Drug Therapy [Archive] - Stuttering Forum

cotton

09-20-2005, 04:21 PM

Hi Arney. This is a stutterer's experience with the drugs you mentioned: http://www.drugtherapyforstuttering.com/pdf/hopedoc.pdf

I just started taking Propranolol now. So too early to tell if it works for stuttering. 10mg for stuttering. But I believe it depends on the person's body. Too much can give you fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia. I feel better on 3-7mg. It really does help with my anxiety and stress with speaking but I still stutter. I don't know when I can expect the results. I'll sure let you all know.

I haven't taken Buspar (yet). I think with any medication you should start out low to see how your body's taking it.

Paxil. This definitely has more side effects than Propranolol. Most stutters discontinue this because many rather stutter than to put up with the side effects: Everyone has a different reaction to Paxil. Some do very well. For me it DOES help my stuttering A LOT. But I stopped taking it because it makes me angry all the time, lost too much weight (some gain weight). Dosage: it depends on your body. My psychiatrist would dose it based on weight. He dosed me on the smallest dose then upped it as time goes by. Your body will know. Paxil I saw improvements in fluency in about a week. But it makes you sick in the beginning.

Andrew

09-26-2005, 10:25 PM

I know you guys probably frown upon recreational drugs, but I found my stutter to be virtually non-existant while under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. That doesn't mean you have to try it though... too much of either can ruin your life.

Lots of times in school even if I knew the answer (but it was hard to pernounce) I'd turn to something easier to say... "I don't know." However, sometimes I would be put in a position where I would have to speak on a topic for 10 minutes or so (imagine how that must be) where "I don't know" wouldn't really fit. These were the only times I did drugs like that before or during school to ease my tension.

I've been to speech therapists and the like, and never had much success. Its a dream of mine to be able to serve in the Army, but with the level of talking involved, that dream may never come true.

I'm looking for a "wonder drug" and after hearing alot about Paxil and the others, maybe I will give them a try. I'm just worried about the depression side effects because I'm already a depressed person (due to the stuttering I guess, and maybe a couple other things). Any side effect besides added depression would be worth it for me if it stopped my problem.

That PDF file menchions Xanax which is what I will be getting a perscription for soon. It's a anti-anxiety drug, so it should have the same effect alcohol has, but without the problems of intoxiation and the like. Alcohol makes me make a choice between driving and speaking clearly, which I don't like. I've taken it on occasion and it seems to work somewhat (I still find myself substituting words sometimes while on it) so I'll see how it works once I take it regularily and post a update.

Gary1450

09-27-2005, 05:13 PM

I don't want to frown upon your goal of the Army - but I was in the Army and it was hell.

Basic training - you do a lot of talking on command with no hesitation.

I was mocked, made fun of by the drill sargeants, you name it.

I don't recommend anybody who stutters to go into the military. You can read more under the "Most Embarrasing Moments" thread here about Army life.

You have to speak a long phrase just to eat everyday before entering the cafeteria.

stayathomemom

09-27-2005, 06:05 PM

I tried to make a post to you but you never responded

sloth

09-27-2005, 06:48 PM

A lot of the new anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs have not been completely tested. I went through this decision when i was trying to find the appropriate drugs to conquer my panic disorder and agoraphobia. I find that when my panic and anxiety is down my stuttering also decreases. Drug therapy would definatly not be my solution of choice for stuttering, especially after experiancing the side effects, such as constant nightmares, 24/7 headaches, depression...ect.
Also all depends on your age. Some of these types of drugs can result in teenage suicide, so if your of that age I would highly recommend consulting with a psychiatrist before going on any medication.

Andrew

09-28-2005, 12:56 AM

I talked to my doctor today about Propranolol and he said it had too many side effects and that I should try Xanax first. He also informed me about a time-released Xanax that is somewhat new to the market that may be better suited for people in my position. Since its time-released, it shouldn't have the effect of drowsiness that a normal Xanax tablet has. He told me he would do his homework on this new version of Xanax, and I'll see him again in the near future to tell him how the 1mg Xanax/daily is working out.

cotton

09-28-2005, 01:39 AM

Hi Sloth. I agree that these drugs are not for 1st choice. If the person has anxiety problems along with stuttering, they should have lab tests done to rule out any endocrine disorders such as thyroid, adrenals, that may be causing anxiety and depression. Hormone disorders are often overlooked. Who knows? may be the root to their stutter.

