Posted by Elizabeth on June 12, 2001, at 16:37:42
In reply to All Pdocs are wary of benzos to some degree, posted by grapebubblegum on June 11, 2001, at 8:31:13
Xanax is supposed to have antidepressant effects in nonmelancholic depression comparable to those of standard antidepressants (and superior to other benzos), but only in high doses (around 8-12 mg/day). It might be that its mood-elevating effect makes it more abusable than other benzos, as well as less likely to exacerbate depression.
Its short duration of action makes it impractical for use as an antidepressant, although a sustained-release formulation is available in other countries.
Interestingly, there's some evidence that increased urinary concentration of 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG, the primary norepinephrine metabolite) is predictive of antidepressant response to Xanax.
It's too bad that benzos haven't become an accepted treatment for depression in the USA. I've said before that I would like to see adinazolam approved and marketed here for depression.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:65795
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010612/msgs/66239.html