Is there a med I can take for mood and anxiety disorders other than every single day meds?

24 Jun 2012

You're probably on what you're on because you need to be on it daily. Ask your Dr if there is a chance you can switch to another treatment plan, or, switch to one of the longer acting meds. Hope this helps.

24 Jun 2012

Unfortunately, most meds require keeping the blood level steady thus taking daily in order to work effectively. Otherwise, you aren't keeping what is called a theraputic level in your blood and hence the medication doesn't work as well if at all. Anxiety can be treated prn (as needed) with benzodiazepines which incidently are addictive, but accompanied by a mood disorder really requires a daily medication regimen.

24 Jun 2012

The only thing i could think of are benzo's (such as Diazepam) for bad days of anxiety, but they are addictive. And very hard to withdraw from. You may be having bad days every so often now, but if you discontinue the use of the anti-depressants, you may find you have these bad days much more often, and that you actually do need to take a daily medication? Have you discussed this with your doctor?

24 Jun 2012

Hi,yeh i stopped anti depresants4 anxiety as after long term use they wear out,take a valium 1 during day 1 at nite relaxes mind and body they help me and i am Not Addicted i take them 1 at nite now wen i am feeling down or anxious.hope this helps.Gdluck,Marie

24 Jun 2012

Hello medinfoplz. As previously mentioned the Benzodiazepine family (quick acting only) can be taken on a need to basis. The longer twenty four hour benzodiazepines would not really help you. Long term therapy drugs that need to be taken daily, as was/is intended by the maunfacturers. I might suggest a MAOI, people do well on them. The drawback being a fairly strict diet, needs to be adhered to. But more often than not, if a person responds well to a MAOI, they give up the dietery restrictions to beable to fuction at a level that only a MAOI can offer a person. Best of wishes to you, pledge

25 Jun 2012

25 Jun 2012

Hello. Has therapy helped you? Often changes in ones life can cause a real benefit when plagued with depression or anxiety. Support groups also help.

Don't know if you have thought about this, but treating with a med for twenty years is no different than treating diabetes. Daily medications and daily testing goes with that so at least your fingers aren't full of holes. Taking a long term med as you have is really a lot easier. A disease takes what it takes. The alternate can be pretty difficult or even dangerous. I am diabetic thanks to the meds I take. Depressed thanks to the meds I take. Anxious, same reason. I am alive and I keep going as do my meds. I owe that to family, friends, husband, daughter and myself. Hang in there. There are so many in your shoes, karen

25 Jun 2012

25 Jun 2012

Dear medinfoplz:

The only meds I can think of is, Xanax XR (alprazolam), which is taken once a day everyday or as needed. The way my doctor explained to me alprazoelam the medication is like a rollercoaster that is why you have to take the meds 2-3 times a day or even 4 times a day, but with extended released operates is a straight no waves. Your moods are narrowed. Xanax It is fast-acting, taking effect in as little as 15 minutes. The more GABAs you have, the more effectively the Xanax will work.

Xanax works well to relax and calm the body, but it also has side effects which include drowsiness, impaired coordination, speech difficulties and *weight gain*. I take Lamictal it is a mood stabilizer it helps with the mood swings accompanied with the bipolar disorder. Another drug I have in mind Wellbrutin, an antidepressant SSRIs.

Be your own advocate when it comes to medication look at the current meds you are on, including the dosages. Work with your doctor(s), tell them your concerns.

Good luck
-Abby