I have panic attacks and severe anxiety. I am taking 1mg ativan 3 times a day. I would like to switch to buspar because I have heard that it is less adictive. How much buspar do you think would be necessary? How much is to much? I am working with a doctor but we don't seem to have enough information on buspar.
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Q: What is a normal dosage of buspar? I am trying to stop taking ativan (3 times daily, 1mg)
Answers (2)
11/ 5/08 10:31pm
Hi Donna,
If your current doctor is not familiar with Buspar, you might want to see a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists specialize in medication for the treatment of disorders such as anxiety and depression, whereas family doctors have to keep on top of so many things!
Please keep in mind that I am not a physician, but I am very familar with all the meds commonly prescribed for anxiety. As with any medication for anxiety, some of my clients have loved Buspar and others have hated it. The "recommended" dose is 7.5 mg two times a day, but I've seen people on all kinds of different dosage levels...so that's another good reason to seek the help of a psychiatrist. Also, please note that it will take awhile for you to notice a positive effect.
It is true that drugs such as Ativan have the potential for addiction, however, the only people that I've seen addicted to them during the course of my 18 years helping people with anxiety have been those who were already addicted to other substances, especially alcohol and cocaine. Most of my clients without other addictions worried constantly about becoming addicted, but generally struggled to take a dose of their meds that actually helped them!
The other important point is that medication alone will not cure your anxiety. Please consider seeking therapy with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT). You can find one in your area by searching on the Anxiety Disorders Association of America's (ADAA) website.
Regards,
Jennifer L. Fee, Psy.D.
11/ 5/08 10:37pm
*Jennifer Fee, Psy.D. is a Psychologist, not a Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists prescribe medications, Psychologists study them, but the majority of Psychologists are not authorized to prescribe meds. or give you specific advice about them. Dr. Fee's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.
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