Why won't my psychiatrist prescribe me Xanax or Ativan? He wants to keep trying different medicines with me when they clearly aren't working...isn't he supposed to prescribe what works for the patient?

I know that Benzos are addictive and dangerous because the body and mind can become dependent on them...but that's only if you abuse them or take them at high doses. I'm getting a good response from taking .25mg of Xanax...that's a really low dose....and I would only need to take 1 or 2 per day.

Last night my mind was so overwhelmed with anxiety, I took a .25mg of Xanax that was prescribed by the ER. Then I took my Mirtazapine dosage. That was the first time in months my symptoms became tolerable enough for me to function. And it carried over to today.

So if its working, why not prescribe me the low dosage?

Is there some other kind of Benzo that isn't as addictive that he can prescribe?

Time for a new psychiatrist?

I just want what works best for me...I'm too sensitive to take SSRI's and the Mirtazapine itself is not strong enough to do the job alone.

Sorry for the vent .

The trend today is against Benzos. Once the medical field decides that is IT.

I think you should try Theanine. This really works well, is not habit forming and does not affect driving nor is it sedating.
But it takes that anxiety edge off very well.

The brand SunTheanine is made by several companies.
I use 300mg of Doctor's Best at bedtime. ( I get anxiety more at night than in the daytime). It is not expensive either.

mrsD said that right. Once they decide then that it is IT.

Yes, it is addictive and for many they have to increase the dosage rapidly and you will be in big trouble. But at the same time it can tremendously helpful for many conditions and for me it helped for dizziness which caused anxiety. I came across so many folks with Meniere's disease, vertigo etc., take Xanax when they need. Some with severe dizziness or anxiety take it regularly and able to maintain the low dosage.

But you can find doctors who are willing to work with you. I have few doctors (specialists too) who listen to me and if I need Xanax they sure write down but not so willingly. I still have quite a few refills available but I quit taking it.

But before you go on Benzos try SunTheanine as mrsD mentioned. I am going to order some too.

I know for sure that doctors in general do not like to prescribe this medication. I was allowed to have it before a surgical proccedure coming up, and for a short time while I was recovering from spinal fusion as it reduced my anxiety over the pain. I try very hard not to use them, because I too have heard how addictive they are. If you can get by with another med. I would give it a try. If you still think this medication is something you think will work, I would first ask my PCP for advice on it. It was my PCP who allowed me to have this medication, not the surgeons, or Psychologist. If your doctor knows you well enough, he may well allow you to use it. I was also required to take a drug test before it was given to me. I think that is to make sure people arn't already abusing that or other medicines. It is for safety reasons. I hope you can find a good medication to help with your anxiety. I do know what that feels like. Just be honest with your doctor and I bet he helps you. ginnie

Thank you for the suggestion. I will definitely give that a try....I just want to get to the bottom of this and find something that works for me, you know? I don't care if it's a Benzo or not. I've already tried 2 AD's and they aren't doing anything.....I don't want to run through all these different AD's the psych throws at me, have to deal with the withdrawal from the previous ones, then the start-up side-effects of the next...and then the depression/disappointment it causes after I find out it doesn't work...UGH. THAT alone is causing anxiety.

You mentioned it not being sedating. That's the thing..when I'm sedated, my anxiety fades away and I tend to ignore my PCS symptoms. Mirtazapine is sedating, but I only feel the sedation shortly after I take it and the couple hours before I fall asleep. Xanax and Ativan work great...so that brings me back to the question...is there a Benzo that isn't as addictive or dangerous? Clonazepam? Or something that has the same effects (sedative) and isn't a narcotic?

I've found this to be true, as well. Both the neurologists I've seen were against prescribing them, and my psychiatrist. I don't have insurance, yet, my medical bills are paid for through Victims of Crime...my injury was caused by an assault. So I don't have a PCP.

The Theanine works on GABA receptors....like the Benzos do.

You don't need to be sedated to have anxiety relief, IMO.

If you are seeking sedation...perhaps your doctor senses this, and that is why he is withholding the RX.

Clonazepam is the most habituating of them all. Getting off this one is the hardest as well. Google it and you will see.

I'll give it a try. Where do you get your's from? Online? If so, link please.

I've always hated pills. Before the injury, I never took them. I hardly took cold medicine when I was sick, I would just let my immune system fight off the illness. I have never been addicted to pills and I only take the Xanax as needed. I just want something that works, and so far that's the only thing that works for me.

I see no harm in taking a low dose (.25mg) of it once, or twice a day...or as needed for panic attacks. I refuse to try anymore SSRI's...that is what he keeps suggesting. My first experience with Celexa was not a good one, and I won't try it again.

The people that take these narcotic drugs for recreational value ruin it for people who are really suffering from mental illness. Some people really need this kind of medicine to give them relief. Not everyone is an abuser.

I get my Theanine from Doctor's Best brand. (I tried Swanson's and it didn't work as well).

Available at Amazon and iherb.com

Didn't I give you a link to read about dosing and effectiveness?

http://web-us.com/l-theanine_anxiety_reducer.htm

Thanks.

If you gave me the link before, I'm sorry. My memory isn't what it used to be.

I go to my doctor on monday. I will ask about theanine. I had never heard of it before. Thank you for this information. I always am afraid when I take zanax. I would rather not feel so insecure about a medicine. ginnie