Please Help with GAD

Avatar for atober
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2004
Please Help with GAD
3
Tue, 07-05-2005 - 9:21am

I have had generalized anxiety disorder for some time now. I was put on xanax which worked for awhile but we had to keep increasing the dosage. I was then put on Buspar which also does not work completely and the dosage was increased to 15mg per day. I was given Ativan for my "break through anxiety" and that doesn't seem to work either. Is there any other medication that people have had great success with? I am really having a hard time getting through the day (and nights, waking every 1/2hr. to hr.).

I do have a high tolerance for medications it seems but I am beginning to feel desperate and that certainly doesn't help with the anxiety...

Alison

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 07-05-2005 - 10:27am

Hi! It's a pleasure to have you here, Alison. You are not alone. I hope you find some comfort in that.


Many of us have had help with the short term use of drugs like ativan, xanax, etc. but were supplemented with the long term use of antidepressants. There are tons of good ones out there. Paxil, zoloft, lexapro, effexor, prozac & so forth. Finding the right one & the correct dose for us is pretty much trial & error. Also, cognitive behavioral therapy in conjunction with meds has the highest success rate according to much of the current research. Alternatives, such as yoga, meditation, relaxation techniques, accupuncture, hypnotherapy can work if you have motivation. Anxiety disorders can be difficult to manage. But it isn't hopeless. There is help available. The majority of our members have reported going to school, managing careers, marrying, raising kids, all while dealing with anxiety.


It is essential to learn how to cope better with stress. That is a big trigger for most of us. Dealing with loss such as deaths, jobs, financial security, moves, health concerns,

 

 


 



Avatar for atober
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2004
Tue, 07-05-2005 - 10:41am

Thanks for the feedback, I also take Cymbalta for my depression. I have tried yoga and it just didn't seem to help. Have also tried therapy all to no avail. I am hoping my dr. has some suggestions for a different medication. I have a call into her. Thanks again.

Alison

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-14-2003
Tue, 07-05-2005 - 5:05pm
I was having a really bad time and then I was put on Celexa. It turned me around completely!! It was amazing what it did for me. Meds are different for other people. I recommended it to another person and it worked for her too. I was up to 40mg a day and then I hit a plateau. It was still working, but I noticed I was starting to get irritated more easily. I switched to Effexor which I am currently on. I am starting to work up to 150mg now. It's supposed to be really good. My doctor says that a lot of meds are calming and a lot are stimulating. She says Celexa was a stimulating one and Effexor is a calming med. So hopefully this will help you in some way. Good luck!