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Treatment for CHRONIC ANXIETY besides OXAZEPAM.

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Hello! Basically what you should know is: I have had chronic anxiety for about 6 years old patientnow, I do everything I can to help it (Exercise daily, eat right, try to relax). I drink alcohol decently heavily once a week, twice max (Not super crazy but I go out with friends and can end up drinking a lot). I don't know if that affects my mood?

Anyways, it's proven time and time again that a Benzodiazepine (Like Klonopin or Oxazepam) is the only thing that makes me feel normal. It's been that way for years old patientand years, so this is not on a whim. I have some Oxazepam that I take in emergencies at night to sleep and I'm always stunned how effective it is in helping me cope with the anxiety symptoms. It just completely gets rid of them. I have shied away from using these types of pills because everyone says they're dangerous and addictive and all that, but I'm starting to think living with these symptoms is almost worse than dealing with some unwanted side effects of a benzo. I have seen some testimonials online of people saying they've taken the pill for 10+ years old patientand it is the only thing that kept them going/saved their life. Are these stories true/plausible? I am not afraid to hear hard advice, if they are dangerous pills so be it. But in your professional opinion, would it be inconceivable for me to take these pills somewhat regularly if they TRULY completely cure me of symptoms? If so, what dosage? I have 10 MG pills. Thank you!

Category: Psychiatrist

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Hello,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com

I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
This is a disorder of anxiety and occurs cause of imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. especially serotonin, nor adrenaline, and dopamine to some extent. Medicines are the best options to take care of these symptoms. I understand that you are doing good on oxazepam. But let me tell that these medicines only treat the symptoms superficially, but the cause is not treated. Treatment of the cause is essential.
Paroxetine is the the most popular medicine and my drug of choice. I generally prescribe my patients 12.5 mg per day at night which takes care of anxiety symptoms.
Also there is an option of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This therapy is taken by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness.
If you use oxazepam regularly, you will get dependent on it and when ever you will plan to come off it, there will be a rebound anxiety. Secondly due to the phenomenon of tolerance, the required dose may also keep increasing. So if its one tab today tomorrow it can be two tabs and then three. Thats the biggest problem.
If you can stick to one tab of oxazepam as and when required, things are ok and it wont cause any bodily harm to you. But if you are planning to increase it further then its an alarm sign.
Hope this helps,
If you need any further clarifications do let me know.
Kind regards,
Dr. Srikanth Reddy


Patient replied :

Thank you very much!! I have scheduled an appointment for the 11th to ask a psychiatrist about using Paxil then, since you have recommended it. You think it will fix the issue? What is the success rate?
Would it be ok to use the Oxazepam I have in the meantime, just to get some relief? I never take more than 30MG. How long does it take to get addicted, how dangerous is it to use? Thank you!


Hello,

Paxil is a good drug with a success rate of around 70 % in my routine experience. It is quite safe. Meanwhile you can use oxazepam. Its also safe however in long run it should better be avoided.
Hope this helps
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy


Patient replied :

Alright! Very good! I am excited to talk with my psychiatrist.
Final questions then:

-How long is Oxazepam considered 'safe'. When you say not to use it long term, how long before addiction sets it/how does one become addicted?

-What dosage would you prescribe, and at what times of day?


Thank you!


Hello
Oxazepam is safe if used until 1-2 months but generally to be avoided to be used beyond. 20-30 mg is the general dose to be used during night.
Hope this helps,
Kind regards


Patient replied :

Cool! Thank you! A question I've always had is: does that mean 1-2 months continuous use, or 1-2 months total for all time? Because I have used Oxazepam (Very light use) on and off for about 4 years. Thank you!


Hello,

1-2 months continuous use is of trouble. Occasional use is fine.

Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD


Dr. Srikanth Reddy
Category: Sexologist
Experience: 
Doctor of Medicine (MD), Psychiatry Residency Program,2001 – 2012
M.B.B.S,Mahatma Gandhi Institute Of Medical Sciences, Sevagram

Certificate Course in sex Therapy and Counselling, Sexology and Counselling, A
Sexology,Medikon Sexual Sciences, Mumbai

Training in Advanced Neurology at a leading corporate hospital (CARE hospital) in Hyderabad

Child Psychiatry Training in National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Bangalore

Sex Therapy and Counsellingat MEDIKON Sexual Sciences, Mumbai.
Dr. Srikanth Reddy and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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