Choices

[rpooo]

Celexa
Effexor
Zoloft

I am starting a new anxiety medication, and my doctor has given me some choices to research. I figure come ask the experts, the people who actually have been there. I do not have depression but  im anxiety can be really bad at times. Does anyone have any personal favorites? I really appreciate the help. Thanx

Randy

[rpooo]

Hi and thanks Nursegirl, I know posts move through here pretty fast. I have been on anxiety medications for the past 5 years. In my circumstance it is hereditary. My mother, two sibling my daughter and of course myself all deal with it. 2 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with cirrhosis stage C so when it comes to anything ingested I need to give it careful consideration. Currently I am taking Xanax extended release 1mg twice daily if needed but rarely do I use any more than 1mg.

Xanax is not a good choice for me since I need a medication that is designed for long-term use and is gentle for my liver to metabolize. The transplant center I go to made a strong recommendation to discontinue Xanax and switch to one of the above listed SSRI's. Upon consulting my general physician she suggested Buspar and told me it is metabolized in the kidneys only. So this would seem to be an excellent choice if it works. I see a lot of others posting negative results. So I will be hoping it is good for me. Bupropion (Zyban/Wellbutrin) was also recommended and the side effects after two days I could not handle. I was prescribed 150mg to start and to move up to 300mg if needed. Side effects were as follows- insomnia, medicated/stoned, paranoid, increased anxiety, metallic taste in my mouth. I do well with Xanax and have also done quite well with Lexapro (-some side effects)

My doctors next step is to start me on a very low dose of Buspar 7.5mg as I taper off Xanax, now I just have to hope I haven’t any dependency but I will find out. Thank you again.

Randy

[nursegirl6572]

Sorry, I didn't see your post.

Buspar wouldn't have been my first choice, but that's just me.  I haven't seen a whole lot of success stories with it, but then, everyone is different, you can't discount it based on that.  I have seen a few threads over the years about it, here.  Not a whole lot  Just out of curiosity, what made you decide on that?  That wasn't even in your initial list?  Have you ever been on any meds in the past?

My recommendations would have been the Zoloft or Celexa.  Zoloft is the most commonly Rx'd SSRI for anxiety, because it has a high success rate and is pretty easy to tolerate for most people.  Celexa also has a good track record.  Effexor can be a good drug, but it tends to be more activating, and has quite a reputation of being hard to wean off of.

Certainly give the Buspar a try, give it some time, and see how it goes.  If in a few weeks, you aren't noticing some improvements, talk with your doc to see what the next best step should be.  Also, if you haven't already, be sure you seek out some therapy.  Therapy along with meds increases the success rate dramatically.

Best of luck!

[rpooo]

Well although my post got overlooked I went with Buspar, does anyone care to share their experience with it?