Posted by lizzyg on March 25, 2002, at 7:38:04
In reply to Re: Anxiety Meds » lizzyg, posted by Ron Hill on March 22, 2002, at 6:18:39
Hi Ron - I probably confused you because I was having a little joke with Colin about how under-informed our British GPs are about depression and anxiety medications.
I think my diagnosis would fall into the category of 'classic' endogenous major depression, with associated anxiety. At the moment, I'm only taking SAM-e and it HAS had an anti-depressant effect, but I would say not as good as previous treatment with tricyclics (I can't tolerate SSRIs). However, with the tricyclics I found the anxiety diminished along with the depression, but this hasn't been the case (so far) with the SAM-e.
Benzos have worked fine in the past for treating the anxiety which has gone hand in hand with the depression, but it's only been short-term usage until the ADs kicked in properly. And the British medical establishment seem completely paranoid about benzos and will only really prescribe for a couple of weeks. So I don't think benzos would be a long-term solution for the anxiety. I don't know about gabapentin (Neurontin), so will do some reading up about that.
Like you, Ron, I find exercise a life-saver and try to swim three times a week, which helps with both the depression and the anxiety.
I'm loath to give up on the SAM-e so will give it a while longer. If there's no improvement on the anxiety, I think I'll probably have to try a prescription AD again. I'm thinking Nefazodone/Serzone would probably be high on the list of options (Mirtazapine/Remeron was too sedating for me) although my GP seems to be pushing Venlafaxine. Any views?
Thanks
Lizzy
poster:lizzyg
thread:98301
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020322/msgs/100011.html