A 37-year-old female asked:
I've been diagnosed with clinical depression, anxiety and ptsd. in therapy 2x/wk. taking zanax & effexor (venlafaxine) xl. is this common regimen? thank you kindly!
4 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Arthur Ciaramicolianswered
Clinical Psychology 46 years experience
Depression: Your treatment plan is common, be careful to not overuse zanax as it can be addictive. Good idea to have twice a week therapy, hope your distress lessens very soon.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Raymond Coffinanswered
Clinical Psychology 27 years experience
Yes, with a caution : Yes, combining meds and therapy is common--and effective--in dealing with depression, anxiety, and ptsd. Xanax and Effexor (venlafaxine) xl are common combinations--xanax a fast-acting benzodiazepine that calms anxiety symptoms, and Effexor (venlafaxine) addresses depression. Xanax caution: overuse can lead to dependence. So talk with your doctors about when to take it, and behavioral techniques to limit your need for meds.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Treatment: This is not an uncommon regimen. Xanax (alprazolam) is in a class of medications called benzodiazapines. This is a potent anti-anxiety medication that can lead to tolerance. Because your combination of conditions is not likely to have a quick resolution, would caution about extended use of xanax (alprazolam). See that you seen twice a week for therapy. Cognitive processing therapy, eye movement desensitization & >>>.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 26 years experience
Provided original answer
psychoeducation & group therapy may be very beneficial.
Jul 14, 2013
Dr. Raja Abusharranswered
Family Medicine 22 years experience
SNRI and BZDs: I agree with dr. Fowler and would add that we often make combination of medications for patients that are not "ideal" in other words where a single medication like escitalopram (lexaopro) would have been my first choice for depression and anxiety (separate diagnoses btw) it seems that your doctor felt a rapid acting benzo like Alprazolam (xanax) is warranted. Each patient's treatment is unique.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Heidi Fowler commented
Psychiatry 26 years experience
I agree that an SSRI would have been my first choice too.
Jul 14, 2013
Last updated Dec 30, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.