You must remember that everybody has a different biological chemistry so one person may do well on a drug while another person worse. I had a friend who was on Paxil 10 years for anxiety disorder without any problems. While I on the other hand was unable to tolerate it at all.

The psychiatrist will not do much except to use trial and error on his patients with meds and monitor the dose. Some of us can't afford a visit to the shrink. I get most of my meds from my GP who does not specialize in psychiatry. He does not even monitor my use.

Drug experimenting is not for everyone. The person must be fully aware of changes in their bodies. Depression is possible among these drugs but suicidal tendencies are rare. I've tried Effexor, Paxil, Zoloft, Serzone, Zyprexa, and Xanax - all on my own with annoying side effects but nothing more. Common sense must be used and do as much research on your own as possible if experimenting. Do not do this blindly, you are your own liability. If side effects are intolerable there's no point in continuing it. It's just as bad or worse than stuttering.

cotton

09-28-2005, 01:46 AM

He also informed me about a time-released Xanax that is somewhat new to the market that may be better suited for people in my position.

Hi Andrew. Does your doc know about your stuttering problem? I'm not sure if Xanax will be a long-term solution. It's an addictive med. People use it for a short time. Good luck with your med! Let us know how it turns out.

Andrew

09-28-2005, 06:51 AM

He knows about my problem and still perscribed Xanax. If the Xanax doesn't work, he'll try me on Popalol (or whoever its spelled) but he says it has many side effects... so we'll just wait and see. When I started takling about high dopamine levels in the speech part of the brain he seemed a bit puzzled... lol

And yes he knows Xanax is a short term drug (i guess) because my mom has been perscribed it for my mom for about 20+ years. When shes off of it, she doesnt have withdrawl symtoms.

Andrew

10-01-2005, 05:40 PM

stayathomemom

10-01-2005, 05:45 PM

Since I've been taking it, my stuttering has been at a minimal. It helps me talk slower and lowers my anxiety which is why I think it helps. People who I talk to ask me why I'm talking slow... maybe I will take .5mg instead of the 1mg so it doesn't seem like I'm under the influence.

But so far, 1mg Xanax in the morning lasts me pretty well thru the day.
You just turning out to be like your parents all you care about is drugs and booze . You say you hurt cause of how they treat you well drugs and booze are a cop out and only cowards cop out by thinking booze and drugs are the answer. I am sorry andrew that I ever thought I could be a friend to you cause you would rather be a childish coward than accept true advice! :mad:

cotton

10-01-2005, 10:52 PM

Hi Andrew. How much of your stuttering is reduced? My neurologist told me never to take xanax for over a month. What's your breathing like?

Flash

10-02-2005, 04:55 AM

This is for all you females out there....

I recently heard that Paxil may cause birth defects.

So, if your a female and expecting.....don't use paxil or consult a doctor before using it.

Andrew

10-03-2005, 05:45 AM

You just turning out to be like your parents all you care about is drugs and booze . You say you hurt cause of how they treat you well drugs and booze are a cop out and only cowards cop out by thinking booze and drugs are the answer. I am sorry andrew that I ever thought I could be a friend to you cause you would rather be a childish coward than accept true advice! :mad:

I think its a bit rude to make my personal life public. When I told you those things thru pm... that's what it is... "Private Message". Thanks alot. :mad:

If you wish to insult me, do it thru pm. These forums are for helping people, not hurting people. :)

Andrew

10-03-2005, 05:49 AM

Hi Andrew. How much of your stuttering is reduced? My neurologist told me never to take xanax for over a month. What's your breathing like?

