Posted by viridis on December 30, 2002, at 13:34:56
In reply to Re: anti-convulsants for panic? » alex01, posted by Ritch on December 30, 2002, at 9:51:15
Klonopin (clonazepam) is the first one that comes to mind -- it's extremely effective for panic disorder in many, like me. If you want to try something besides a benzodiazepine first, some people have had success in anxiety reduction with Neurontin (gapapentin). It's very mild and has few or no side effects in most people. I take both; the Klonopin caused a little drowsiness and disorienation for the first week or two, but now has no side effects at all. Neurontin gave me a gentle, pleasant "buzz" the first couple of times I took it, but I've never felt anything since.
For me, I'm quite sure that Klonopin has the main anti-anxiety, anti-panic effect, and my psychiatrist agrees, but prefers that I stay with Neurontin as well for its subtle mood-stabilizing effects. I also take Xanax (alprazolam) once in a while for really stressful occasions; it seems to take effect quickly and really shuts down overwhelming feelings of anxiety. I avoid taking it often, partly because it does have a reputation for inducing dependence if taken regularly (and with the Klonopin, I just don't need to use it much). I'm pretty sure that I'm dependent on Klonopin, but it's had such a positive effect on my life that I don't mind.
Some people do experience depression from Klonopin (although it acts as an antidepressant for me, by reducing the anxiety that leads to depression). Xanax appears much less likely to be depressogenic.
This is definitely something to discuss with your doctor, and I'd strongly recommend that you see a psychiatrist with experience in anxiety disorders if you aren't doing so already.
By the way, be careful if antidepressants such as SSRIs (Prozac, Zoloft, Celexa, Paxil, etc.) are suggested -- although they do seem to help with anxiety disorders in some people, they can also trigger severe anxiety in some (like me). If you do go the antidepressant route, I'd suggest you start off cautiously with very low doses. Some doctors don't appreciate the effects these drugs can have on people with serious anxiety problems.
Good luck -- there are lots of options, although I'm guessing that Klonopin may turn out to be the best.
poster:viridis
thread:133773
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021230/msgs/133802.html