, like the

doctors I see, can't prescribe it by their own rules.

The things you describe, the sides you have with Lex, are why I stopped taking

Celexa. It turned me into a zombie so I'm thinking my sides were a bit worse

than yours are. I was like that for 14 months. After being off of Celexa for

about a year my doctor put me on Effexor XR. It was like a miracle for me! Like

someone flipped a switch and said, " Here, you can have your life back. " The

difference and the change was that marked. So the conclusion I came to was that

Celexa was simply not the right SSRI for me. This may be the case for you too.

The reason they give SSRI's for anxiety is not only do they work but they work

well with no break through anxiety. With xanax you do have break through anxiety

and that's why you take each pill. Note: There is a difference between normal

anxiety and pathological anxiety. What an SSRI should do for each person is help

them feel 'normal'. Not anxiety free. You *want* to feel anxiety or fear in

certain situations. Our brains are made to do that for us for very good reasons.

Almost walk out in front of a car and get hit? You want your brain to tell you

that wasn't a good thing.

Another reason for the SSRI's for anxiety is that after a certain treatment time

(I was told that for however long it took me to get to the point of needing

medication is how long it would take to reset the brain chemicals) most people

can come off the SSRI and not have further problems with anxiety. Not so with

Xanax. Xanax is treating the symptom not the underlying cause which is a

chemical imbalance in the brain. It's like having a bad gallbladder: You take

pain relievers and modify your diet to avoid attacks but that's really only

treating symptoms if your gallbladder really needs to come out. Taking the

gallbladder out is treating the cause of the pain.

Same thing for my peripheral neuropathy: Neuro Doc says it's ideopathic. No

cause known for the pain. He didn't do more than the most basic tests most

commonly done. So to say he doesn't know the cause is misleading because he's

not really looked for the cause only confirmed that I do, indeed, have PN. In

the meantime he threw meds at me to alleviate the pain and discomfort, one of

which, caused me to become suicidal. So in effect he was throwing drugs at

symptoms without knowing what he was actually treating. Since then I've done my

own research and tried various things. Some with much success, in not just

alleviating the symtpoms but in reversing the process of the PN. My pain levels

are now reduced about 90% of what they were when I stopped taking the drug that

made me suicidal. This also points to another thing: We have to be our own best

health advocates. Who knows our bodies better than we do? Doctors don't know

everything. That would be impossible. They're human just as we are. Many of them

have more patients than they can keep track of. To expect a doctor to keep track

of what *you're* taking on a daily basis and to know when you might be running

into trouble is not taking your care into your own hands. And when things go

wrong you can't blame the doctor all of the time. *You're* the one being

treated. It's your health that will suffer if you don't keep track of things,

don't question things. Can you tell? I'm a firm believer when one is diagnosed

with someone that person needs to do some research and find out as much as they

can about their 'condition'. To not do so is not being one's own best friend.

If you're being treated for anxiety and the current med isn't working like it

should for you talk to your doctor. There are other drugs that can be added to

the Lex (Buspar, for instance) or there are other SSRI's and

dual-reuptake-inhibitors (Effexor is a dual drug. Works on both Serotonin and

Norepinephrine) that might be a better match for you. Apparently I needed the

dual drug. Maybe you do as well. *shrug*

Many times with anxiety and/or depression finding the right drug or combination

of drugs is a crap shoot. There are people here that can tell you they've tried

a good number of the AD's available, including the older drugs available, before

finding what works best for them. But the search is *so* worth it when you find

what works for you.

Talk to your doctor. That's what he's there for. And if he won't or can't listen

to you and hear what you're really saying than find a different doctor who

*will* listen. After all, you're paying for the pleasure of being ignored. ;-)

Barbara

Re: Re: new here help

I had been on the same low dose of .25 for @ 2 or 3 years it worked for me

from the first day to the last every time! I didn't need it every day, it worked

right away (not 4 to 6 weeks) I didn't have to " wean " off of it! I don't

understand!! I wasn't depressed I have anxiety! I never wanted a pill that you

have to take everyday for....I don't even know for how long. lexapro does stop

the anxiety. But if you run out? lord help you. To me " THAT " is addicted! I'm

not the same person. I don't feel much of anything anymore. yeah, I'm

happy....but it doesn't feel real. I was never worried I would run out of xanax.

