Posted by Viridis on September 16, 2003, at 5:09:25
In reply to Re: Prozac or a Benzo(Klonopin or Xanax) Please ad » Viridis, posted by Hanks on September 15, 2003, at 23:23:09
My statement about difficulty of withdrawal from benzos (especially Klonopin) vs. SSRIs is based in part on what my pdoc has told me and in part on a study that was released a year or so ago (by the World Health Organization, I think, although I'd have to look it up). This is largely confirmed by anecdotal reports that I've seen here and on other boards (although this is the main one I read).
The study I mentioned rated several SSRIs and other ADs as THE most difficult-to-discontinue prescription meds, with Paxil and Effexor at the top (I can't remember where Prozac placed; it was less problematic than these). Benzos placed in the teens -- not trivial, but much less problematic than newer, very widely-prescribed ADs. I'm sure I could track down the details; this study has been quoted here quite a few times.
My pdoc has many patients on Klonopin who have stayed at the same dose for years. He considers it an excellent drug for those who need it, although he's certainly not cavalier about prescribing it. His main caution is that it must be discontinued gradually, which he says is generally straightforward (in his experience) as long as you don't rush it. This is no different from many ADs.
Again, benzos have been used for many years, no major problems have emerged except for the small proportion of people who do abuse them (inconceivable to me, especially with Klonopin), the side effects are generally minor and diminish quickly for most people, tolerance to the anxiolytic effects is rare, and they're cheap. What more could you ask for -- especially when you already know that they work for you?
poster:Viridis
thread:260131
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030912/msgs/260569.html