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how is anxiety disorder treated in Australia?

Mr Blonde said:
^ You can buy Kava tablets here in Australia or on Australian based websites. I know of a certain pharmacy with a naturopath in Brisbane that sells them OTC. From what I've read on Erowid and here they aren't that potent, this is a quality brand in terms of other herbs they supply though - Mediherb is the company and they are fairly reputable as far as I've heard.

I was thinking of getting some to try out this week maybe.
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I work in a health food store an we sell java tablets. I bommed 10-15 tablets that have 60mg of kavalactones each an... nothing. I want to try SSRIs an see a psychologist, whatever It takes to feel 'normal' but I am thinking of asking for some valium for those times I really can't/don't want too deal with it. I think my age and gender will get in the way of me receiving that treatment but :(
 
^ That's a shame; what brand of Kava tablets were they if you don't mind? I will try this brand I know and report back.

Unfortunately, age and gender will get in the way of getting a benzodiazepine script. If you want the benzodiazepine for panic attacks, intense anxiety, etc.. then alprazolam may be better then diazepam as it has a shorter half-life and I find is less sedating.

Something I use for anxiety every now and then is propranolol. It doesn't have an effect mentally, but physically helps stop shaking and can get my heart rate back under control. I used to use it for anxiety before performing music... back in my rock star days ha ha. :D

ETA: Also, whatever medicine you try it is good to clear your mind of any negativity towards it. The placebo and 'nocebo' effect are powerful; drug companies have lost millions on clinical studies that couldn't get past it and it is believed that the effect is getting stronger and that new ways of testing drugs will have to be developed to work around these effects.
 
I went to the Doctor around two months ago, I told him about my panic attacks, anxiety, how I can't do A B C every day, how this happened etc etc..

After 5 minutes he finished it because he was obviously busy and gave me Pristiq to try for two weeks, so I had that for a few days and it made me sick, sleeping was harder so I stopped it.

I went back after two weeks, he said just stay on it and I will see you in another week - I went back after a week with all the same anxiety, probably even worse and he just told me to stay on the Pristiq for 6 weeks to because that's how long it will take to properly start working and more Doctor jumble yaddi yaddda... The end.

So I went to another Doctor and told her everything, she was much more helpful and gave me documents to read, modules to do, websites to read and actually gave me good helpful advice. She prescribed me Lexapro - this has been working a little bit and has much less side effects.

I was meant to see her last week and the other day but she has been sick, so not sure what will happen next.

The good news is, I am feeling much better then I did, the healthy food, exercise, websites and maybe the lexapro. However I am still having a few panic attacks here and there so I will tell her that.

She also will be referring me to a psychologist.

I never once requested to be prescribed a benzodiazepine and it's probably for the best I was never prescribed it, even though it's what would work best and it actually does work but ohh wells.
 
^ Whilst the second doctor you saw definitely sounds much better, the first one did have valid points that most SSRIs/SNRIs/etc. take 1-2 months for the true effects to kick in and most side effects should settle within a couple of weeks. Still, I think it's much more helpful to be given information and referred to a psychologist together with the script. Personally, I found a psychologist far more helpful than any of the doctors I've seen, for depression and anxiety (though I have found both antidepressants and benzos to be helpful).

Glad you're starting to feel better, good luck :)
 
That second doctor sounds really good, giving you information to utilize as well as the script and a future referral to a psychologist. I think a psychologist is a great idea, they helped me so much with my anxiety. :)
 
tommy34 said:
I work in a health food store an we sell java tablets. I bommed 10-15 tablets that have 60mg of kavalactones each an... nothing. I want to try SSRIs an see a psychologist, whatever It takes to feel 'normal' but I am thinking of asking for some valium for those times I really can't/don't want too deal with it. I think my age and gender will get in the way of me receiving that treatment but :(
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hey man. I think if you have genuine anxiety problems you shouldn't have too many problems getting a benzo. Sure being male and young may work against you, but at the same time, young males have problems with anxiety also. benzos will work, but you have to use them sparingly.

go see a psych. if your content on trying SSRIs give them a try. they do work. but they just carry a few side effects, which differ depending on what type of SSRI you are given. The biggest one is loss of sex drive and maybe a bit of sexual dysfucntion (i.e difficulty cumming). If you don't have a girlfriend/boyfriend, then this probably won't be a big deal.

Sometimes your sleep will be messed up. nausea, headaches, feeling tired. all normal for the first few weeks. Initially, your anxiety might get worse for the first few weeks, but then will probably get better.

they are funny drugs, in that they take a month to start full effect, and you get a side effects that go away before the drug works (except loss of sex drive).

Give them a try if you want, but do some reading beforehand so you know what your getting into.

good luck:)
 
I am currently dating a girl who is a full blown sex addict, so sexual dysfunction will be a problem. I'll try the SSRIs an the psychologist then ask for benzos I think. Thank you so much everybody.
 
