Posted by BrittPark on November 30, 2002, at 18:30:47
In reply to Re: Anxiety med that doesn't numb out enthousiasm? » Michael D, posted by Alara on November 29, 2002, at 20:04:47
<pedagogical>
A small correction. Long term benzo treatment is quite safe, and for many conditions the front line class of medication. One's body does become accustomed to benzos and usually the hypnotic effects (drowsiness) go away with time, but the anxiolytic effects do not. If Klonoping pooped out for Michael after 3 weeks it was probably due to an inadequate dosage. Panic disorder patients quite frequently take 6-8mg of klonopin or xanax a day.
If a benzo is being used to treat insomnia, a regimen of 2 weeks on 1 week off will retain the hypnotic (soporific) effect.
Discontinuing benzos is a different story. It must be done gradually (say 10-20% reduction per week). When handled correctly benzo discontinuation mostly causes little or no withdrawal effects. There are exceptions. of course, but usually because the root cause of anxiety is still present.
I'm a doctor but not of medicine but have 20 years of experience dealing with Depression and Anxiety.
A good source about recommended usage of benzos can be found in the World Health Organizations recommendation. (Sorry, don't have the URL, but a google search should find it quickly.)</pedagogical>
Britt
P.S. I agree that different benzos have different effects for different people. So if one benzo doesn't work its still quite possible that another will. I've found that Klonopin tends antagonize depression, and xanax actually acts as a mild antidepressant, for me. Your mileag may vary.
poster:BrittPark
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URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021127/msgs/130062.html