Posted by sukarno on August 17, 2008, at 3:00:10
I've been on Valium for 18 years and Stablon for the past three for treatment of panic disorder with agoraphobia and major depression.
My depression was getting steadily worse over the past few years, along with irritability, frustration and increasingly frequent rage reactions in addition to feeling heavily sedated even on a low dose of 12mg/day in divided doses.
I decided to stop Valium abruptly and ask my psychiatrist for Xanax (alprazolam) as I remember that Xanax is much less sedating. Thankfully he prescribed it!
Within five days my depression was completely gone! It is now day 18 of alprazolam therapy and my depression is still in remission. I am totally shocked by this, but very pleased too. I feel little or no sedation along with good anxiolytic activity (zero panic attacks!).
I have been able to reduce my Stablon dosage from 4 tablets a day to only three and I even stopped using my lightbox and yet my depression is still in remission.
I had read that alprazolam has an antidepressant effect by increasing norepinephrine and by increasing 5-HT (serotonin) in the hippocampus. It also has action on beta-adrenergic receptors, whereas conventional benzodiazepines don't.
I have some theories as to why Xanax seems to have worked for me (please feel free to critique and give me advice about this):
1. Valium exacerbates or causes depression?
2. Valium somehow interferes with Stablon (tianeptine) metabolism?
3. Xanax (alprazolam) is less likely to exacerbate depression than is Valium?
4. Xanax boosts the effects of Stablon?
5. Xanax is an antidepressant in its own right?I'm not sure which one it is.
After dumping Valium and being on Xanax, I report now that I have no aggression or hostility and my head feels so "clear" and peaceful. Things don't make me angry anymore. Little things used to send me over the edge, but not anymore. I feel like my old self decades ago.. _normal_.. finally.
I no longer feel paranoid or frustrated. This has been consistent for the past two weeks.
This is really a miracle. I am on 1mg 3x/day along with Stablon 3x/day (every 8 hours).I hope this keeps up.
Has anyone else found that Xanax is good for depression?
Has anyone found that Valium caused them to be depressed or worsened their existing depression?
Thanks! :-)
I really thought my life was over because I've tried so many medications in the past. I really hope this new feeling of peace and normal mood keeps up.
poster:sukarno
thread:846773
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080814/msgs/846773.html