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Adding buspar when tapering clonazapam?

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Posted 10/19/2014 6:47 AM (GMT 0)
I have read a few things about buspar and I'm nervous to take it. Not only that but my doc wants to start me on it while I'm tapering my benzo. One of the first things I read online was that buspar is not a good option for benzo withdrawl. I am not big on meds in general but I gave in and took the clonazapam and it has been amazing. I only take .125mg 2x a day and I have complete relief from my anxiety. Just a little nervous about adding something else to the mix.
Posted 10/19/2014 9:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Cianna

I have not taken buspar so can't comment on that but I have tapered of benzo's and tried numerous antidepressants over the years. When tapering of a benzo it is best to do this very slowly over a number of weeks and under supervision of your doctor. It is quite common for a doctor to introduce an AD whilst still doing the tapering process so I would not worry to much about that.

Keep us posted

Hibee
Posted 10/19/2014 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
Cianna,

I am on buspar and I've been on it two times. It is a super mild medication. I had no "start up" symptoms, except the first dose of the day would make me super tired and dizzy for like 30 minutes. I remedied that by eating at least a half hour prior. If that doesn't do it, take a smaller dose in the morning. The only side effect I have is lots of dreaming. But it does take a while to work. The half life is only 3-4 hours, so it takes a while to build up in your system.

I am always scared to take medication, so I can't tell you not to be nervous about taking it. And I've only ever been on buspar, so I dont have anything to really compare it to. But I can say that it doesn't feel like I'm on anything. And when I got off of it last time (like 5 years ago), I felt absolutely no discontinuation symptoms. Good luck and please please keep us updated :)
Posted 10/19/2014 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Cianna,

Is your prescribing doctor a Psychiatrist, or your GP? If this is your regular doctor, I am wondering if you can bring up what you read on-line...and ask about him/her about consulting with a P-doc on this. Psychiatrists have the most vast knowledge of Rx's pertaining to mental health issues of course.

It never hurts to do your research, and ask for a second opinion on these things...so don't be shy to voice your concerns.

You may also be able to get some guidance from your pharmacist...who has is a great source of information on possible Rx interactions.

Best wishes, and let us know how it works out.:)

S.C.
Posted 10/20/2014 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
clonzapam is also a benzo and highly addicting . use it sparingly and briefly only. do not use it for longer than a few weeks. buspar is very gentle and non addicting. your dr is doing the right thing getting you on it. there is nothing to be afraid of with it. its the best thing that ever happende to me med wise as it so safe gentle and non addicting. give it a chance and you will be much better off it it works for you than on benzos. i cant recommend this drug enough
Posted 10/20/2014 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Buspar is precribed for long term treatment of anxiety. It's not like a benzo that provides immediate relief. My guess is your doctor is adding it as you taper, not to prevent withdraw symptoms but to replace your benzo. I'm assuming he has you on a taper regime & you're not just quitting cold turkey? (Benzos must be tapered down slowly if you were on them long term).

I took it for anxiety but it did nothing for me. Others swear by it. I'm terribly afraid to take new meds & it did nothing at all weird to me, it just didn't do anything.

Sending love-
Lisa
Posted 10/20/2014 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
Yea my doctor is doing a slow taper but I'm taking such a tiny amount so I don't know how long he can drag it out. I only take .125 2x a day which only adds up to .25mg a day. My doctor used to be an ER doc back in the day and claims to have first hand experience with benzo withdrawl so he is tapering me extremely slowly even from my small dose. I have been taking this amount daily for 2.5 months. The goal is to begin my taper in the next couple weeks but I'm afraid because anxiety is so scary and not feeling it has improved my quality of life so much. I will try the buspar but I am nervous to do so. I have no choice but to stop the benzo because my doctor refuses to allow me to stay on it. I'm terrified of rebound anxiety caused by the taper though.

I hate this stuff :(
Posted 10/20/2014 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
I'm a little confused, so bear with me. I can get that way. I was under the impression that they wouldn't want to make two changes simultaneously (ie: taper off one med while adding another?)

My docs have always made one change at a time. Have you run this past your p-doc? Give you some time to acclimate?




M.
Posted 10/20/2014 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
Cianna,

Please do not be too worried about tapering off of such a low dose. I was on xanax from May-August (4 months) taking between 1.5 mg-.25 per day. At the beginning of September I dropped down to taking .25-.125 per day. Maybe two weeks later I went to prn. Follow what your body is telling you. If I felt like I could cope that day without one, I did. Next thing I knew it had been a week since I took one! I think you just might surprise yourself:) And like I said earlier, I am also on buspar and there is really no start up anxiety like one tends to get with an AD. It really is so mild. Sometimes I even wonder if it is doing anything for me. Good luck!!!
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