Posted by BrittPark on June 24, 2003, at 16:52:52
In reply to The Age Old Benzo Question, posted by DM Olsen on June 24, 2003, at 14:34:01
I'm sorry you've got a slightly defective doctor. Benzos, as has been shown time and again, are probably the most effective and safe drugs (for their indications) of all psychotropic medications. I'd seriously consider finding another psychiatrist. Any psychiatrist who refuses to use an effective medication because of some principal is not giving the best care possible to her patient. Benzos act primarily to potentiate GABA receptors, which makes them anxiolytic, muscle relaxing, and anti-seizure drugs. There is some clinical evidence and quite a lot of anecdotal evidence that Xanax acts as a mild AD. This is less often found for Klonopin.
The only other drugs I know that act on the same receptor system are barbiturates which are direct GABA receptor agonists and thus much more dangerous than benzos, in overdose. A doctor who doesn't like to prescribe benzos, is even less likely to prescribe barbiturates.
If you haven't already, I'd consider asking your psychiatrist why she/he is opposed to the use of Xanax, in the face of your evidence that it actually works for you.
Feel Better,Britt
poster:BrittPark
thread:236694
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030624/msgs/236725.html