Xanax calms me down so my breathing is deeper which I think was one of the factors. My doctor put me on it for 1/2 tablet every 6 hours or as needed w/o refills to see how it works out. He says the time-released Xanax would be better suited for someone with a speech problem but its too new to the market and he wants to do some research on it before he starts perscribing it to his patients.

And about taking it over a month, my mom has been perscribed it for agoraphobia for about 20 or 30 years. When she doesn't take it, she doesnt have withdrawl like most do.

cotton

10-03-2005, 08:35 PM

This is for all you females out there....

I recently heard that Paxil may cause birth defects.

So, if your a female and expecting.....don't use paxil or consult a doctor before using it.

THanks Flash!

cotton

10-03-2005, 08:44 PM

Andrew

10-03-2005, 09:16 PM

Let us know how your stuttering goes Andrew. Wish you lots of luck! Hope your doc is right taking xanax for that long. Maybe you're going to learn how to speak all over again. I also have tight breathing related to a heart condition. Need to fix that.
It does work. My problem was sometimes I would try to say too much with too little of a breath because of anxiety. The Xanax relieves my anxiety which in turn allows me to take deeper breaths and say what I wanted to say. I've also noticed I stutter more when I'm worried about stuttering... Xanax fixes that too. You think more about what you're gonna say more than how you're gonna say it or what words you are going to substitute.

Xanax is not a wonder drug. It won't magically make you speak like a radio talk show host. However, Xanax when combined with some breathing methods and other things you have been taught reduced my stutter around 40-50%.

cotton

10-03-2005, 09:27 PM

Andrew, I have that problem too. I try to squeeze all my words into one breath because I know the next breath I'll stutter. I think meds though not a wonder drug can "fix" stuttering in some ways. You were conditioned all your life to associate speaking with fear and anxiety. Maybe if you can have some fluency even for short time it will undo your habit of thinking this way. I also do stutter more when I'm anxious about speaking. Hopefully xanax will leave some long term results for you.

I took Effexor in the past which made me stutter really bad. After I stopped taking it I am more fearful of speaking which makes the stutter worse. I think it gave me that bad habit of thinking.

Flash

10-04-2005, 04:21 AM

THanks Flash!cotton....you're a female and expecting a baby? If so, congratulations! Didn't really think it would apply to anyone....just kinda said it to show people that it has even more side effects.Andrew, I have that problem too. I try to squeeze all my words into one breath because I know the next breath I'll stutter. I think meds though not a wonder drug can "fix" stuttering in some ways. You were conditioned all your life to associate speaking with fear and anxiety. Maybe if you can have some fluency even for short time it will undo your habit of thinking this way. I also do stutter more when I'm anxious about speaking. Hopefully xanax will leave some long term results for you.
I'm kinda guilty of doing the exact same thing you guys were talking about. We try to squeeze too many words into one breath because we'll stutter after we take the next breath. This is probably the wrong thing to do sometimes. When I'm done with trying to finish one long sentence, I'm totally out-of-breath for the next and it only adds more time the listener has to wait for me to start speaking again.

happy7117

10-04-2005, 04:42 AM

cotton....you're a female and expecting a baby? If so, congratulations! Didn't really think it would apply to anyone....just kinda said it to show people that it has even more side effects.I'm kinda guilty of doing the exact same thing you guys were talking about. We try to squeeze too many words into one breath because we'll stutter after we take the next breath. This is probably the wrong thing to do sometimes. When I'm done with trying to finish one long sentence, I'm totally out-of-breath for the next and it only adds more time the listener has to wait for me to start speaking again.

I take Inderal and Effexor together
in the AM's now...

Any opinions on these if it makes stuttering worse-
if so-- I definately will stop taking it--!!!

But I will need to get the OK from my doc first....

cotton

10-04-2005, 04:23 PM

cotton....you're a female and expecting a baby? If so, congratulations!

Haha! No Flash gawd I hope not! Just good that you warned us. :D

I bet you'd just hate it when they say "what?" because you'll have to start all over again.

On the bright side: When a person talks too much people don't listen. When a person talks too little they pay more attention.

