Posted by ed_uk on December 16, 2004, at 10:59:31
In reply to Xanax questions, posted by jujube on December 16, 2004, at 10:41:41
Hi,
There are some studies suggesting that Xanax may have antidepressant properties. They are also studies suggesting that Klonopin may be useful for augmenting antidepressants!
All benzos seem to be capable of inducing depression in some people, including Xanax. Klonopin seems to be especially notorious for inducing depression though. Some people on psycho-babble who have suffered from depression on Klonopin have reported that switching to Xanax has eliminated their depression.
As far as I know, Xanax is actually approved for the treatment of depression in some countries. This is not the case in the UK, where the 'package insert' for Xanax states that its efficacy in the treatment of depression in unproven. We can only get Xanax on a private prescription anyway! I would expect Xanax to be most useful for depression where anxiety predominated.
UK information on Xanax.... 'As the efficacy of Xanax in depression has yet to be established, specific treatment may have to be considered.'
Here is some information from a recent report.............
'In the present analysis, we carried out a meta-analysis of 11 random controlled studies that compared the antidepressant effect of alprazolam (Xanax) and standard antidepressants in depressed patients...... In conclusion, the antidepressant effect of alprazolam is comparable to that of low-dose tricyclic antidepressants. Very few studies have investigated severely depressed patients. Also, in long-term administration, the lack of a long-term treatment study makes the issue of alprazolam's benefits and disadvantages still undetermined.'
Regards,
Ed.
poster:ed_uk
thread:430249
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041211/msgs/430258.html