Posted by Quintal on November 24, 2006, at 15:41:21
In reply to How do SSRI's compare to benzos for SP?, posted by saturn on November 24, 2006, at 13:28:05
Well, I've tried nearly all the meds on the market for my SP and here is my verdict on the great SSRI/benzo debate.
I'd rate benzos as being the only reliably effective drugs for this condition. The SSRIs will probably give some relief but at the expense of emotional sensitivity and the ability to enjoy sex. The SSRIs also tend to leave a chronic low-level niggle of nervous tension/anxiety which can be perceived as good (stimulating, alerting) or bad (a constant irritation that disturbs sleep) depending on the person.
There is the accusation of sedation/apathy with benzos, but people can become tired and indifferent on both benzos and SSRIs. The benzos usually have fewer troublesome side effects and are generally better tolerated than SSRIs. Disinhibition and aggression has been a problem for me with benzos, probably because I abused them. SSRIs are said to lack abuse potential. Depression can also occur during long term benzo monotherapy and is one reason to suggest adding an antidepressant, though not necessarily an SSRI.
Addiction is obviously the main problem with benzos if we choose it to be, but to my mind since I'm likely to be taking any effective med for the rest of my life, dependence and addiction does not bother me. I'd rather have my human feelings and sexuality intact.
On the other hand it is always possible to combine the two at low doses to minimise the worst effects of benzo-induced depression and SSRI induced agitation.
Q
poster:Quintal
thread:706724
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061123/msgs/706758.html