I am in therapy for drug addition and need something to take the edge off but not zonk me out... I cannot take bensodiazepine because I am addicted to it... I am currently on vistaril but it makes me very tired.
What type of anti anxiety medication is available that does not contain benzodiazepine?
Question posted by snickerbars on 30 Aug 2011
Last updated on 1 September 2011 by Amandine
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5 Answers
Benzo's are a class of drugs, they are used primarily for aniexty. some common examples are ativan, klonopin, xanax and valium. i think you are trying to find something that treats aniexty that is not addictive , right ? ssris are a good choice, they have both anti aniexty and antidepressant qualities. non medication options that work well are meditation, yoga, deep breathing, accupuncture, exercise, guided imagery and redirecting yourself when anxious thoughts appear, remember a "thought" cannot harm you .
Hi i have had experience with (prescription) drug addiction and alcohol addiction and celexa (citalopram) have worked really well for me. They are non drowsy, and usually taken in the morning, but you can take them at night if you prefer. They are one of those meds that you need to take for a while (about 4 weeks) before you notice the benefits and the first few weeks can be a bit tough, but i managed to see it through and i'm really glad i did. Have you been prescribed anything else to deal with the withdrawal symptoms, such as librium? Just i was prescribed them and they really helped me out. Good luck to you with your recovery : )
Hey Snickerbars,
I can offer personal experience about BuSpar. It is used for generalized anxiety. It usually has very little side effects, and the starting dose can be from 15mg per day to 60mg per day, depending on your situation. I take the greatest dosage, I was graduated up from 15 to the 60, and never once had any grogginess at all. Talk with your doctor about it, and see if they think it might help you. The smallest dose that works for you might help you tremendously. It is gaining quite a bit of respect in the anxiety world for helping those who dont like the benzodiazepine type drugs. I wish you luck and peace.
Tee
Suzanne pretty much covered it all. I was going to mention the BuSpar. It is the only antianxiety drug I know that is not a benzo.
There are many non-benzodiazepine options for you - talk with your doctor.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first choice in medications to treat anxiety. eg Lexapro, Paxil and Celexa.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another choice eg, Cymbalta and Effexor.
A medication called buspirone (BuSpar) may also be used.
For more information click on the link below.
https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/generalized-anxiety-disorder.html
Related topics
vistaril, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, medication
Further information
- Vistaril uses and safety info
- Vistaril prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Vistaril (detailed)
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