Posted by Glydin on September 19, 2005, at 7:51:37
In reply to Benzo or SSRI, posted by tiffanywp on September 18, 2005, at 21:27:55
I did a benzo alone for 3 years and that worked well for me - for the most part. I had tried SSRI's initially and had a wretched time with them. However, long term benzo use can lead to depression and I do think that's what could have happened with me - or at least, it was contributing factor to the fact that a clinical level depression did happen to me. Anxiety and panic are my primary symptoms, but depressive symptoms aren't much fun either and when my anxiety is ill controlled, I have depressive symptoms also - so it's a chicken versus the egg thing for me.
For a LONG time, I really thought anxiety as a stand alone DX was underrated. I still believe that to a degree, but I have learned of the very close relationship anxiety, panic, and depression have.
Lexapro has been a good med for me. I swore I would never try another SSRI, but I'm glad I went back on that swear to myself.
For me, the combo of a low dose benzo and Lex is good. I did experience startup anxiety with Lex and a benzo certainly helped with that. It took a litte while for times to straighten out, but things did get much better. I think it's very difficult for us anxiety proned to remain with a med long enough to reap it's benefits due to the nature of an anxiety disorder itself, but it can sometimes be well worth it. There are indeed chemical interventions that can help but there is a "getting through" we must endure.
Good Luck
poster:Glydin
thread:556646
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050914/msgs/556761.html