Posted by Viridis on August 26, 2003, at 23:29:15
In reply to extremely disturbed, posted by zeugma on August 26, 2003, at 7:41:44
Some doctors simply refuse to prescribe benzodiazepines, on the grounds that they're "addictive". This is simply not true for most anxiety patients, and benzos remain the "gold standard" for anxiety disorders. I would try other pdocs ASAP.
You do have to be a little careful about asking for benzos outright -- my pdoc says that asking for Xanax, especially, can trigger suspicion of "drug-seeking behavior". Klonopin (clonazepam) seems much less controversial, and has very little potential for abuse. It's also very effective for many anxiety sufferers.
If you can, I'd see another pdoc (it may take more than one), describe your symptoms, and if they suggest SSRIs, mention that you've heard that a drug called clonazepam works well and would prefer to try that. It may take a few tries, but chances are you will find a pdoc with common sense who isn't taken in by the pharmaceutical companies' push for their more expensive meds.
It's just a hunch, but I suspect (based on my experiences) that an older pdoc who's been around and knows the ins and outs of older and newer meds would be more likely to prescribe it.
Good luck!
poster:Viridis
thread:133272
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030823/msgs/254587.html