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!

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.

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.

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 & >>>.

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.