Pharmacology/Alprazolam

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Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 4/14/2009


Question
Hello Dr. Galbraith, I have social anxiety disorder.  My doctor put me on Alprazolam, which helped my SAD, but then after I had been on Alprazolam for about three months he took me off it, saying it is too addictive.  I had not had to increase my dosage and had not noticed any side effects.  Then he put me on Clonazepam, which I don't like.  It is not helping my SAD as much as the Alprazolam, plus the Clonazepam is making me dizzy and making me sleep too much.  I want to get back on the Alprazolam.  Please advise.  I also take Lexapro, BTW.

Answer
Dear Tracy

I tend to agree with you here as clonazepam is not as good as alprazolam for SAD. I also partially agree with your doctor as alprazolam can be more addictive than clonazepam although both are. I would try to persuade him to revert to prescribing the alprazolam relating your concerns and see how you go. Otherwise you may have to see another doctor.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith

Pharmacology

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Dr Alan Galbraith

Expertise

I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.

Experience

I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease. I am already a well established and highly rated expert in the pharmacy section of this site.

Publications
Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" Editions 1-4 published between 1994 and 2004 by Pearson Education, Australia. Author of the 5th edition published 2007. Author of many scientific papers.

Education/Credentials
BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;HECert

Awards and Honors
The 4th edition of my textbook was awarded the the Educational Book of the Year Award in Australia.

Past/Present Clients
See my profile in the pharmacy section.

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