AboutDr 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.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 5th Edition published in November 2007 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Question I have finally found an anxiety med that works-10 mg Lexapro and 2 mg zanex PRN. I was concerned about the addictive properties of zanex but also still need something quicker at times. Different Doc put me on 40 mg celexa and 1 mg Ativan. Now I can't function, could barely get up to get kids to school, and shake more now than ever. What is reasoning? Doc only said "I don't like zanex"
Answer Dear Kathy
I find it hard in a way to believe that your doctor would change your regime if you were responding well to it. I doubt that the change from Lexapro to the Celexa would make much difference as they are almost identical (but not quite). In my opinion Xanax is a better drug for depression than Ativan although both can be addictive. Also, Ativan is is in some people more sedating than Xanax. I would discuss this with your doctor and try to get him to see reason. He may have had bad experiences with patients on Xanax which are clouding his judgement.
