I suffer from bad anxiety and panic disorder. Long story short, Xanax works well but dr. refuses to write another script...I only take on an as needed basis, .25 mg(lowest dosage). Obviously my dr is a jerk for not helping me, I am NOT addicted, I really prefer to not take any meds at all (I'm one of those types!) I was thinking about trying another AD. Lexapro, prozac and wellbutrin made my anxiety HORRIFIC, I could not take them. Zoloft worked but I gained a boat load of weight. I finally got the weight off and refuse to ever let that happen again, made my situation worse. Has anyone had a positive experience with any other AD, meaning no weight gain?

Thank you,
Tracey

I'm sorry you're having trouble finding the right med for you...and shame on your doctor for not helping you!
Its a shame you can't take the Wellbutrin, I've recently been switched to that and I've been able to lose some weight actually.
You need to find a doctor that will listen to you and what your concerns are and work with you!!
Hugs Tracey, I hope you can find something that will help you!
jes

I would get a new doctor and stay on what works. I've been there. Only you know what works for you. At least with xanax you can take as needed. I had weight gain, mental fatigue, loss of libido and withdrawal on AD s. They were good when I was in crisis mode but my opinion for on a day to day basis is to use xanax as needed. Many nurse practicioners in psychiatrists office understand this and would more likely be helpful. They're not terrified of xanax. My doctor said people don't get addicted to drugs that they really need.

That's how I feel, the xanax does the trick on an as needed basis only. Problem is, the psychiatrist I went to would not write a script for it, she said it was just a bandaid to the real problem and said I needed to be on PRistiq. I hate AD's with their awful side effects, so I took the script and then threw it away. PCP fears addiction even though I barely use them because I know my quantities are limited - I often suffer through the panic and anxiety in order to save them for the really bad times when I'm in public. I know that I need to find a new dr, but I've had this problem countless times - they all want me to take the AD "du jour" and send me on my way - even the psychiatrist treated me that way. They are not interested in the least with helping. This is so very frustrating.

Dear Tracey
I feel it is very insensitive to pull you off a medication that works well for you.I also use Xanax in low dosage on an as needed basis and find it very effective.

I would advise you to see another Doctor or Psychiatrist who will be able to prescribe what you both feel is right for you.It also worries me that the Doctor,by pulling you off your Medication so suddenly ,may mean suffer you bad side effects..

I have used Prozac,20mgs,for many years now and it did not cause weight gain but every person reacts differently.That is also why you need to find a Psychiatrist to discuss your options.

Sorry you are going through this stressful time.

Please keep us posted
Best Wishes
Elizabeth

Dear'tdf770'
I do not believe that Xanax is a bandaid.The truth of the matter is that some people suffer so badly with anxiety that they need some medication.And as long as they are mindful of their addictive possiblities,which I think we intelligent ladies are,they can be used on an as needed basis.

Also why do they think that putting you on an AD is the answer?They can be equally addictive and often very hard to wean off.

Out there somewhere is a good Psychiatrist who will listen and help. Please do not give up

God Bless
Elizabeth

Dear'kackle'
I completely agree that people do not get addicted to Medication that they really need and are able to control the use of.It is the people who are unaware of adiction and pop the Xanax like candy-Remember House and his painkillers-that have the most likely chance of getting addicted.

Have always used a small dose of Xanax on an as needed basis.Never upped the dose and there are many times where I do not need it.I keep in close contact with my Psychiatrist and he knows when and for what reasons I take the Xanax.

Our lives are about quality and feeling in an absolute panic half the time is no way to live.Of course exercise,meditation and healthy eating all play their part plus Therapy if needed.

All the best
Elizabeth

Well said! This is all so true. I know MANY people that take it at a drop of a hat and abuse it. Where are they getting it from. I also understand the feeling of being afraid I can't get more. It's the cycle of the anxiety---I'm anxious about the Dr. taking it away from me. I've even asked my husband if he would try to get a script if I can't get it anymore. Of course this is my anxiety talking. It has helped me to change my life AND I also use it as needed and have never needed to ask more per month. Please know that there are Dr. s out there that understand. My doctor is an alternative one who also had me try all the natural stuff too and he realized I just need the xanax. He told me felt it was one of the worst things to suffer from. Our brains work differently, we're wired differently. Don't give up!

I take Effexor XR. Haven't gained an ounce -- have actually lost 18 lbs. in the last 6 months. My anxiety crept up a little the first couple of weeks, but nothing bad. Lexapro on the other hand was godawful. Effexor has been a dream for me.

My dr wont give me Xanex. She wants to move me to Effoxor but my BP was too high in her office for that right now. My Mom is on Effexor

So sorry to hear about how your doctor treated you.

Please find a qualified Psychiatrist to help you determine what is best for you.

Wishing you a peaceful day,
Sue