Posted by BackOfClass on February 16, 2004, at 14:53:19
In reply to Why pdocs prefer SSRI's to benzo's?, posted by rianny on February 16, 2004, at 14:33:23
From what I have learned there seems to be a couple reasons. The Benzo's are used off label, while the SSRI's are heavily marketed to treat the disorders. Also, the benzo's are a controled substance - monitored more closely then SSRI. There seems to be this false belief that Benzo's are addicting - may be true, but I prefer the term dependence. This has created a stigma against the medication. The SSRI's are prescribed as a long term treatment, while the Benzo's are thought of a short term - when you get off the Benzo the anxiety comes back. The Benzo's just mask the anxiety, so they say! I think that sums it up.
poster:BackOfClass
thread:314138
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040215/msgs/314143.html