Posted by Viridis on October 5, 2003, at 1:15:52
In reply to need info on rescue meds for panic attacks, posted by tinylilpryncess on October 3, 2003, at 12:48:51
Klonopin (clonazepam) is the "gold standard" for panic attacks. It is a benzodiazepine (same class as Xanax) but doctors tend to be much more comfortable with prescribing it, since it has much less of a reputation for abuse or tolerance than Xanax. (Xanax is very safe too, although there are some concerns with regular long-term use).
Any doctor who "doesn't believe in" benzodiazepines for people with serious anxiety disorders is incompetent, in my opinion. There simply aren't any safer or more effective meds, yet at least. Xanax is more problematic (potentially) than Klonopin for regular use, but if a doctor won't consider benzos at all, then I'd start seeing another doctor fast. The newer antidepressants that currently are being pushed for anxiety disorders have many more side effects than benzos, long-term effects are more poorly understood, and for most people, withdrawal problems are more serious.
Finally, the "addiction" spiel is mostly nonsense, and is only an issue if you become obsessed with the drug and start using it in a way that negatively impacts your life.
poster:Viridis
thread:265233
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031004/msgs/265660.html