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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cubbybear on February 8, 2003, at 3:43:31
I would like to hear from anyone who can attest to Xanax having some anti-depressant qualities. I've heard and read that, although its use is primarily as an anti-panic, anti-anxiety agent, it does offer some relief for depression. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Posted by viridis on February 8, 2003, at 4:38:51
In reply to Xanax as anti-depressant, posted by cubbybear on February 8, 2003, at 3:43:31
I derived the greatest AD benefit from Klonopin, because it shut down the anxiety and worry that causes depression for me. But, some people here report that Klonopin causes depression for them. Xanax has a better track record as an AD and I can see why; I just don't take it very often, so have to attribute the main AD effects to Klonopin.
I suspect that those who experience depression as a result of anxiety would generally benefit from either, as both turn off anxiety and excessive worry very effectively (at least for me).
Also -- don't discount pstims for fast relief of depression, especially if you have ADD. Amphetamines etc. can work wonders, and are sometimes used for quick relief of severe depression, ADD-related or not. They can be extremely effective, and like benzos, work fast.
Posted by JohnL on February 8, 2003, at 8:04:31
In reply to Xanax as anti-depressant, posted by cubbybear on February 8, 2003, at 3:43:31
Back in the old days Xanax was used as an antidepressant. One of its possible side effects though is depression. But that's true with all psychiatric drugs. So whether it would work or not will vary a lot from one person to the next depending on their unique brain chemistry.
One good thing is that if it is to work, it should do so anywhere from one day to one week. No long trials needed. You should know whether you want to stay on it or switch within a one to two week period. If for example there is no benefit after two weeks, forget it, switch to something else.
> I would like to hear from anyone who can attest to Xanax having some anti-depressant qualities. I've heard and read that, although its use is primarily as an anti-panic, anti-anxiety agent, it does offer some relief for depression. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Posted by Alan on February 8, 2003, at 9:31:50
In reply to Re: Xanax as anti-depressant, posted by JohnL on February 8, 2003, at 8:04:31
I agree completely with the last two posters. This has been my personal experience and what I have observed many others saying. The relief of anxiety is terribly underestimated as a way of treating mixed anx/depress. Unfortunately the commercially driven ssri's have muddied the waters when it comes to teasing the two out.
It is my belief that those suffering from "mixed" anx/depress. should be offered AD and bzd monotherapy on equal footing...the bzd recommended first if not contraindicated and the AD second. This because of the quick clinical trial result of trying the bzd first.
There are studies that I've heard of that state that there are anti-depressant effects from xanax but I have not read them to see if that included the "mixed" diagnosis or not.
Alan
Posted by btnd on February 8, 2003, at 10:11:01
In reply to Re: Xanax as anti-depressant, posted by viridis on February 8, 2003, at 4:38:51
Ever since I started taking Klonopin for social-anxiety, I've discovered that it has an AD effect on me. I was confused because every website/side-effect profile mentioned that Klonopin might INCREASE depression.
My conclusion is that my depression was mostly because of the anxiety. But I still have problems with motivation :(
Posted by Jaynee on February 8, 2003, at 12:53:19
In reply to Xanax as anti-depressant, posted by cubbybear on February 8, 2003, at 3:43:31
nm
Posted by BrittPark on February 9, 2003, at 12:53:28
In reply to Xanax as anti-depressant, posted by cubbybear on February 8, 2003, at 3:43:31
I've certainly found that xanax has AD properties. My main med for the last 20 years has been imipramine. It's worked well with the exception of several breakthrough depressions. When these have happened xanax at 3-6 mg a day has always helped to pull me out.
Cheers,
BrittP.S. There is some research that points to an AD effect from xanax. I don't have a reference to hand but you can find it through medline.
Posted by Alara on February 13, 2003, at 4:13:53
In reply to Re: Xanax as anti-depressant, posted by Alan on February 8, 2003, at 9:31:50
> I agree completely with the last two posters. This has been my personal experience and what I have observed many others saying. The relief of anxiety is terribly underestimated as a way of treating mixed anx/depress. Unfortunately the commercially driven ssri's have muddied the waters when it comes to teasing the two out.
>
> It is my belief that those suffering from "mixed" anx/depress. should be offered AD and bzd monotherapy on equal footing...the bzd recommended first if not contraindicated and the AD second. This because of the quick clinical trial result of trying the bzd first.
>
> There are studies that I've heard of that state that there are anti-depressant effects from xanax but I have not read them to see if that included the "mixed" diagnosis or not.
>
> AlanI agree totally, Alan. I started on Xanax before adding Celexa and have found that the two work wonders when used in conjuction. By itself, Xanax only worked on the basic CNS (not social/cognitive) elements of my anxiety. In tandem, the two work very well. I currently use 20mg of Celexa and 0.75mg of Xanax daily to cope with a very stressful job and have to admit that I would be lost without this combo.
My doctor actually wants me to wean off the Xanax and this is worrying me as I don't know that I can cope without it to augment the Celexa. I am not abusing it, but doctors are strictly told restrict benzo use to the short term. I do not abuse it. (Get the same benefit by taking the same dose during the week and cutting down slightly on the weekend.) But doctors are trained to discourage benzo use...
Go figure.
Posted by viridis on February 13, 2003, at 22:44:03
In reply to Agree with Alan but Dr wants me to cut Xanax., posted by Alara on February 13, 2003, at 4:13:53
This anti-benzo attitude is very frustrating. I guess the options are to simply refuse to wean off (with the risk that your doctor will in turn refuse to prescribe it); perhaps suggest Klonopin, if it works for you (doctors seem much more comfortable with it, and most uneasy about Xanax); or get another doctor.
If you're dealing with a regular GP, then the chances of benzophobia are especially high. I think that your best option would be to see a psychiatrist, preferably one who's experienced with anxiety disorders (if you aren't doing so already). Maybe you could ask your current doctor for a referral and/or start investigating possible psychiatrists in your area.
Good luck!
This is the end of the thread.
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