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Anxiety and Stress Disorders

Drugs Dilemma

02/26/2008

Question:

Hi. I am 26 years old.

Male.

I used to take SSRI medicines as anxiety treatment, but they did not help. I tried a few varieties.

When I take Zopiclon, however, I feel immediately much better. Even when I take one quarter of a 3.5 tablet - my condition is immediately improved, and very strongly so. I feel more secure with people, and less anxious in general. Even when I try to read something - my mind wanders less.

But zopiclon is not intended as a long-term treatment. So what should I do?

(Besides - I consider pursuing m.a. studies. I know that I will manage if I take zopiclon daily, during all 3 years ; and doubt that I will manage it otherwise. So I feel lost while thinking of making this choice. )

Thanks!

Answer:

Unfortunately this medication is not indicated for the treatment of anxiety disorders thus it is not possible to recommend it. I'm also not clear whether you are talking about using zopiclon just at bedtime for long periods of time which seems to help throughout the day or are asking something else.

SSRI's although indicated for Generalized Anxiety Disorder for example frequently have an incomplete response. Other medications and at times certain forms of psychotherapy might be helpful. Your good response to zopiclon may predict benefit with  some other medications. Discuss this with your primary care physician or consider consultation with a psychiatrist.

For more information:

Go to the Anxiety and Stress Disorders health topic, where you can:

Response by:

Nicholas A Votolato, RPh BCPP Nicholas A Votolato, RPh BCPP
Introductory Clinicxal Psychopharamcology
Advanced Clinical Psychopharmacology
Clinical Pharmacokinetics
Clinical Therapetics
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University