Benzodiazepines for depression

Which benzodiazepines are most effective? What is the best antidepressant for depression? Is Ativan good for depression?

There was no demonstrated superiority of antidepressants over benzodiazepines for anxious depression. Thus, clearly, benzodiazepines are a bona fide therapeutic option for anxious depression and so far, there is no indication that antidepressants are preferable for this indication.

In clinical practice the benzodiazepines are prescribed almost as frequently as the tricyclic antidepressants for the treatment of depression. The therapeutic effects of the benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants in depression have been compared in only double-blind studies. The antidepressants proved overwhelmingly superior with only one study ( alprazolam ) even suggesting a possible parity of action. While not typically an indicated use, benzodiazepines for depression have become more common. In addition, the drugs may promote avoidance of feelings and cognitive inhibition while leading to a greater detachment from others.

If you have anxiety that is linked to depression , Xanax may be able to help with both conditions on a temporary basis. I take klonopin which is a benzo 1mg in the morning and 1mg at night.

In the morning I also take a beta blocker and my lexapro(20mg) to treat my depression anxiety. They are usually taken for a brief time, up to two weeks or so,. At PCH Treatment Center, we are referred many clients who have been on long-term benzodiazepine therapy for their anxiety. Major depression is often treated by combining antidepressant drugs with benzodiazepines. This review asked if combined antidepressant plus benzodiazepine treatment, compared with antidepressants treatment alone,.

One double-blind 6-week study of 1patients compared fluvoxamine with lorazepam for mixed anxiety and depression in general practice. However, it is important to note that there are almost no studies comparing benzodiazepines to newer antidepressants for anxious depression. Prior use of benzodiazepines , such as Xanax, Librium, or Ativan, may increase the risk of treatment-resistant depression (TRD), according to a new study published in The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease.

While benzodiazepines may reduce anxiety symptoms within hours, the benefits of these drugs are most evident after two to six weeks. Thus, they are often used more as a longer-term treatment. For people who need long-term relief from a chronic anxiety disorder, or from co-occurring depression and anxiety, a prescription for antidepressants can be very helpful.

It is important for the doctor and patient to discuss needs, wants, and side effects in order to find the right balance of medication and therapy. One of the most common side effects of Xanax is depression , including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest. For example, benzodiazepines are combined with certain opioids, a class of strong prescription pain relievers, to enhance the euphoric effects.

Among abusers, diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax) are most popular due to their rapid onset.

SSRIs can also cause nausea, dizziness, insomnia, weight fluctuation, dry mouth, reduced libido and insomnia. Suicidal thoughts and depression can occur while on these medications,. They act on specific receptors in the brain, called gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors.

However, benzodiazepines may worsen symptoms in patients with comorbid depression or PTSD. Although beneficial for the acute relief of anxiety, long-term use of benzodiazepines is not recommended due to the risk of dependence. They help treat symptoms such as decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, unusual talkativeness, increased activity, agitation, or distractibility, which may be part of a manic or hypomanic episode in people with bipolar disorder. For people with a specific phobia (like fear of flying) they can be useful as an adjunct to skills learned in.

Why is this review important? Antidepressants plus benzodiazepines for major depression. Seizures, anxiety, and other diseases that require benzodiazepine treatment may be caused by excessive activity of nerves in the brain.

Depression often presents with anxiety. Effects of long-term benzodiazepine use may include disinhibition, impaired concentration and memory, depression , as well as sexual dysfunction. The long-term effects of benzodiazepines may differ from the adverse effects seen after acute administration of benzodiazepines.