Tips for Treating Comorbid Depression and Anxiety

TIPSHEET 4. Pros and Cons of Adjunctive Benzodiazepine
Therapy in Comorbid Depression and Anxiety

Pros

• Rapid reduction in anxiety during antidepressant lag

• Reduces agitation associated with antidepressants in early phase of treatment

• May reduce residual anxiety

Cons

• Cognitive adverse effects

• Psychomotor impairment

• Potential drug interactions

• Potential for tolerance, dependency, and withdrawal effects
 

For further reading, see “Depression and Comorbid Anxiety: An Overview of Pharmacological Options,” by Arun V. Ravindran, MB, PhD and Lakshmi N. Ravindran, MD.