Posted by PsychoSage on February 20, 2004, at 11:00:12
In reply to Re: Why pdocs prefer SSRI's to benzo's? » Margit, posted by cubbybear on February 20, 2004, at 4:08:09
> > > What evidence is there that benzos are more "addictive" than other psychiatric meds? <
> >
> > From my own experience: It was a lot harder and took a lot longer to wean of benzos than SSRIs. It took me 6 months to get off 4mg of Xanax; 3 weeks to get off Paxil 20mg.
>
> Normally it should be true that it takes longer to get off benzos than anti-depressants, but it depends a lot on the individual and the particular drug. Some people can quit benzos pretty easily, and others are (now) finding it almost impossible to get off Effexor.
>
>Benzos are so immediate and reinforcing. That is how they are more addictive. Anything that rapidly works and that produces desirabe effects has addictive potential. I guess we should use the term dependence even if it is prescribed. Many people have no qualms about taking more than necessary because it's booze in a pill essentially.
poster:PsychoSage
thread:314138
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040218/msgs/316055.html