Hello,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
This is a disorder of anxiety and occurs cause of imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. especially serotonin, nor adrenaline, and dopamine to some extent. Medicines are the best options to take care of these symptoms. I understand that you are doing good on oxazepam. But let me tell that these medicines only treat the symptoms superficially, but the cause is not treated. Treatment of the cause is essential.
Paroxetine is the the most popular medicine and my drug of choice. I generally prescribe my patients 12.5 mg per day at night which takes care of anxiety symptoms.
Also there is an option of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This therapy is taken by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness.
If you use oxazepam regularly, you will get dependent on it and when ever you will plan to come off it, there will be a rebound anxiety. Secondly due to the phenomenon of tolerance, the required dose may also keep increasing. So if its one tab today tomorrow it can be two tabs and then three. Thats the biggest problem.
If you can stick to one tab of oxazepam as and when required, things are ok and it wont cause any bodily harm to you. But if you are planning to increase it further then its an alarm sign.
Hope this helps,
If you need any further clarifications do let me know.
Kind regards,
Dr. Srikanth Reddy
Patient replied :
Thank you very much!! I have scheduled an appointment for the 11th to ask a psychiatrist about using Paxil then, since you have recommended it. You think it will fix the issue? What is the success rate?
Would it be ok to use the Oxazepam I have in the meantime, just to get some relief? I never take more than 30MG. How long does it take to get addicted, how dangerous is it to use? Thank you!
Hello,
Paxil is a good drug with a success rate of around 70 % in my routine experience. It is quite safe. Meanwhile you can use oxazepam. Its also safe however in long run it should better be avoided.
Hope this helps
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy
Patient replied :
Alright! Very good! I am excited to talk with my psychiatrist.
Final questions then:
-How long is Oxazepam considered 'safe'. When you say not to use it long term, how long before addiction sets it/how does one become addicted?
-What dosage would you prescribe, and at what times of day?
Thank you!
Hello
Oxazepam is safe if used until 1-2 months but generally to be avoided to be used beyond. 20-30 mg is the general dose to be used during night.
Hope this helps,
Kind regards
Patient replied :
Cool! Thank you! A question I've always had is: does that mean 1-2 months continuous use, or 1-2 months total for all time? Because I have used Oxazepam (Very light use) on and off for about 4 years. Thank you!
Hello,
1-2 months continuous use is of trouble. Occasional use is fine.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD