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Can Benzodiazepines Be Taken For Severe Anxiety?
Question: why wont doctors prescribe benzoids for severe anxiety? I've taken them for years to control my anxiety, twice a day, and now I can't get anyone to give me more. I also take wellbutrin. I used to take that twice a day and the doctor only gave me enough for once a day. I'm a mess. What else can doctors prescribe to control anxiety. I'm actually experiencing physical pain, irregular heartbeat, from the anxiety.
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Benzodiazepines are not designed to be used for more than a few weeks. After a few weeks of use, and in the long run, people inevitably develop cognitive slowing, memory loss, depressed mood, tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal which can include tremor, seizures, coma, and death. Anxiety is best treated with an antidepressant such as Wellbutrin (often dosed in XL form once daily), Zoloft, or any other of the SSRIs or SNRIs. Anxiety can also be treated in the short term with antihistamines like diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine, or with gabapentin. Anxiety is often best treated long-term with psychotherapy, such as CBT, which is more effective than medications.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Benzodiazepines are not designed to be used for more than a few weeks. After a few weeks of use, and in the long run, people inevitably develop cognitive slowing, memory loss, depressed mood, tolerance, addiction, and withdrawal which can include tremor, seizures, coma, and death. Anxiety is best treated with an antidepressant such as Wellbutrin (often dosed in XL form once daily), Zoloft, or any other of the SSRIs or SNRIs. Anxiety can also be treated in the short term with antihistamines like diphenhydramine or hydroxyzine, or with gabapentin. Anxiety is often best treated long-term with psychotherapy, such as CBT, which is more effective than medications.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
The combination of benzois and wellbutrin has helped me function for years. I've never had to increase my does so I don't feel that I'm addicted. Even the mental health clinics here won't prescribe benzois if you've been using them for as long as I have. I can't go on like this, feeling like no one will help me. I feel useless. Do you know anyone in Arizona that I can see who will help me?
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Again, the reason no one will prescribe them is because they are never meant to be used for more than a few weeks. Using them for a number of years is highly dangerous to your brain. There are other options to help you, including antihistamines and gabapentin, as I mentioned. I would speak with your doctor about those alternatives. I work in New York City so I don't have any recommendations for Arizona.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Followup
Detailed Answer:
Again, the reason no one will prescribe them is because they are never meant to be used for more than a few weeks. Using them for a number of years is highly dangerous to your brain. There are other options to help you, including antihistamines and gabapentin, as I mentioned. I would speak with your doctor about those alternatives. I work in New York City so I don't have any recommendations for Arizona.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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