[medicalman]

What pharmaceuticals, if any, do people here use for anxiety or OCD? In the past I have been on several different ones but decided to stop using any of it cause I thought it was all crap. Im just starting to realize now that my anxiety and OCD are really out of control and negatively affecting my life. I cant and dont want to be medicated with MMJ 24/7 and would like to augment MMJ with something in pill form. Please weigh in on what pharmaceuticals have helped you with these ailments, the ones that you have found help you best.

I have been diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder and am prescribed Klonopin for it. They work well for me, dont make me very loopy. They do sometimes make me sleepy though.

[HighAnxiety]

Xanex might help you out, it works very fast but only last for about 3-4 hours.

[BabyBoomer]

Originally Posted by HighAnxiety

Xanex might help you out, it works very fast but only last for about 3-4 hours.

Ativan helps as well, and I think it is very similar to Xanex.

Good thoughts being sent your way, feel better.

Cyber Hugs,

BabyBoomer

[Valleygirl]

I used to take Xanax because of my panic attacks a few years ago (something really traumatic happened to me) and I hated how I grew dependent upon it. It's a good thing to work right away, but in the long run it's really addictive. Hence why I am an MMJ patient.

[alex52]

Xanax/Atvian are a take as needed med. They do the trick but I'd be cautious with those as they are HIGHLY addictive.

Personally I recommend Lexapro (pill/day) as it does the trick but has less side effects than most of the other SSRI/MAO's out there.

Lexapro is a fairly new anti-depressant and not usually prescribed for anxiety or OCD. A side-effect free SSRI does not exist and there are always risks associated when beginning any new medication. (Not to mention they take 6-8 weeks to function properly.)

If you are looking for short term temporary relief, then a Xanax type drug might best, but as the other posters noted, it is highly addictive. Long term treatment options might differ and it is best to speak with your doctor first.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

[alex52]

Very true regarding the side-effect free SSRI's...there are no such thing. However, Lexapro IS commonly prescribed for GAD.
http://www.lexapro.com/understand_co...n/anxiety.aspx

Originally Posted by VioletAubergine

Lexapro is a fairly new anti-depressant and not usually prescribed for anxiety or OCD. A side-effect free SSRI does not exist and there are always risks associated when beginning any new medication. (Not to mention they take 6-8 weeks to function properly.)

Originally Posted by alex52

Very true regarding the side-effect free SSRI's...there are no such thing. However, Lexapro IS commonly prescribed for GAD.
http://www.lexapro.com/understand_co...n/anxiety.aspx

There is some interesting information contained in that link, especially considering the site is run by the pharm co itself. I've been a lab rat for years and Lexapro was the worst of the bunch for me. I felt like I was on crack or something and was more anxious than ever. When I relayed that information to my doctor, the response what that I needed more drugs.

Lexapro really is not the best bet for treating anxiety, let alone a long standing OCD.

To the original poster, it is really helpful to share stories and treatment plans, but there is only so much information you can obtain from us WTs. OCD is a serious medical condition and requires treatment from a trained professional.

[alex52]

Originally Posted by VioletAubergine

I've been a lab rat for years and Lexapro was the worst of the bunch for me.

Fair enough. I'm only recommending the original poster ask his/her doctor about Lexapro as I've been on it for a little over a year and it has done wonders for my Anxiety. Other then Lex I've only tried Wellbutrin which did nothing for me except give me headaches. Just like MMJ though, results vary depending on the individual.

I only posted the link as it was claimed that Lexapro is not for anxiety so I figured why not hear directly from the horses mouth.

Here are some more links on SSRI reviews for anyone that might be interested.
http://psychcentral.com/meds/lexapro.html
http://www.askapatient.com/viewratin...0&name=LEXAPRO
http://www.crazymeds.org/lexapro.html

Originally Posted by alex52

Fair enough. I'm only recommending the original poster ask his/her doctor about Lexapro as I've been on it for a little over a year and it has done wonders for my Anxiety. Other then Lex I've only tried Wellbutrin which did nothing for me except give me headaches. Just like MMJ though, results vary depending on the individual.

I only posted the link as it was claimed that Lexapro is not for anxiety so I figured why not hear directly from the horses mouth.

Here are some more links on SSRI reviews for anyone that might be interested.
http://psychcentral.com/meds/lexapro.html
http://www.askapatient.com/viewratin...0&name=LEXAPRO
http://www.crazymeds.org/lexapro.html

Ditto on the Wellbutrin. You are right about how results vary depending on the individual.

