[Guest]

Dr.,

Thanks for the suggestions on alternative medications. I am currently taking my Xanax (.375mg 4X daily) because it keeps the headaches under control while I wait out the Celexa in the hope the headaches from that go away (I've taken your advice and will wait one more week for the Celexa, the Xanax plus long hot showers eases the headaches enough to function well).

My question today is that I always notice that GPs and Psychologists hate prescribing "plain old benzo's" because they are so concerned about dependency (they make me feel guilty and like a drug addict for using them even though it is the only thing that can get me through really rough days). Psychiatrists, on the other hand, seem to have a different view. They seem much more willing to work with a Benzo (although they do seem to go for the anti-depressants first, I guess for dual effect on depression and no dependency). Why such different perspectives within the professions? Is it because in your field experience may have shown that the dependency factor and withdrawal is more manageable than publicized? I am sure you have seen many patients on benzos withdraw from them, and I know it varies by individual, but do you find that the dependency and related withdrawal period is less severe and more easily managed than popular belief among laypersons and other types of Doctors? Thanks as always.

[Guest]

I think the prejudice against the benzos is historical. They were introduced as non addictive. They were over prescribed and people quit high doses cold turkey. There were severe withdrawal reactions including seizures. I have always thought that "it is the dog you don't see that bites you" We are now aware of the issues of dependence and withdrawal..95% of the adult population will not misuse these drugs. When taken as directed, they are remarkably safe with few side effects. Withdrawal can be managed by tapering the agents.

They are off patent so no marketing is done in terms of their benefits. Medicine can be useful or harmful depending on how it is used. Many GPs were burned so badly by the first wave of benzos that they never have been able to regard them as just another medication with good and bad attributes.
[quote] Dr. ,

Thanks for the suggestions on alternative medications... [/quote]