Posted by Frankie on March 5, 2002, at 2:16:47
In reply to Re: xanax vs klonopin, posted by TedR on March 3, 2002, at 22:20:52
> In lieu of all of the switching of ADs and such among patients,(the newer ADS and Buspar are no exception) there is a great deal of patient failures do to lack of efficacy, side effects, and sometimes outright exacerbation of the disorders from all of these other meds, I find it very difficult to single out the Benzos, as no longer first line viable options for anxiety and anxiety with depression etc, and above all, Panic disorder. They are very, very effective with minimal side effects, and most patients, over 90% do not abuse their benzo treatment. It is extremely short sided not to think that there is at least some common relationship between, say the treatment of diabetes with Insulin, and the treatment of anxiety disorders etc. with a benzo that directly influences the poorly functioning GABA component. The need for long term treatment for a disorder is not synonymous with drug dependence or addiction. The closed mindedness of many physicians to the benzos has caused many of their patients to continue to suffer for no good reason, and with the solution to this pain, right at the tip of the physician's Rxing pen!!
Ted,
Very well said! I thought I was a smooth talker! I don't mean that negatively. Believe me. I agree that the benzodiazepines are wonderful, highly effective medications. And best of all, dirt cheap if you have no prescription coverage, like me. I think too, that physicians are not prescribing these out enough. They are very safe, and furthermore, the side effect profile is low as hell. But I never held that in question. I only responded initially to this post to say that a tolerance will likely develop. It is pretty much a sure thing. Not too much different to building a tolerance to alcohol. And, furthermore, Xanax and Klonopin are the 2 that seem to be most associated with the tolerance. But, I believe, through experience, that one can control and avoid that potential tolerance to either one of these by using it secondary in the treatment of their anxiety disorder. Any of the five anxiety disorders can be at least somewhat benefitted by an antidepressant. Whether it be an MAO-I, a tricyclic, and SSRI, an atypical, etc... There will most likely be at least one out there that will relieve anxiety to a decent degree. You are right about the side effects, but I think the positives outweigh the negatives in the case of overwhelming and devastating anxiety problems. I say make the A/D the primary med. to treat the anxiety problem. Then combine a benzo with that. the dosage will not have to be as high, and one can most likely remain on that dosage for a longer period of time without having to raise it. In other words, give yourself a few choices as to variables to adjust. That is how I have found a pretty successful way to keep a multiple anxiety problem under control. If I were to just rely on a benzo, I don't think I could do it. But, I realize that everyone is very different, and what works for me, may not work for the next person. I hope this clarified things to Alan also. Take care guys.
Frankie.
poster:Frankie
thread:95260
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020301/msgs/96451.html