Posted by Cam W. on October 13, 2000, at 7:25:25
In reply to antianxiety meds, posted by McDaniel on October 12, 2000, at 20:54:27
McDaniel - The difference between these benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, & Ativan) is there pharmacokinetic properties; differences in their absorption, distribution throughout the body, metabolism, and excretion. The main difference between benzos is their half-lifes (the time it takes for half of the drug to leave the body). The half-life of Valium (including it's active metabolites) is about 100 hours; whereas the others you mention have half-lifes of a day or less (except clonazepam - 20 to 80 hours).
Valium is basically the Prozac of of the benzos. It's long half-life prevents immediate withdrawl symptoms that are seen with some of the shorter acting benzos (esp. Xanax).
The more powerful (on a per milligram basis) benzos seem to work faster orally for anxiety, but the effect of Valium lasts longer (probably why it is used as a muscle relaxant).
For GAD, low doses of Effexor (eg 37.5mg Effexor XR daily) have worked in many people. The downside is that it may take 10 weeks to see any good improvement.
Hope this helps - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:46236
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001012/msgs/46258.html