Posted by Cam W. on June 9, 2001, at 10:33:50
In reply to Re: Happen to be lurking around, Cam?, posted by gheld on June 9, 2001, at 9:39:26
Gordon - Yes, I have heard of several suicide deaths from from overdoses of benzodiazepines mixed with alcohol, resulting in respiratory depression. Also, more people have died from taking taking overdoses of benzodiazepines alone (granted, it is rare), while people who have taken massive overdoses of SSRIs alone have recovered without any problems. There have only been a few deaths reported in which someone has died from ingesting overdoses of SSRIs alone, but less than 10 worldwide (I believe).
As to considering the side effects profiles, the top ten side effects listed for any SSRI usually describe the start of side effets of these drugs, and disappear within 2 weeks in a vast majority of people.
The body has adjusted to a lack of serotonin by altering the mix of the other neurotransmitters. With an increase in serotonin, as a result of taking an SSRI, one must expect that the body would have to readjust the mix of other neurotransmitters, hence, the start up side effects.
If the depression/anxiety did not result in a decrease of serotonin and you add an SSRI, then, yeas, you are going to get side effects associated with excess serotonin. These side effects are similar to the start-up side effects and really, the only way to tell the difference is (sometimes) the intensity of the side effect and if the side effect does wane over 2 to 3 weeks.
Let's compare side effets profiles (in no particular order):
Rivotril™ (clonazepam - Klonopin™ -U.S.)
Most Common - CNS depression in approx, 50% of people, respiratory depression, aggressiveness, argumentative behavior, hyperactivity, agitation, depression, euphoria, irritability, forgetfulness, confusion, nystagmus, unsteady gait, slurred speech, dysarthria, vertigo, palpitations, gynecomastia, hallucinations, muscle weakness, low back pain, increased appetite, nocturia, hypersecretion in upper respiratory tract, urinary retention, enuresis....Prozac™ (fluoxetine)
Start-up side effects - headache, nervousness insomnia, anxiety, emotional lability, nausea, tremor, dizziness, diarrhea/constipation, myalgia, flu-like sympoms, anorexia.....Long-term side effects - decreased libido, anorgasmia, increased appetite, excessive sweating, fatigue, twitching, change in accomodation, acne, back pain, joint pain, dry skin, urinary tract infection, painful menstruation....
Choose your poison. (ref. Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties, 2000).
BTW - If your doc does not spend time with you, find one that does; one that you can trust and trusts you. My pdoc and I work closely together to monitor my progress. He is only a phone call away, day or night.
- Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:65576
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010605/msgs/65912.html