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Buspar?

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Posted 9/9/2018 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
I'm having increased difficulty coping with my anxiety. Depression and occasional self harming thoughts are also becoming an issue. I have not had great experiences with medication - lexapro caused swelling and itching in my hands, zoloft caused extreme depression and frequent self harming thoughts, prozac didn't curb anxiety but left me flat of other emotions AND caused a 30 lb weight gain within 3 months (almost 5 yrs later I still haven't been able to drop that weight as much as I have tried).
I recently found out that I have hypothyroidism and am waiting for an appointment with an endocrinologist (previous use of synthroid caused worsened anxiety, daily headaches, weight gain and lactation! ).
I have not found a strain of medical marijuana that properly helps my anxiety... My psych RN also gave me a prescription for a low dose of Buspar. I am at a loss here and feeling desperate for help. Even though I am concerned about taking a different medication, I am considering trying the Buspar...
Does anyone have any experience with it that they are willing to share with me?

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 9/10/2018 10:54:45 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/9/2018 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
I have many years experience with buspar. its effective only for mild anxiety. its not near as strong as a benzo nor does it carry the risk of dependence as a benzo does. in times of bad patches I have only gotten the complete relief from an ssri. it is used successfully as an add on to many ssri type drugs. you can try it alone and see how it goes. its pretty much side effect free apart from some slight dizziness at first. you can split your doses up tru out the day as it has a fairly short half life. 15 mg per day is the norm dose. I like to split my doses up into 5mg or half a 15mg pill if I need it. whats working for me now is a low dose ssri cipralix 10mg a day and buspar as needed. getting your thyroid condition straightened out should help matters but if you are as bad off mentally as you sound - a ssri or equal is prob whats best . still cant hurt to try the buspar
Posted 9/10/2018 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
S.,

I am so sorry that you are struggling so, currently. I understand how it feels to have no relief from bad days...

First of all, does your P-doc know of your self harming thoughts? It is of utmost importance and priority that you get this addressed and start to make a plan of action to ensure your safety.

Please make a consultation today and get the help that you need. You may be covered for a Genesight test that will determine your best match as far as an A/D goes...

...and for now, you start your Buspar and see how you do. It may very well give you the coverage you need in order to get the rest sorted.

Please keep us updated and let us know how you are doing soon,

S.C.
Posted 9/10/2018 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi S.C.

Thank you - my psych RN does not know. He isn't very approachable. Appointments are less than 15 minutes and it's basically, "So, meds working? Yes? Good.. No? that stinks, keep looking for a MM strain that works for you. Here's an rx for Xanax. See you next time."

I have told my therapist, though. I see her weekly. We don't have a plan in place, but she has made it clear that I can call her any time I need to.

I am swimming in doctor bills right now and am trying to also get in with an Endo doc for the hypothyroidism and my ENT for this sore throat that continues to come and go and cause pain and discomfort every few days (tried an antibiotic for 10 days, but no improvement. He'll probably try an acid reflux med next and if that doesn't work, maybe I'll finally get a scope to see what is going on in there - feels like a long process).

I am feeling pretty run down today, but I have to be at work instead of home, where I'd rather be.

Thanks again to you and to Dan for your replies. Sounds like Buspar might be helpful!
Posted 9/10/2018 9:35 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, thank you for responding back! There are many levels of 'S' ideation...and only knowing you online...I err on the side of caution.

I am glad that your therapist is aware of how you are feeling...and make sure you are staying in safe territory.smile

Hang in there as best you can. Keep working your coping skills...and moving towards your answers for the physical aspects of your healing. You will get there!

If you decide to try the Buspar, let us know how you do!

S.C.
Posted 9/30/2018 6:33 PM (GMT 0)
I was on Buspar for a while. The 15mg was too much for me, so I broke the pill in half and took 7.5 mg. It did help me. It doesn’t hurt to try it and see if it helps you. Very easy med to go on and get off of. Good luck! Hope it helps you!
Posted 10/2/2018 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
I never take 15 at once either . half is usual dose for me also.
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