SSRI's and Benzo's

[melbatoast64]

Hi. I've been prescribed both, but i find that once i take one benzo, i take quite a few for the rest of the day. If I don't touch it at all on the day, I don't think about it. Technically the SSRI should be taking care of my anxiety. I don't want to be addicted to benzo's. Should I increase my dose of the SSRI?

[melbatoast64]

Thank you both for answering. You are right. The benzo was prescribed when I first went on Lexapro. After a few weeks on Lexapro, I no longer needed the benzo's. In fact, the benzo's just made me groggy. My doctor just added wellbutrin to my regimen, and i've started taking the benzo's again. I guess I just have to patient and take small amounts of the benzo until I get used to the wellbutrin. Thank you so much. I'll keep you posted.

[nursegirl6572]

I agree with cj.  Do NOT get into the habit of self medicating, or adjusting your dose without talking to your physician first.

Usually, an antidepressant like an SSRI is prescribed and a benzo is given short term, until the side effects of the SSRI (if any) start to subside...and the SSRI starts doing its job.  Also keep in mind that it takes generally 2-4 weeks for an SSRI to really start making a difference.  For some people, it can take up to 6-8 weeks.

Generally, the idea is...once the SSRI starts working, the need for the benzo will decrease automatically.  Personally, this is exactly how it has worked for me in the past.  Of course, everyone is different.  Some people with anxiety do not respond well to SSRI's, but you really have to give them ample time to really know.  Also, there are a variety of meds out there if one isn't effective.

In addition, if the SSRI ends up not being very helpful...there are other options, like a long-acting benzo (ie Klonopin, Valium) that can be taken indefinitely for anxiety/panic.  These meds do not share the "tolerance" issues (needing a higher and higher dose to achieve the same effect) with the shorter acting benzos like Ativan, Xanax...etc.

Hope this helps.  Please be patient during the transition and definitely consult with your doctor along the way.  Depending on how long you've been on the SSRI and your dose...you MAY need a dosage increase....but of course....that is something you and your doctor should be deciding TOGETHER.

Good luck and keep us posted how you are doing!!!

[cj29]

First off, please do not self medicate.  Always ensure you are in consultation with your prescribing doctor whenever there is a change to your dosage or schedule.  Medications affect different people in different ways.  It depends on ADs you are on and which benzos you are on that affect all of these different things.  Keep us posted.