Posted by Elizabeth on February 25, 2002, at 0:27:58
In reply to Re: benzos for alcoholics?, posted by gilbert on February 23, 2002, at 17:25:57
> My benzo use after 3 years has lead me down a path of having to increase dosages with less effect.
This isn't typical for people taking benzodiazepines for panic disorder. I think that if you find yourself continually increasing the dose, it's probably a sign that you're on a medication that's not right for you. My suggestion to you would be to try and taper off the benzos, if possible.
Did you ever feel that benzos caused alcohol cravings? Did you find yourself taking extra doses compulsively?
Also...you mentioned Xanax. Have you tried other benzos, like Klonopin?
> One of the major draw backs to benzos and ssri's alike is they seem to take something from your soul even though they give comfort emotionally.
I never had this problem (feeling empty) with benzos -- or SSRIs, for that matter (I took Prozac for two years when I was in high school). Can you say more about what you mean?
> Of course I was panicking much less on benzos too so there always is the flip side.
A lot of people with untreated panic disorder are very impaired, especially those with agoraphobia. For me, benzos are a nice convenience -- I have to take antidepressants anyway, and they seem to prevent the attacks pretty well, mostly -- but many people are disabled by panic attacks and can't tolerate the activation syndrome that often goes along with antidepressants. I don't know where you are on the spectrum, but I hope you find something else that works for you.
> Currently on low dose beta blockers which are helpfull and may try neurontin if the doc says o.k.
Neurontin strikes me as a good idea. I'm not so impressed by beta blockers for full-blown panic attacks, although propranolol helps when I get these odd and uncomfortable feelings of inner shakiness. (It's also good for tremor, of course.)
-e
poster:Elizabeth
thread:94946
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020222/msgs/95399.html