^ SSRIs are actually sometimes used for premature ejaculation, and I found when I was on them that they make you last a looong time. Could actually be good if she likes a lot of sex ;) I never had issues attaining or maintaining an erection, so sex can be great, but masturbation can sure get boring when it takes half an hour or more :p
 
Be careful with the benzo's bro.

Some wanker the other day had walked out of a doctor's room, with 2 x PBS scripts, and he said to me "Shhhh...Xanax 300 tablets with 3 repeats...Shhhh!" and was stumbling around everywhere and was obviously fucked up on some opiate drug (maybes Done or Bone, who knows?). Needless to say, the dude had left his iPod Shuffle in the clinic, just lying there, like his brain in stagnated waters that encompass the subdural area of his brain anatomy. Fucking put me off asking this doctor for Xanax 2 mg, because I don't want to end up like that. Shit mate, I'm already addicted to Clonazepam. Don't want to make things worse by going out and getting dished up Xanax like it ain't no thing.

So, to this initial question by the OP, it really depends on who you see. See, some doctors are straight up benzodiazepine prescribers, some doctors' are straight up anti-depressant prescribers, some doctors are careful with what they dish out to patients and send them over to either a P-Doc (Psychiatrist) or a counsellor, specifically a psychologist who is registered with the APS, to help you deal with your emotional issues better.

Mental illness/drug addiction are co-morbid bro. Don't go looking for the easy route (benzos) because that will just fuck your life up. Even though it's probably not comparable to injecting heroin on a t.i.d. basis in regards to the cost, it's long term dependence/withdrawal complications are some of the nastiest out there (GHB/Alcohol being tied in with benzo withdrawal).

Also, try to avoid caffeine. Green tea + Valerian root + Exercise + Sexercise really work bro.

Picture yourself in 5 years form now. Would you want to be healthy and clean and practicing your exercises that you have learnt from the psychologist? Would you be a benzo addict, mumbling/stumbling a whole bunch of dumb shit down the street of the nearest bulk-billing clinic, waiting for your next Rx for benzos/opiates?

Think about it, bro. Shit, if I had the choice, I never would of started this cycle.
 
I tried Bio-Organics brand of Kava, available back in 2000,now discontinued, and got good results in combo with Xanax.
Until recently I tried Mediherb brand Kava, I got skin itch and rash.
I guess it's different parts of plants used, manufacturing process( contaminated or not) that make Kava a high quality one or not.

Usually GP prescribe imipramine ( this is a gold standard AD used to compare in trials with other ADs). I find Imipramine 10mg twice daily along with Clonazepam 2mg daily helps to suppress Panic and anxiety. Imipramine is the first TCA used for Panic, Clomipramine doesn't work so welll for me.

Both Imipramine and Clonazepam are taken regularly. As Clonazepam (being metabolite of Nitrazepam) has a long half life up to 39hr.
I just keep Xanax pill handy in my wallet, in case, Panic strikes, I just put one sublingually.

Clonazepam works smoother than Xanax, and not having the "kick" as strong as xanax.

But if I take xanax regularly, then it won't be much help when Panic suddenly strikes.
This is where prophylactic use of Clonazepam is useful along with low dose imipramine, with Xanax on prn dose.
 
Mr. Squiggle! said:
Be careful with the benzo's bro.

Some wanker the other day had walked out of a doctor's room, with 2 x PBS scripts, and he said to me "Shhhh...Xanax 300 tablets with 3 repeats...Shhhh!" and was stumbling around everywhere and was obviously fucked up on some opiate drug (maybes Done or Bone, who knows?). Needless to say, the dude had left his iPod Shuffle in the clinic, just lying there, like his brain in stagnated waters that encompass the subdural area of his brain anatomy. Fucking put me off asking this doctor for Xanax 2 mg, because I don't want to end up like that. Shit mate, I'm already addicted to Clonazepam. Don't want to make things worse by going out and getting dished up Xanax like it ain't no thing.

So, to this initial question by the OP, it really depends on who you see. See, some doctors are straight up benzodiazepine prescribers, some doctors' are straight up anti-depressant prescribers, some doctors are careful with what they dish out to patients and send them over to either a P-Doc (Psychiatrist) or a counsellor, specifically a psychologist who is registered with the APS, to help you deal with your emotional issues better.

Mental illness/drug addiction are co-morbid bro. Don't go looking for the easy route (benzos) because that will just fuck your life up. Even though it's probably not comparable to injecting heroin on a t.i.d. basis in regards to the cost, it's long term dependence/withdrawal complications are some of the nastiest out there (GHB/Alcohol being tied in with benzo withdrawal).

Also, try to avoid caffeine. Green tea + Valerian root + Exercise + Sexercise really work bro.

Picture yourself in 5 years form now. Would you want to be healthy and clean and practicing your exercises that you have learnt from the psychologist? Would you be a benzo addict, mumbling/stumbling a whole bunch of dumb shit down the street of the nearest bulk-billing clinic, waiting for your next Rx for benzos/opiates?