Gary1450

10-04-2005, 04:28 PM

I appreciate your comments - I'm interested in the Xanax. I might check it out.

cotton

10-04-2005, 04:32 PM

I take Inderal and Effexor together
in the AM's now...

Any opinions on these if it makes stuttering worse-
if so-- I definately will stop taking it--!!!

But I will need to get the OK from my doc first....

Goodness Happy, Effexor CAUSES stuttering in people who NEVER stutttered. I've not found one person in my web search whose stutter was helped by Effexor. Wellbutrin is another one that causes stuttering and also those ADHD medications. What are you taking the Inderal for?

happy7117

10-04-2005, 07:37 PM

Goodness Happy, Effexor CAUSES stuttering in people who NEVER stutttered. I've not found one person in my web search whose stutter was helped by Effexor. Wellbutrin is another one that causes stuttering and also those ADHD medications. What are you taking the Inderal for?

I think the Inderal is SUPPOSED to help anxiety..
but I am really not sure of what it's for...

As for the EFFEXOR --THANK GOD SOMEONE
CAN FINALLY speak the same language as me in terms of these meds...

I'm going to immediatley print out this post ,
and give a copy to my doctor, counseler,
and parents....

Thank you SO VERY MUCH FOR THE EFFEXOR
INFO!!

I HAD NO IDEA EFFEXOR COULD increase stuttering...

On that same token, I wonder if Inderal also contributes to my stuttering...

If your right -- these medications are probably what caused my stuttering to skyrocket in the first place..!!!

I wish I knew about this before I started the meds..!!

I think the effexor is supposed to make one feel lessed depressed-- but i guess it also makes one stutter....!!!

OH yes!!!

I was put on Anafranil in 1996 when i was in 10th grade--- my stuttering was so bad it took me
forever to say the first word of any sentence---

I am not exaggerating-- we all have bad days
but these were bad minutes every time i opened my mouth....

Readers beware-- DO NOT TRY INAFRANIL!!.

INAFRANIL is the ultimate stutter drug....

So I switched to clonidine-- relaxed me -- but
my stuttering was as worse as when I was on the
ANAFRANIL....

DO NOT TRY CLONIDINE
DO NOT TRY ANAFRANIL

I reccomend nasty stutterers do not go on Arafranil or Clonidine-- it will probably make you virtualy unable to speak... ;)

.

cotton

10-05-2005, 01:04 AM

happy7117

10-05-2005, 01:13 AM

Glad to help, Happy. Let us know how your stuttering goes once you stop it. I took Effexor for obsessive compulsive disorder. It took months for it to leave my body so now my stuttering is not so bad. I was having a hell of a time with it stuttering like crazy!

I don't think Inderal will be a problem because it is the same as propranolol - that's what I took a few weeks ago for my stuttering but I stopped because of side effects. It's used for many problems: one of them is anxiety disorders. I posted a document about a stutterer's successful experience with propranolol (same as Inderal).

Hey happy if you think Inderal is helping your problem you should also take a magnesium supplement everyday.

In other words, check with a doctor to see
if I can taper off the efexor- untill it
completely leaves my system-- but continue
with the Inderal with a magnesium supplement!!

Where can magnesium supplements be found....

I should not stop the effexor on my own abruptly--
could be very dangerous-- and I should consult my
parents and doctor-- hey if it will lessen the stuttering-- im all for it!!

cotton

10-05-2005, 01:51 AM

Yeah! Things are going to be better for you. Even I'm getting psyched about it. :D

Magnesium has similar effects to Inderal in the way that they both loosen up muscle contractions, lowers adrenaline, makes the heart beat slower and normal. Some docs prescribed magnesium instead of inderal for heart patients. The reason why I think you should take magnesium is because inderal is a diuretic (pee like crazy!) which flushes out the magnesium in your body so you're likely to have a deficiency. A lot of people have magnesium deficiency = that's why we can't handle stress and our adrenaline levels are shot up and we get anxious.

