Posted by ace on November 26, 2003, at 21:28:42
In reply to Re: Do Benzos increase Depression in long run ?, posted by zeugma on November 26, 2003, at 19:11:50
> So far I haven't had a return of depression. And my anxiety is perfectly capable of existing without depression (though it may have helped cause it in the past). Been on Klonopin for over three weeks now. It is the best thing I have ever taken for anxiety.
Great to here! I am actually pro-benzo use...so many doctors are overly cautious I think. Dependence and tolerance are very bad with benzos they say.1. Dependence- people do become somewhat dependent on Benzos- just like they do on ADs. However, if the benzo is withdrawn at a slow pace, there is no evidence that benzos create horror withdrawals or irreversible dependence. people drop from 5 mg Xanax to 1mg Xanax and wonder why they have a prob! Inreality, they should go slowly from 5.5mg, then 5mg, then 4.5 etc etc.
In plus, for people who can't live a normal life, I think some would prefer benzo "dependence" over constant suffering and running.
2. Tolerance- Benzos produce an initial torelance that peters out around 4 weeks or a bit more. Then the same dose can be maintained with continued efficacy. Apart from alcoholics and drug abusers, I have rarely heard from people that they need to continually raise their benzo dose...infact a lot can LOWER it with continued efficacy.
Good luck with the Klonopin! Wish I had it available here in Australia!
Ace.
poster:ace
thread:283057
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031126/msgs/284303.html