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As far as I understand (not an MD), benzos are not generally considered a long-term anti-anxiety drug. They treat the immediate symptom for people who need imm
by rrmm 8y ago
As far as I understand (not an MD), benzos are not generally considered a long-term anti-anxiety drug. They treat the immediate symptom for people who need immediate relief from debilitating anxiety attacks and occasional 'flare-ups'.
Generally, you could go on an SNRI or SSRI coupled with some form of cognitive-behavioral therapy to try to treat the root cause of the anxiety.
But I'm not a big fan of GP MDs giving out benzos like that given their long-term effects (anxiety, dependence, tolerance, withdrawal syndromes). GP's don't have the time to spend with you that a psychiatrist or therapist might in order to figure out what's going on.
- hndamien 8y agoMy anecodotal experience is that SNRIs and SSRIs can massively increase the propensity, and even induce panic attacks where they were never present. My recommendation is to first try dancing - I know it sounds dumb, but the risk reward profile of this I think puts it at the first line of defense. I get that it is very hard for somebody in that mental state to get up and go dancing.
- rrmm 8y agoYes, SNRI/SSRI's can precipitate panic attacks. And I agree aerobic activity of any sort can be very effective for controlling stress/anxiety and even depression. The important thing is to find some things that work for you and do them.