Posted by Elizabeth on March 9, 2002, at 12:34:32
In reply to No experts on Benzodiazipines!, posted by Frankie on March 7, 2002, at 21:44:17
> It seems that a few will argue with me until doomsday about the fact that it is more practical to use a benzo. by itself to treat an anxiety disorder, or even a multiple anxiety condition, instead of using a combo of an antidepressant, along with a small dose of a benzo.
As with all things in clinical psychiatry, it depends on the individual patient's response to and tolerance of the two types of medication.
Of course, benzodiazepines aren't likely to be helpful for comorbid conditions such as depression (except, perhaps, if the depression is secondary to the anxiety disorder). I can't recall seeing anyone here claiming that benzodiazepines alone will be effective for comorbid (primary) depression and anxiety. I think that your impression that many people on this board believe that is mistaken.
> Well, tell you guys what. I will argue until hell freezes over that it is much more effective, and there is much less of a chance to build a tolerance, if the antidepressant is the first line of treatment, with the benzo second. This is fact. period! End of story. Common sense, along with many, many, many sources will tell you this.
Can you cite any of these putative "sources?" That would be much more convincing than your "common sense" argument (which is flawed in several ways) or your appeal to your own supposed authority.
BTW, all the credible authorities I've encountered (including standard psychiatry and pharmacology textbooks as well as clinical studies) have provided convincing evidence that persons who take benzodiazepines long-term for anxiety disorders do not, as a rule, develop tolerance (contrary to your "theory," which does not constitute "convincing evidence"). So you have a big hurdle to overcome.
I myself have no personal reason to believe one way or the other. I take antidepressants on a daily basis, and benzodiazepines only occasionally (for breakthrough anxiety or panic attacks). I just think it's irresponsible and inconsiderate of you to put forth your personal opinions and speculations as though they were facts.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:96969
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020307/msgs/97202.html