differences in meds

[leaffan]

Greetings;

What difference is there between the effectiveness and usage of anti-anxiety medications; for example, lorazepam

versus diazepam. I'm thinking mainly in terms of treating generalized anxiety disorder.

Thanks for your help

[Paxiled]

Effectiveness varies with the person, so it's all trial and error.  There's also the problem of short acting compared to long acting, because the short acting ones build to tolerance faster and are usually more difficult to quit, and the dosage has to often be increased more frequently.  All benzos are addictive, but anti-depressants are no picnic, either.  The benzos were originally for seizures, so you also have to be careful quitting them too quickly so as not to set one off, but you can't quit an anti-depressant quickly, either.  For example, I believe in your two examples, valium is longer acting than lorazepam, but lorazepam kicks in more quickly.  But that's for most people.  Generally when they want to keep one on a benzo for a long time they go with clonazepam, which is the longest acting and least likely to lead to tolerance, but still can be difficult if one wants to stop taking it.  Do your homework by googling this stuff; you'll find docs vary greatly in how well they understand or care about understanding these meds.

[leaffan]

Just a note to thank you for your answer to my query regarding meds.
I'm currently being treated with CBT, and have found that approach
quite helpful

[Brenndy]

Hi Leaf,

Best I can ascertain, your question is two-fold.  

In answer to the former, the two medications you named are prescribed more often for muscle spasm/tension.  However, in certain cases, they are also prescribed for varying categories of anxiety, and in some cases, even agoraphobia/social anxiety.

Regarding the current gold standard treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), psychiatrists are more apt to prescribe an antidepressant.  For approximately the past decade, numerous trials and studies have proven these drugs safer than the previous first-line treatment with benzodiazepines.  However, due to their very high rate of addiction and tolerance, they are currently highly frowned upon in the psychiatric circle.  

Both anxiety and depression can also be treated with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) with or without medication.  

This is a serious discussion that should be discussed with your physician -- several times if need be -- before embarking on a medication regimen, in addition to a complete history and physical.  Be sure to let your physician know if you are taking any medications; OTC or otherwise, as this may have a profound effect on what, if any, medication is prescribed.  

I hope this information is of interest and help to you in your continued search for wellness.