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Can Lyrica Be Used To Treat Anxiety?

Posted on Tue, 15 Nov 2016

Question: Can lyrica be used to treat xaniety?
Was on xanax for 30 years and been off of it for 9 weeks. Don't ever want to go there again!
Dr put me on .75mg twice a day to help deal with withdrawals and lack of sleep

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Yes, Lyrica can absolutely be used to treat anxiety. In fact, it is the preferred gold standard agent for preventing withdrawal from Xanax and for treating anxiety in someone who wishes to avoid benzodiazepines like Xanax. You are on a standard dose. Your doctor made an excellent choice!

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address 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 web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (25 minutes later)

I have relocated and now under the care of a new and young family doctor who was the one that prescribed lyrica.
Could you please check these other medications to make sure there is no interactions along with your thoughts?
1. Today. New Dr took me off gabapentin and replaced with lyrica
2. Today. New Dr reducing Divalproex from 750 mg to 500 mg with long term goal of eliminating.
3. New Dr leaving me on 20 mg of buspar (2 x D) for now.
4. New Dr leaving me on .5 mg of trintrilix for now.
After 30 years of xanax I never want that type of monkey on my back but still need to function.
Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Everything you describe above is safe to use in combination and is perfectly reasonable, safe, and effective. Trust your new doctor.

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 web address 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 web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee