Posted by Benzobuster on July 27, 2001, at 22:12:18
In reply to Re: clonazepam+depression, posted by PaulB on July 23, 2001, at 12:33:30
> > Dear Paul,
> > My pdoc, the anxiety specialist, feels that in people with primary anxiety klonopin helps the anxiety which in turn reduces depressive symptoms. It should be fairly easy for you to think which symptom was first. Again in people with primary anxiety, SSRI's tend to worsen symptoms of anxiety- which in turn worsen depression. (Personally, SSRI's just make me manic and klonopin is the magic bullet) Hope you're doing better- judy
>
> Thanks for the replys. It just recently occured to me that the benzodiazepines may not actually worsen my depression. I think it was that I expected the 'pams' to worsen mt depression and I didnt expect it with the SSRI's I tried. The former are depressants after all. The idea that anxiety can precipitate and cause depression and therefore treating the anxiety alone is a interesting topic but Im not sure where I stand on it.
>
> The writer of an article which drew on the topic says:
>
> 'My own view is that the notion that benzodiazepines "cause" or "precipitate" depression may be an interpretive error. That is, people with anxiety disorders like social phobia and generalised anxiety disorder are at a higher than average risk of depressive illness across their life span. If someone receives a benzodiazepine, typically they have more severe symptoms, which increases risk. Since benzodiazepines have no maintenance preventative effect for subsequent depressive episodes, and since they are typically taken long-term, the association between benzodiazepines and depression may actually be population at risk effect(i.e. it is the group of people, not the drug, that increases relative risk)
>
> Elizabeth, you mentioned Xanax which is a good option I hear. Recalling that particular pdoc I mentioned he added, specifically, that people who are unable to tolerate Clonazepam do much better when switched to Lorazepam.> PaulB
Paul, Excuse me but the information you just gave out will have the opposite effect as what you think. One does not switch from a medium half life benzo to a short half life benzo and expect it to reduce anxiety. This will cause more problems.
Then you wrote:
"and since they are typically taken long-term,"You give the impression that the drug companies endorse long term usage. This is not true. Benzos should not be used for more than 2 to 4 weeks for anxiety or insomnia. Depression ? Just where di anyone here get the idea that a tranquilizer is an anti-depressant. Tranquilizers are depressants and do not lift a persons mood. It may seem that they do because they actually take the edge off and dull the CNS.
There is a web page that was just rated 5/5 by Clinnix. This web page is the best in the world on the subject of benzos.
Dr James Cave reviews medical websites (REF: Clinnix)
The site of the benzodiazepine addiction, withdrawal and recovery group.
Reviewing the site, Dr Cave said: "Possibly the most comprehensive site on benzodiazepines and addiction, this is not a sight for the sensitive doctor! And that is my only criticism of this otherwise great site. Ray Nimmo, the creator, has somehow made it almost addictive with wonderful little back streets, humour and punchy personal stories. I would recommend all GPs and pharmacists visit this site."
Star Rating 5/5
Website address: http://www.benzo.org.uk
Source:
http://www.clinnixpro.net/news/archive/010521*****PLEASE NOTE*****
The Heather Ashton Manual on How to Withdraw From Benzodiazepines
http://members.dencity.com/ashtonpapers/manual.htm
News and Articles on Benzodiazepine Issues
http://www.geocities.com/benzodebate
Link to All Known Benzo Related Web Sites
http://www.geocities.com/benzowebsites
Benzobusters Site of Withdrawal Symptom Lists & The Accidental Addict
http://members.dencity.com/BenzoBusters
""The worst of the withdrawals should be over in about three days. If you're no better in a week, see your GP and he'll give you something. In the meantime get some sleep - you look terrible." (Some young UK Casualty doctor)
poster:Benzobuster
thread:71316
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010725/msgs/72150.html