Why did the doc prescribe them? Did you tell him you had general anxiety? Or did you have panic attacks?
Benzos work by enhancing GABA-ergic transmission.
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, a 'chiller'. It chills you out. Laid back people usually have
high levels of GABA. People that are fearful or timid often have very low GABA levels or poor GABA-ergic
transmission. High GABA levels usually make people more social (alcohol affects GABA, which is why so many
people become talkative and outgoing when drinking).
If benzos make you depressed, you probably have plenty of GABA already, and don't really need them unless
you begin to experience a panic attack.
Some people like abusing them recreationally because it gives you a drunken feeling and carefree attitude.
They are very effective drugs for panic attacks, but I feel they shouldn't be used for anything else. Tolerance
develops quickly, they are highly addictive, and withdrawals are a bitch.
Also, the GABA system of the brain is very fragile and hard to repair. If you mess it up with benzos it can take
years for it to recover. Neuros like Dopamine and Serotonin rebuild fairly quickly when people stop using drugs
that affect those systems.... but not GABA. Be careful.