I recently overdosed and for some reason they admitted to a psychiatric ward afterwards. At this ward I was taken off a lot of my meds. They took me off Xanax XR (benzo withdrawels effin suck!) so now I am on just 200mg lyrica three times a day and Dexedrine 10mg 3 times a day.
It has become obvious that the lyrica alone is not enough for anxiety. Now that I am out I can go back to my regular doctor. I am trying not to get back on a benzo so I was wondering your guy's opinion. My doc said he's willing to do this by the way.
What sounds better for anxiety, 200mg lyrica and 400mg gabapentin t.i.d or 200mg lyrica and (I forgot the mg's) phenibut?
thanks so much to anyone who answers [:
Bearing in mind that we all respond differently to psychotropic drugs, I have quite a bit of experience with Xanax, Lyrica, Gabapentin and Dexedrine.
IMO, although Lyrica and Gabapentin both exert an anti-anxiety effect within the central nervous system, it is rather weak when compared to benzo such as Xanax. It's like comparing the euphoric properties of codeine to a more potent opioid, such as hydromorphone.
That being said, I find that if you're gonna have to choose between Lyrica and Gabapentin for anxiety - definitely go for the Lyrica, as (for me) its effects are more pronounced than Gabapentin. And it is more potent when comparing dosages.
Also, if you are finding that 200mg of Lyrica 3xdaily isn't cutting it, then I think chances are that the highest dose (AFAIK 300mg) isn't gonna do it for you either. Stopping the Dexedrine might change that however.
If going off Dexedrine isn't an option, then I believe you'll probably need to stick with a benzo and taper if you want off. The other issue at play here (again IME) is physical dependency (to the Xanax). What I mean by that is, if you've been on the Xanax XR long term (e.g. longer than 4-6 weeks, perhaps 8 max), then your body has probably adapted to the changes brought on by the Xanax XR, and it will depend on the benzo for you to feel normal. If you're at this point with your benzo medication and you suddenly stop taking anymore of it, then you're most likely gonna experience a fierce, protracted, severely unpleasant withdrawal from the drug. On top of that (I don't mean to scare you but) benzo withdrawal is actually considered a medical emergency because it is possible to develop a seizure (although, if you're on Lyrica now, since it's an anticonvulsant chances are very slim you'll have one).
I've been on Xanax for nearly 8 years now, and also on either Lyrica or Gabapentin for close to 3. And for over a decade I've used Dexedrine recreationally. So I believe I have a good idea how you're feeling and I know it's not fun. IMO, patients on long term benzo therapy should not be forced to stop their medication, especially suddenly. They should choose to make that decision on their own. Good luck man.