It can take a lot of time, many refills, and even more $$ to find the right medication and dosage to treat mental illness. Good luck.

[HighAnxiety]

Originally Posted by Valleygirl

I used to take Xanax because of my panic attacks a few years ago (something really traumatic happened to me) and I hated how I grew dependent upon it. It's a good thing to work right away, but in the long run it's really addictive. Hence why I am an MMJ patient.

I to suffered from anxiety and panic attacks then became dependent on Xanax soon there after , thats when I turned to MMJ!! Works like a charm. :) Hope you feel better and find something that works for you!! Peace Love

[tloctwisted]

Originally Posted by HighAnxiety

I to suffered from anxiety and panic attacks then became dependent on Xanax soon there after , thats when I turned to MMJ!! Works like a charm. :) Hope you feel better and find something that works for you!! Peace Love

i too was dependent on xanax and damn that was hard to get off of... I too prefer mmj each individual is different and therefor responds differently to each med including mmj i'm on cymbalta which helps for pain also but they gave alazopam as needed which lasts longer so you do not have to take alot and come crashing down like you do on zanaz in my opinion,,,,,,, I also medicate in small doses so that I am not overmedicated and then I dont have to worry about the other issues like heart racing and feeling out of control with PTSD it all comes down to control and I do not like any medication that makes me looped
hopw that helps take care
trish

[bosbruin4]

At first it was Paxil and Klonopin, but the Paxil turned evil, so now its Lexapro and Klonopin.

Last summer my mom died suddenly and my symptoms became unbarable. They turned up the drugs and I was hospitalized for a week. Once I was getting the full benefit of the meds, it seemed to be a great help.

Be VERY creful though with the Klonopin, or any Benzo, VERY addictive and not fun to get off of when the time comes. Stay under close supervision by an M.D.

Good Luck

Don't feel baD about looking for gooD MeDs. I have taken Klonopin, Ativan, Xanax, anD pretty much every benzo there is for my anxiety. I've taken Zoloft for Depression, OCD, anD PTSD for 8 years now. Works well, but there are lots of siDe effects. I've taken TrazoDone for sleep anD Depression anD it is surprisingly effective, but the "buzz" it gives you sucks - so it is fairly safe for a person worrieD about being an aDDict because - believe me - the benzos are just about the most aDDictive Drugs arounD. But they are, in my experience, the best for anxiety - although MMJ is nearly as effective. Try Bubba Kush - that one always makes me feel better about the worlD. I hope you're getting the help you neeD anD let me know if you want to chat about it. I know far more about the subject than I'D like to, though I am no Doctor. I hope you're smiling again soon.

[flylightly]

My mother had luck with cymbalta, however the downside is she gained weight. But honestly shes been on a a bunch of differant ones and she said it worked the best, at least for her.

Sorry to hear your situation. I suffer from major anxiety and depression, and I have taken Xanax, Valium and now Kolonopin. Valium worked great for my short term anxiety attacks. Now I take Kolonopin before I go to sleep and it is going well for me. Since everyone is different it is a process of elimination of what does not work to find out what actually does help.

As far as mmj goes I would recommend purple strains (i.e. Blue Dream, The Purps, GDP, etc.) to augment with your pharmacuticals.

I hope this helps.

Best,
pic4daze

[WT Anonymous Poster]

Originally Posted by pic4daze

As far as mmj goes I would recommend purple strains (i.e. Blue Dream, The Purps, GDP, etc.) to augment with your pharmacuticals.

I hope this helps.

Best,
pic4daze

Word. Although I found SSRI's and SNRI's almost eliminated my OCD (besides trich) they made everything else worse, even with a mood stabilizer. I have also been prescribed a large amount of benzo's and have gone through addiction, self-recovery, and still have to take .5mg of klonopin everyday. MMJ seems to help the most with his OCD and klonopin is his lifesaver benzo. He was on xanax for a good amount of time but soon fell prey to psychological and physical addiction (which is actually why he had to switch to long half-life benzo's)...anyways just be careful, but benzo's can be very useful, or SSRI's.

