Benzos...What To Believe???

I seem to recall reading quite often about others here that take SSRIs and benzos... Hopefully they will be along soon to fill you in.

Is your doc the type that feels that "less medicine is best"? (mine is like that!). It may be more a matter of his personal preference... Since its only 5 weeks, could it be lingering "withdrawal" that is making you feel bad right now?

Take care,
Karen

Benzo's can be very addictive and sometimes people get to the point where they cant get through the day without taking it. They are very good for short term use when anxiety is bad but in the long term they arent ideal.
I took lorazepam for a month until my antidepressant kicked in and then I was slowly weaned off it and I found my effexor was helping with the anxiety. Even small doses can be addictive in some people and it becomes a reliance issue and then a psychological issue in the sense that you dont think you can manage the day without it so you end up being anxious becuase you arent having it. Its a vicious circle and believe me -Ive been there.
I know its easier said than done, but see if you can find other ways to manage your anxiety or enquire about a pyschologist and CBT.

I have found other methods to cope with the anxiety and I have found that my effexor does help reduce the amount of anxiety I feel. I still get panicky but my doctor is very relutant to prescribe any benzos as she tells me that sooner or later people have to find other coping strategies.
I have found creativity helpful and when I feel panicky, I turn up my relaxing music and paint! I know this sounds mad but it does help. Yoga and breathing exercises have benefited me too. There are lots of ways to manage anxiety but I know its not easy.

Talk with your doctor about your options nd about weaning yourself off of the benzo. Dont stop it suddenly or you can have withdrwawl symptoms.
Take care