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Anticonvulsants and anxiety relief

Azron

Azron

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Aug 12, 2009
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What is it with nearly all Anticonvulsant drugs and their propensity to help

with management of a lot of Anxiety disorders? eg.

Clonazapm (and many other Bezos.)

Epilem

Neurontin

Lyrica

Lithium

Topamax

Symbyax

Seroquel (and other antipsychotics)

Beta-blockers (cant be f'd looking up names, but I think you get my point)

I realize these are all not first line treatment as anticonvulsants, but they csertainly have the properties.

Why may these so helpful for anxiety, when first line treatment such as Zoloft (all that shit) Doesn't work as well in my opinion.?

Sory if in wrong place mods, but I'm Aussie and wondering on other aussies especcially in their advice/knowledge/opinions.

Cheers
 
The theory behind it is that SSRI give long-lasting relief even after treatment is finished (ie they are not a "band-aid" solution that ends up worse in the long run).

That is what my GP tells me...
 
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Judging by wikipedia

Gabapentin should not be discontinued abruptly after long term use. Abrupt or over rapid withdrawal may provoke a withdrawal syndrome reminiscent to alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal.[32][33] Gradual reduction over a period of weeks or months helps minimize or prevents the withdrawal syndrome.[32]
Side effects upon discontinuation of gabapentin that have been reported in medical literature include insomnia, restlessness, agitation, anxiety, disorientation, confusion, light sensitivity, diaphoresis, headaches, palpitations, hypertension, chest pain, and flu-like symptoms.[32][34][35][36] Abrupt cessation of high dose gabapentin has been known to trigger seizures even in individuals with no history of epilepsy.[35]


I would assume so yes
 
Anticonvulsants and anti-anxiety properties are related because of the inhibitory action they have on the brain. As you know, benzodiazepines act via GABAa and GABA is an inhibitory neuron. By lowering excitability in the nervous system, they have an effect on conditions that involve excited brain states such as anxiety or seizures.

Anticonvulsants that act via different mechanisms, such as voltage-gated ion channels, also inhibit excitability of neurons. These channels are a fundamental part of the electronic communication between neurons. Drugs that block these channels reduce the efficacy of nerve impulses and lower the risk of seizures.

Most anticonvulsant drugs have overlap between these mechanisms of action though, and exact mechanisms aren't known in many cases.

Propranolol I haven't heard of being used for seizures; it is a beta blocker and prevents the binding of epinephrine and norepinephrine to the receptor. When they bind, they produce effects such as increased heart rate and tremors. By blocking this, propranolol can reduce physical symptoms of anxiety but does not do much directly for psychological anxiety.
 
My GP is more than happy to prescribe me 50x2mg Valium (I regularly get it more than once a month)

I guess doctors can tell who needs it and who just want to get high...

I try my best to keep my usage minimal for obvious reasons.
 
Find low 25-50mg dose of Seroquel puts me into 8-12 hours soild sleep.
 
@^^

find that verry hard to beleive, i'll take seroquel over benzos anyday, simple because of addiction
 
Azron said:
^ So your DOC feeds your brain?
Click to expand...

Just saying Seroquel is an anti-psychotic. Maybe he prefers the anti-psychotic because it gives him relief from schizophrenia/bi-polar whereas I am prescribed Valium which is to reduce anxiety.

But yes sadly some of us have to live with mental disorders, I was always quiet in school and had a few friends but certainly not the coolest. Drugs bring out or exacerbate dormant mental illness and if my doctor can help me with this illness that plagues me every day then I will definitely seek help.
 
Azron said:
Im on enough benzos.... but will Gabapentin n Lyrica for eg. lead to same effects? ie addiction, withrawal and benzo type side effects?
Click to expand...



I have already answered your question regarding the Gabapentin, will have a look into the Lyrica now.

(multiple different websites)

As with most medications for seizures, stopping Lyrica is not recommended without your healthcare provider's approval. Stopping Lyrica quickly is also not recommended. Although Lyrica is not addicting and is not likely to be abused, stopping it too quickly can cause problems. In general, your healthcare provider will recommend stopping Lyrica slowly, over a period of at least one week.


Patients taking Lyrica should not stop taking the drug without discussing it with their doctor.
Lyrica should be taken at the prescribed dosage. If a dose of Lyrica is missed and it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Two doses of Lyrica should not be taken together. Patients should continue taking the drug even after experiencing pain relief. They should also plan ahead for refills so the prescription does not run out

Yes, I had a bowel infection and had to stop Lyrica immediately. I had crawling skin, extreme anxiety, thoughts of suicide and insomnia. The whole withdrawal lasted for about 2 weeks and my family physician gave me some valium to help with the withdrawal. NEVER AGAIN


CONCLUDING: Yes you should avoid these drugs if possible.


Are you an epileptic? My sister is and I know how hard it can be.
 
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While that one might work for you there are many more that work as good if not better for other peoples symptoms. Every person is different when it comes to anti depressants and that is why there are so many different ones.
 
88brenno said:
I have already answered your question regarding the Gabapentin, will have a look into the Lyrica now.

(multiple different websites)

As with most medications for seizures, stopping Lyrica is not recommended without your healthcare provider's approval. Stopping Lyrica quickly is also not recommended. Although Lyrica is not addicting and is not likely to be abused, stopping it too quickly can cause problems. In general, your healthcare provider will recommend stopping Lyrica slowly, over a period of at least one week.


Patients taking Lyrica should not stop taking the drug without discussing it with their doctor.
Lyrica should be taken at the prescribed dosage. If a dose of Lyrica is missed and it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Two doses of Lyrica should not be taken together. Patients should continue taking the drug even after experiencing pain relief. They should also plan ahead for refills so the prescription does not run out

Yes, I had a bowel infection and had to stop Lyrica immediately. I had crawling skin, extreme anxiety, thoughts of suicide and insomnia. The whole withdrawal lasted for about 2 weeks and my family physician gave me some valium to help with the withdrawal. NEVER AGAIN


CONCLUDING: Yes you should avoid these drugs if possible.


Are you an epileptic? My sister is and I know how hard it can be.
Click to expand...

Avoid more than 375mg Effoexor, 6mg Clonaz. and Diaz. pnr????

Surly it must be worth a try n get off the benzo's....although i do respect what you(wiki) says..
 
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Azron said:
Avoid more than 375mg Effoexor, 6mg Clonaz. and Diaz. pnr????

Surly it must be worth a try n get off the benzo's....although i do respect what you(wiki) says..
Click to expand...

It depends on your illness, my sister will be on Epilem (a med you mentioned earlier) for the rest of her life due to Epilepsy. I dont think its a benzo though....

If you are using benzos for epilepsy under doctors supervision then I would talk to your specialist about it, but if your using it for anxiety that is a different story, there are other ways to reduce anxiety....
 
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