Posted by zeugma on September 2, 2004, at 4:53:01
In reply to Re: shocking development about benzos--zeug... » alesta, posted by zeugma on September 1, 2004, at 18:59:37
the site is back up. unfortunately i can't cut and paste an article in pdf format from my computer. I'll paraphrase then: Dr. Stahl says that despite recommendations to use SSRI's as first-line treatments for anxiety disorders, he says that in fact benzodiazepines are more widely prescribed, and that since each treatment has an independent mechanism for treating anxiety, it is pharrmacologically rational to combine the two classes of drugs and that remission is more likely when both are used together.
What he doesn't say, but is implied by the fact that he doesn't appear critical of the fact that benzos are prescribed more widely, is that benzodiazepines are probably more effective than SSRI's for anxiety.Another interesting thing is that Paxil is the most prescribed SSRI for anxiety. I think Paxil would have been the SSRI that I would have had the best chance of tolerating, because of this; although of course it also has the worst s/e profile of the SSRI's (probably related to why it works better). I wasn't able to try it because of possible serious interactions with TCA's.
poster:zeugma
thread:382548
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040830/msgs/385570.html