You can get it at any vitamin store. I get mine super cheap from http://www.vitamins.com

Yeah you'll be weaning off Effexor. Withdrawals are nasty. You'll get sick but that's good because that's your body detoxing itself.

first

10-13-2005, 08:43 AM

I know you guys probably frown upon recreational drugs, but I found my stutter to be virtually non-existent while under the influence of alcohol or cannabis. That doesn't mean you have to try it though... too much of either can ruin your life.

Interesting.

I use cannabis recreationaly from time to time, and have found that when under the influence of even small dosages, my stuttering is GREATLY increased. As the amount consumed is increased, I find that stuttering go's up exponentially

with alcohol, I really don't drink all that much, but I have come to understand that it makes my speech worse when under the influence. The first time that I was drunk (freshman year, college) I felt almost fluent, as if I didn't stutter barely at all. However, the next day, i talked to my friend who was with me and told him how I perceived the previous night, and he said that I was actually stuttering slightly more than usual.

Gary1450

10-13-2005, 04:41 PM

Try Magnesium and Vitamin B-6 together - it has a calming effect.

You must be patient, it does take a while for vitamins to work - sometimes weeks, sometimes months before the full benefit comes.

stayathomemom

10-13-2005, 04:43 PM

gary I am going to recommend that to a friend of mine and see if it will help him

cotton

10-13-2005, 05:14 PM

The first time that I was drunk (freshman year, college) I felt almost fluent, as if I didn't stutter barely at all. However, the next day, i talked to my friend who was with me and told him how I perceived the previous night, and he said that I was actually stuttering slightly more than usual.

That's what alcohol does to you. I was drunk and thought I was looking pretty hot until the next day I learned I actually looked like sh!t. Huh.

I read somewhere alcohol raises dopamine levels.

marcopolo

10-15-2005, 09:42 AM

Hi Andrew. Does your doc know about your stuttering problem? I'm not sure if Xanax will be a long-term solution. It's an addictive med. People use it for a short time. Good luck with your med! Let us know how it turns out.

I agree.... getting xanex from my doc is like pulling teeth... and I get panic attacks...

I get most from my girlfriend but I only take it about 2 3 times a month as needed. I try not to abuse it.

MP

pfisterer2005

12-06-2005, 06:52 AM

So, is there any medication that really works?? Please name it!

Damn.. so hard to solve this problem... And it´s so bad for us... :(

Invictus

01-05-2006, 08:33 AM

So, is there any medication that really works?? Please name it!

Damn.. so hard to solve this problem... And it´s so bad for us... :(

Klonopin is the only medication that has given me lasting periods of fluency.

HSN

01-05-2006, 11:28 AM

yes, Olanzapine. I've now got a complete prescription on dosage and
medication period. If u r interested do pop in an e-mail.
best wishes

Perad

01-05-2006, 02:26 PM

What are the side effects of these drugs, none are made to specifically stop stuttering, in fact they are there to help other problems, if you do not have these problems then surely this will have a negative effect on your health.

Invictus

01-06-2006, 02:14 AM

I've been on Olanzapine for some time now. The only side effects I've seen is drowsiness and weight gain. Drowsiness effects and concerns me the most though.

HSN

01-06-2006, 10:36 AM

Hi there interested to know some one taking olanzapine. Plz do mention the dosage you have been upon. I have been advised: "Olanzapine (Zyprexa US brand name), the dosage that appears to improve fluency is lower than that recommended for its standard indications. The dose used in a 2004 3-month study was 2.5 - 5 mg. (I understand that larger doses may not help or might actually make stuttering worse, so be careful with the dose.) Participants took 2.5 mg daily for the first 4 weeks, then 5 mg daily for the last 8 weeks. I would suppose that drug therapy must be continued to maintain the increased fluency."
(e-mail excrept from Richard Harkness, a PWS and qualified pharmacist inj the US who has also developed a breakthrough stuttering therapy procedure "Neuropatterning").
Good luck.

