Posted by scott-d-o on January 20, 2004, at 3:07:03
In reply to Do benzos (klonopin) have the blunting effect?, posted by rainbowlight on January 20, 2004, at 2:31:39
> I am looking to replace my Zoloft. It's blunting effect works very well for me, helps with my ability to let things roll off my shoulders easier. Do benzos have that charachteristic to them? Klonopin is the one I am wondering about. Does is just treat anxious thoughts or does it also help you to "cope" easier with the stresses/anxieties that life throws at you?
Benzodiazepines are a better solution for people with anxiety disorders, not depression. Anotherwards, benzodiazepines are preferable when the anxiety is irrational and present even in situations that a "normal" individual should have no problems coping with.
I think you really have to look at what is the root cause of the anxiety. Is the depression causing the anxiety, or is anxiety causing the depression?
Benzodiazepines are preferrable in the latter case since when the anxiety disappears, many times the depression does as well. I think benzodiazepines can be useful in long-term treatment for those with true anxiety disorders, however, those using benzodiazepines for depression may find relief from them only in the short-term; never in the long-term. Additionally, they can possibly worsen depression under long-term use if a patient with depression is misdiagnosed with an anxiety disorder. However, this is *rarely* the case since SSRI's are way overprescribed and most pdocs will try one or several antidepressants with any patient before resorting to benzos.
Based on your post, my recommendation would be to stick with the Zoloft or perhaps only augment the Zoloft with an occasional benzo if the anxiety is overwhelming at times. You kind of contradict yourself by saying that Zoloft "is working well for you", yet still maintain that you are looking to replace it.. I guess my question for you is, why try to fix something that isn't broken?
poster:scott-d-o
thread:303077
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040118/msgs/303081.html