[3506]

WOW..I can write a book on this one....
I am currently on paxil cr for these same symptoms and have also tried ativan.The ativan is a quik fix and is great, only problem is that it is VERY addictive.
So you have to be careful with that one.
Paxil has helped me tremendously but getting off of it is dam near impossible!
The withdrawel symptoms are a nightmare!
I have not been able to do it yet.Feels like you are losing your mind when trying to get off these drugs.
If I can do it again I would forget the pharm and go with cannabis all the way.
I am not against them, everyone is different, I just feel like from my experience, being on a drug I cannot quit scares me.
Please research anything you start so you know what you are getting into.
I understand how it feels when you absolutely need something to get through it. Just know what your are getting into before you do.Good luck!

[budluver]

My doctor gave me a 6 week starter kit of Lexapro for anxiety about 3 months ago. It is about the 6th drug I was given or prescribed in last 8 years for anxiety, depression, or paranoia.

After getting feedback from wt's and doing my homework, I decided not to start the lexapro. I told my medical doctor I did not start it, but I have not thrown it away.

The main reason I am leary of prescribed drugs is the wd. When I finallllllly was able to quit valium in '02, it took 5 months before I realized I had quit, and have been leary ever since of getting on daily medication to control "KFUK"!

MMj works for me. I have tried many strains and will continue to buy grams as a way to sample more strains. Howver there is this 1 strain of "$100 og kush" which is my favorite strain, which I only get at this 1 clinic in sfv.
For some reason, I love everything about this strain...the way it effects my body and mind w/o paranoia...the energy level it leaves me at...the aftertaste!

I also walk 6-7 days a week for an hour! And I take magnesium taurate, which really helps me with my mood alot!

Bud

[Pikachu]

Ativan works well for me (0.5mg 2x/day PRN).

I'm still looking for the perfect anti-anxiety strain.

[philln]

I am not a doctor, just sharing my personal experience as I have had depressions and anxiety for sometime. The best way to get over anxiety and depression is to take a break from your regular schedule, go out, and take good sleep. This helps in clearing the mind and try consulting a specialist who can suggest you as how you can get over your problem. There are various prescription drugs to get over anxiety and depression, but these should only be used in accordance with the instruction of a physician. There is a lot of fake selling of such medicines on internet, so before you can order it online just make sure it is a real pharmacy. I am having it from http://www.xanax-effects.com

[mediuser5]

GO SEE A DOCTOR ASAP!!!

As nice as it is to gain support and wisdom from your fellow WTs, less than 1% is known about the human brain (I can find the studies that prove this, but don't have much time . . . though I do have time to post on WT and write this incredibly, long, annoying parenthetical :slaugh:) . . . so, anyways, you need to go and see a Psychiatrist.

Just like MMJ, each pharmaceutical effects each individual differently, so you have to work with a professional to choose what is right for you. Anxiety is especially tricky, because some people do need Klonopin and Xanax, although they are both highly addictive, and some people just need counseling or a good night's sleep (as recommended) instead. The other drugs mentioned can work as well, but as the English say, "Different blokes, different strokes", so they might not be right for you.

If you don't have the money to pay to see a Psychiatrist, there are plenty of free options as well. If you are in school, go to STUDENT PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES and make an appointment. If you aren't in school, there are many free-clinics, etc that can help you out. If you have insurance, depending on your plan, they often provide lists of psychiatrists for you . . . though sometimes they are not covered, and really, you want to work with a health-care professional whom you can trust. (Find your doctor through a friend or respected contact). Again, just like with MMJ, this might involve some research, but such is life.

As always, you are welcome to PM me!

One love,
MEDI
:partysmile:

p.s. I'd have to work with you in-person in order to get you the correct strain, but everyone has made great recommendations. I'm personally a big Chem Family guy (as many know), but there is always going to be debate about which strain is which and which is real . . . anyways, the Darker OGs and Darker Chem Family flowers have worked best for the patients that I've seen or know who suffer from Anxiety, but, at the same time, Anxiety is often coupled with Depression, so, if you DO suffer from Depression as well . . . stay away from 100% Indicas, but if you DON'T suffer from Depression as well, pic4daze made a good point about the purple strains, though there are purple Sativas, so ask your Budtender. Peace.

[konj]

i have anxiety disorder. mmj helps. but too much and i feel delirious.
if you dont have money definitley check out the free clinics sometimes they have services that private insurances dont.

[Moph]

I have had really good luck with Celexa and Xanax as needed. Celexa does not have many side effects for a anti-depressent, it is cheap and is not known to give people foggy heads.
Xanax is good to know it is there if I have a panic attack. I maybe use 2-3 a year. Since I have been smoking MMJ I have had little issues with anxiety or depression and it has really helped in conjuction with Celexa.