Invictus

01-07-2006, 03:10 AM

I've always taken 5mg.

dave

01-07-2006, 04:16 PM

Invictus - Check private message.

saedabaid

11-20-2007, 11:45 AM

saedabaid

11-22-2007, 01:12 PM

heyyyyyyyy
anyone response plzzzzzzz

Jamesthe1st

11-22-2007, 01:32 PM

hi
as for xanax,what will happen if i overdose this drug or forget and take twice at the same time??,and if i would discontinue this drug what should i do to avoid the side effects after discontinution like the "Seizures",what the period of time i will suffer from seizures if it occurred?

Assuming that xanax is similiar to lorazepam

Taking double the recommended dosage would be considered a slight overdose and most likely would not be a big deal. If you take half the bottle at once you might want to contact a doctor. If you find yourself "addicted" to the drug simply cut your dosage by tiny tiny amounts over the course of a few weeks. If your dosage is 2MG, take 1.75mg then 1.50mg and so on till your off it. Some people have a more addictive personality so you might not experience withdrawal effects at all.

saedabaid

11-22-2007, 08:46 PM

thanks very much for the answer
what highest percentage the xanax only may cut from my stuttering?

saedabaid

11-22-2007, 08:55 PM

thanks very much for the answer
what the highest percentage the xanax only may cut from my stuttering?
i went to the doctor and i asked him about the xanax,he told me dont take this drug for long term because you will be addictive and there is effective and easy cure that dont care about this problem and forget that you are stutterer and considered it very simply then it will disappeared,and told me if you want to take this drug,take it for short term or in seperate periods because may help you to forget this problem then cure

saedabaid

11-25-2007, 06:47 PM

anyone reply please!

Jeff99

11-27-2007, 01:43 PM

personally i will never take drugs for my stutter even if one day the made a magic pill you take everyday an you don't stutter.

i seen what these drugs do to people.
anti-anxiety pills turned my best mate into a life-less person sure wasn't freaking out an stuff but didn't want to do anything anymore.

drugs change people who they are what they are etc.
i know some poeple are hoping for a magic pill i would much rather hard work an knowing it me doing the hard work an at the end of the day i will be the person i want to be.

saedabaid

12-03-2007, 12:29 PM

hi guys
anyone help me?i used xanax twice daily(0.25 mg in morning and 0.25 mg in evening)but i didnt noticed any side effects like drowsiness and hadnt effect(improvement)on my speech?what should i do?

urbanmermaid

12-04-2007, 07:01 AM

Happy,

Anafranil did work very well for me combined with Xanax..
I have never taken drugs such as Propranolol, Effexor etc etc.. to be honest all those names sound a bit scary.
I'm currently taking Xanax + Celexa... I'm not sure if Celexa is better compared to Anafranil, to me they both seem the same... but if u start taking them i hope you'll notice the improvement :)
If Anafranil did nothing to you then try Celexa, which btw seems like a really mild drug... nothing to be worried about..
Originally I was thinking of taking Zyprexa/olanzapine but if u make some research u'll find that this drug is proven to cause weight gain and diabetes... plus its wayyy too expensive and has done nothing for some people

saedabaid

12-04-2007, 11:42 AM

whats about me?i used xanax 0.25 mg twice daily but i didnt notice any improvement.whats should i do?

saedabaid

12-04-2007, 11:44 AM

whats about me?i used xanax 0.25 mg twice daily and i didnt notice any improvement.what should i do.helpppppppppppp

saedabaid

12-04-2007, 11:59 AM

what percentage can Anafranil and Xanax eliminate from the stuttering ?

freeflow918

10-15-2009, 11:24 PM

I've taken Paxil CR 12.5mg sometimes 25mg for a few years now, its made my speech much better. Don't be fooled their are side effects. Its hard to get going in the morning. Usually coffee can help.

I'm trying Xanax in combination with Paxil but it makes me feel knocked out at anything higher than .25mg which in turn makes me feel awkward. I feel like my brain and mood are constantly changing and I have to roll with the changes. Its like fighting a new problem everyday

This is a confusing problem I spent along time trying to do things the natural way. with out drugs reating a strict regimen of exercise, reading out loud, limited social activity.

Celexa sounds promising maybe I'll ask my doc next time I go. I wonder how much it varies from paxil has anyone tried both?