Posted by Jane on December 3, 1999, at 16:32:38
In reply to Re: social anxiety - benzos - to Louise., posted by Rick on December 3, 1999, at 14:17:09
rick, while i think that benzos with long half lives provide a "buffer" of safety against addiction, as you have read previously everyone is different, and i think most doctors are aware that regardless of benzos, these still contain the potential for addiction and this may be why it is not often mentioned as often as first line therapy. keep in mind too, that many times people suffering from anxiety require long term therapy and benzos in the long term are often associated with dependence and withdrawal syndrome. another factor is the interaction of benzos with alcohol. how often do you think people suffering from anxiety "self-medicate" by drinking a bit to relax? if they continually drink while taking benzos, they can be in serious risk for injury or accident if they're active because of the potentiating effect of benzos on alcohol effects. so i think collectively these factors make benzo less than stellar a choice in treating anxiety disorders for most individuals who are active and need to work during the day. of course there are exceptions to the rule, but exceptions are in minority.
jane
poster:Jane
thread:15816
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19991123/msgs/16160.html