Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 10/8/2009

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.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith