I have been diagnosed with severe anxiety. For the last 5 years, I have been on a form of snake oil called Elavil. This drug does nothing to relieve my panic attacks, in fact it makes them worse! I've mentioned Ativan to my doctor. She gave me that, "OK druggie" look. She told me she did not think that was the best option and upped the snake oil instead. Finding another doctor is not an option, she's the only local one in the network. So what do I do? How do I get her to at least give the benzos a try? BTW, I've no record of drug abuse.

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Originally Posted by Tiredofdocs

I have been diagnosed with severe anxiety. For the last 5 years, I have been on a form of snake oil called Elavil. This drug does nothing to relieve my panic attacks, in fact it makes them worse! I've mentioned Ativan to my doctor. She gave me that, "OK druggie" look. She told me she did not think that was the best option and upped the snake oil instead. Finding another doctor is not an option, she's the only local one in the network. So what do I do? How do I get her to at least give the benzos a try? BTW, I've no record of drug abuse.

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Hello, I am a pharmacist and deal a lot with patients who have concerns similar to yours. There are many drugs out there that help to treat conditions associated with panic attacks and anxiety. To be honest, benzodiazepines are one of many ways and to treat. Buspar is a drug used to treat anxiety without the addiction potential of the Ativan like drugs. Also, some other avenues through drugs like Elavil or other antidepressants that does not pose anything like the risks of Ativan and the like. Sounds like you have a good doctor who isn't quick to prescribe a drug that can run you the risks of being addicted to something like Ativan.

She's been my doc for 5 yrs. All DT's have come back clear... I'm just frustrated. Thanks for your answer.

I would be frustrated just the same. I wish you all of the best.

You could try telling her that you have done some research on benzos and have found that they could really help you. I think the least addictive, almost non-addictive one is Klonopin (clonazepam), and generally doesn't create a tolerance like some stronger ones do.. These drugs come in varying doses, so see if she would be willing to give you a trial week or month to see if it helps you. Otherwise, find a new Dr. Oh, there is also a time-released Xanax that has very little addiction probability. It is not available as a generic yet though so it may be expensive depending on your insurance.

There's also a drug caled Celexa that is an anti depressant and anti anxiety option, it is available as a generic and at Wal Mart it only costs $4 for a months supply. It's not a benzo, but may be worth a try.

I totally agree with the Celexa and the Kolnopin!!

There are hundreds of anti anxiety meds on the market. Sometimes finding the right one, or the right combination, can be like finding a needle in a haystack. Do some research, print it out, take it to your doctor. Be your own advocate. Sometimes we have to take our own health into our own hands and show our doctors that we may know what is best for us.

Talk to your pharmacist, get some suggestions from him/her, take those suggestions to your doctor. The pharmacists know more about the meds than the docs do.

Thank you everyone for your answers. I have decided to change docs. A new one moved to town who is in our network, YAY! I am now on Clonazepam, a pretty high dose, and life is much better. My new doc is from California, and he says that if it was legal here in Indiana, he'd prescribe me marijuana. Funny how I've stayed away from pot for years so I could get the right meds, and the best doc I've had says he would tell me to took it up if it was legal here! Have a dose of Irony, my friends, it must be good for the blood. :)