I'm scared to death to run out of lexapro again. I thought I was going to snap

or go insane and its not a joke. I'm a naturally happy person. when i asked my

doctor why i couldn't just stay on my low dose of xanax? she said ( " we just

don't like for you to do that " ) so she put me on lexapro? I guess you could get

addicted to xanax I have heard of people getting

" high " off of it, but I feel like its the doctors responsibility to watch me.

If I wanted to be addicted I would simply go to another doctor. Its helps to

know that im not alone in my thinking

mike jones <mike229892@...> wrote: Hi Kim -

I have been on lex for 3 months for anxiety - interested in your experience

with xanax - did it work better for your anxiety and did you take it on a daily

basis or just as needed?

Xanax is a benzodiazepine (Alprazolam) and is therefore regarded as being

highly addictive by the medical profession so what you say is very interesting

and seems to tie in with this:

" Alprazolam is recommended for the short-term treatment (2-4 weeks) of severe

acute anxiety. Alprazolam should only very rarely be used for longer periods of

time -- the body becomes rapidly tolerant to the drug's effects, which may

translate to decreased efficacy.

Decreased efficacy can lead to dose escalation, and the use of high doses puts

the patient at higher risk for withdrawal if the drug is discontinued suddenly.

However, in 1992 Romach and colleagues reported that dose escalation was not a

characteristic of long-term alprazolam users, and the majority of patients

indicated that alprazolam continued to be effective. A 2003 study did not

support the hypothesis that long-term use of benzodiazepines frequently results

in notable dose escalation. In a 1-year follow-up study of patients with panic

disorder continuing treatment with clonazepam, 90% maintained a positive

response without developing significant tolerance. In a 2.5-year follow-up study

of alprazolam therapy, little evidence of tolerance emerged "

Quote from Wikipedia

---------------------------------

Sent from .

The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

[Guest guest]

Or perhaps a different drug than Lex? Xanax works incredibly well for anxiety.

But there are SSRI's and dual drugs, as I said in my previous post, that work

just as well. So if your anxiety is not being controlled as it should with the

Lex than maybe it's time to look at the other AD's, SSRI's and SSNRI's

available. Xanax should be the drug of last resort. When nothing else works for

the anxiety than it's time to reach for the Xanax. At that point you should be

seeing a psych doc and not just a general practitioner. Psych docs can and will

prescribe Xanax. They're not afraid to prescribe it. But then they work solely

and specifically with mental and emotional disorders. They know these kinds of

drugs inside and out compared to a GP.

Barbara

Re: Re: new here help

Have you considered finding a doc who will let you stay on xanax or buying it

online? I found that lex at 10mg a day reduced my anxiety - increasing the

dose to 20mg actually seemed to give me more depression - they say everyone has

to find there own level

I am now wondering if xanax would be more effective for my anxiety

...............

Mike

---------------------------------

Sent from .

The World & #39;s Favourite Email.

[Guest guest]

If you have no insurance contact the drug company that makes the drug you take.

They all have programs to get meds to people just like you, for free. I took

Effexor XR for about 3 years and the drug company supplied it to me. Your doctor

may even be aware of this program.

The clinic I go to has a pharmacy attached to their clinic. They automatically

file for drugs on my behalf without me even having to ask because they know my

situation.

Barbara

Re: Re: new here help

yes, I have thought about it alot. My thinking was that: I want a doctor who

" knows " me and I have been seeing this doctor for 4 years and was thinking she

knew me and what was best for me. She told me my anxiety was " part " of

depression, even though I never felt depressed but have horrible anxiety she

tried for 2 years to get me to take antidepressants, I just didnt want to (side

affects) lexapro didnt have any so I kept on with them. they are $100 a month

and I dont always have the money for them I have ran out a lot. Im only on 10mg

a day but when I run out Im a crazy,grumpy, yucky person and thats just not who

I am. Now that I want to stop I cant seem to do it. For me it is " dependant "

cuz I dont want to be mean to people.

mike jones <mike229892@...> wrote: Have you considered

finding a doc who will let you stay on xanax or buying it online? I found that

lex at 10mg a day reduced my anxiety - increasing the dose to 20mg actually

seemed to give me more depression - they say everyone has to find there own

level

I am now wondering if xanax would be more effective for my anxiety

...............

Mike

---------------------------------

Sent from .

The World & #39;s Favourite Email.