Think about it, bro. Shit, if I had the choice, I never would of started this cycle.
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Couldn't have said it better.

This pretty much sums it up, Benzos are F**ked.

This is one of the best post I've read from you Mr. Squiggle!.
 
For chronic anxiety, you need to see a psychologist and learn how to better cope with the things that causing you anxiety. Extended benzos therapy alone will only make chronic anxiety worse because as soon as you stop them, you've got rebound anxiety/withdrawals to deal with IN ADDITION to whatever caused your original anxiety.

Have you tried going to the gym? Vigorous exercise will produce natural endorphins that are great stress relievers.
 
IME:

bad anxiety at times, especially social anxiety disorder aka S.A.D

i have been on a couple of SSRI but did not work well for me then went down the benzo path which is really not a good way to treat it and heres why:

benzos are temporary relief, and once you run out you will most likely have REBOUND anxiety which is worse than it once was... The W/D is TERRIBLE and will send you down a path you wish you never went down

SSRI's on the other hand have long lasting effects even after stopping (slowly tapering)

So thats what my doc tells me, im tapering off mogadon for sleep, valium for the anxiety and it is preety bad.
 
When i first visited my GP about my anxiety she gave me a script for diazepam. Then my GP cut the valium and got put on AD's which would help both my depression and anxiety, but they really didnt do shit. I was at a point where i couldn't go out on public because i just couldn't deal with the anxiety.

I've had xanax before (self-prescribed) and they are by far the best med for my anxiety. Didn't give a shit about anyone or anything and could talk to random people on the streets which i could never do. I talked to my doctor about putting me on xanax and she basically said fat chance. Bitch..
 
ziggaz said:
When i first visited my GP about my anxiety she gave me a script for diazepam. Then my GP cut the valium and got put on AD's which would help both my depression and anxiety, but they really didnt do shit. I was at a point where i couldn't go out on public because i just couldn't deal with the anxiety.

I've had xanax before (self-prescribed) and they are by far the best med for my anxiety. Didn't give a shit about anyone or anything and could talk to random people on the streets which i could never do. I talked to my doctor about putting me on xanax and she basically said fat chance. Bitch..
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I have explained to my doctor alprazolam would be more beneficial for me, but he is sticking with the vallies...

which is probably a good thing because i imagine xanax would be harder to withdraw from:\

Have you asked to be put back on the valium if it was working better for you then the SSRI?

I told my doctor i was taking up to 3 pills (2mg) at a time 2 times a day when he prescribed ONE when needed so he put me on antenex but only 25 not 50. its just another name for 5mg valiums.

Now im trying to come off the shit he gave me 50x 2mg pills as needed but im getting off cymbalta and nitrazepam this month so he said wait until your off those 2 meds first and we will focus on the valium.
 
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88brenno said:
I have explained to my doctor alprazolam would be more beneficial for me, but he is sticking with the vallies...

which is probably a good thing because i imagine xanax would be harder to withdraw from:\
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Well at least you are still getting valium. Im not allowed to get prescriptions anymore so im pretty much screwed. I was thinking of going to a new doctor but not sure if they transfer my history or not?

Yeah i could only imagine how hard the xanax withdrawls would be.
 
I would see another doctor, if it really is that unbearable im sure you could work something out whether its see a psych and find the right AD (your best bet) or explain to another doctor how and why your ssri usage did not help you and hopefully he will give you something even if its for short term until you can see a psych.

Doctors dont specialise in MENTAL health and dont really know what SSRI to prescribe thats why the doctor will insist seeing a psychiatrist might be more beneficial for you.

There are also other things you can try, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT springs to mind... google is your friend.
 
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I saw a psych and i got put on paroxetine (started off on lexapro). My psych said that it would suit me perfectly but all it did was make me sick and jittery. I've told both my gp and pysch about it and they were going to try me on something else but i had a little incident with ambien that my gp prescribed me and now im not allowed to?

Complete bullshit to me.. I think going to a new gp and getting set up with a new pysch would be the best way to go.
 
ziggaz said:
I saw a psych and i got put on paroxetine (started off on lexapro). My psych said that it would suit me perfectly but all it did was make me sick and jittery. I've told both my gp and pysch about it and they were going to try me on something else but i had a little incident with ambien that my gp prescribed me and now im not allowed to?

Complete bullshit to me.. I think going to a new gp and getting set up with a new pysch would be the best way to go.
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Yeah i agree, im not sure if they share your history with other doctors, but give it a go man.

I have been on Lexapro, Pristiq, Cymbalta all 3 were of no use to me. Im still yet to see a psych, but im going to try to stop all the pills im taking eventually before i see a psych (history: i smoke mj for years every day) so maybe thats related... after i quit the pills and mj i am going to re-evaluate the situation.

benzo withdraws are preety bad though man muscle spasms is starting to worry me, thats only 1 of the many w/d symptoms
 
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