Posted by wolverine on March 22, 2009 at 09:04:38:

In Reply to: Re: Advice on switching SSRIs posted by Jackson on March 19, 2009 at 18:02:01:

Hi Jackson-
Some differences between SSRIs and benzos, based on what I've experienced and what me
doctor told me.
1. The SSRI doesn't make me feel drugged or sedated (at least not after the first 3-4 days
of break in). I don't notice it kick in. The sleep I get after taking it also feels more natural -
- ie its not a drugged or light sleep (I've read benzo's can suppress deep sleep).
2. The SSRI seems to work on anxiety 24/7. I take it in the evening, but I stlll feel less
tightly wound the next day (even when I don't sleep. The anxiety relief from Benzos seems
to be more temporary ie in the immediate hours after taking it only.
3. Theoretically you don't need to keep upping your dose of an SSRI to get the beneficial
affect, unlike a benzo which have rapidly developing tolerance. I've only been on Lexapro
for 3 months so I can't vouch for whether this is true or not yet.

I've been using hydrocortisone and sleeping in a different bed and my rash has much
improved, so maybe I can manage it or maybe it was some evil mite that was living in the
mattress -- I changed me bedding several times to no avail. I'll monitor my itchy crotch
and take alterantive measures only if it gets worse or spreads! Lexapro has definite helped
with my sleep that I'm loathe to give it up unless I absolutely have to right now. I plan to
taper very slowly after 6 months and see if I can do this and still maintain my good sleep.

Follow Ups:

• Re: Advice on switching SSRIs Jackson 03:42 3/23/09 (0)

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