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Buspirone/ Anxiety over health issues

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Posted 4/4/2014 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning.
I am a 63 y/o male in Florida suffering with anxiety/depression about heath issues.
My primary care doctor at the VA prescribed 5 mg of Buspirone to be taken 3 times a day.
I have been taking L Theanine for quite a while now, 100 mg usually 3 times a day.
It does a fine job helping with the anxiety but sometimes not.

Is it safe to take these both in the course of a day?
I am really concerned about serotonin syndrome.
The dosage is low on the buspirone but he also wants me to increase to 10 mg ASAP 3 x a day.
I am on these medications:

25 mg Metoprolol 2x day
40 mg Simvastatin
600 mg Gabapentin 3 x day
60 mg Dexilant

If anyone can help answer, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you so very much.

jp eyes idea
p.s.
I told him about the L Theanine and he had no idea what it was. I told him it was an amino acid supplement that I take and that it helps take the edge off anxiety. He told me not to bother with that but again, he knew nothing about it.
Posted 4/4/2014 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
jpjax

I am sorry your Dr. could not answer your question.  May I suggest you try calling a pharmacist as they are usually pretty savy when it comes to knowing which drugs and supplements interact. 

You have to consider all your medications when looking at L Theanine.  I have a cocktail of meds I take for my anxiety/depression/PTSD and Buspirone is one of them.  It seems to be helpful but remember no medication can take away all your anxiety.

My psychiatrist described this to me one day; like pain medications the pill will help you so you can tolerate the pain but it will not wipe out the pain 100%. :-)

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 4/4/2014 4:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Jpjax

Good to meet you but sorry to hear you are having problems with anxiety and depression. Serotonin Syndrome is quite rare but if you get any of the symptoms I would suggest you go back and speak with your doctor regarding this or do Kitt's suggestion of speaking with your pharmacist.

I was worried about Serotonin Syndrome with the drugs that I take and was told by my doctor that it was a possibility and that if I had any of the symptoms then I was to stop taking the Tramadol .

Hibee
Posted 4/4/2014 4:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Kitt and Hibee,
I think I will call my friend at Walgreen's and see if she can advise.
I am continuing with the 5 mg of Buspirone and this weekend will bump it up to the 10 mg 3 x per day. I understand it may take as much as 6 weeks to show some helping????
But will see if I can do without the L Theanine until I can get through to the nurse/doctor at the VA....in case the pharmacist @ Walgreen's does not know.

:)
Posted 4/4/2014 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
jax,

I am dealing with some pretty tough medical problems which causes me anxiety - when I have a couple of bad weeks and my coping skills don't seem to work I will call and talk with my Psychiatrist's nurse.  The last time I had to call, my Dr. bumped my Buspirone to 30 mg twice daily.  I take it in the AM and at bedtime.

I do hope it helps you.

Blessings,

Kitt

Posted 4/4/2014 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kitt,
It does really help.
He told me that this was a good starter since he wanted me on something because in his words,
"Jim, I don't think you got past your heart attack, and you may need something to help when those thoughts are rushing around." He also is setting me up to see a Psychiatrist.
I am so very hopeful it will work out. I can't seem to commit to anything without all of those "what ifs" come rushing in. My relationship with family members has suffered, that is for sure.
But when I try and explain my fears go back to the night I had my heart attack, even though it has been 4 yrs. I have gotten better but all they can tell me is "stop all the nonsense, suck it up and start living again. This is all in your head and you have to ignore it and move on."
Sorry did not mean to vent, but that's where it comes from....along with other issues.
Posted 4/4/2014 5:41 PM (GMT 0)
jax,

Vent away, that is why HealingWell helps so many - we can say here what we want and never have to worry about being judged.

I am glad you found us.

Blessings,

Kitt

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