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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Bruce on January 1, 2001, at 13:59:13
About 10 years back I had my first Panic Attack. I stopped having them after a short period using Xanax.
Over the years I have have had a few more and again they were stopped with Xanax.I've had anxiety over the years ( sometime worse than others) and have tried so many medications I cant name them all. I've had the same problem with all of them, they seem to bring on Panic Attacks. (The feeling of being druged also makes my anxiety worse).
My anxiety has been very acute for a few months now. Two weeks ago I started taking PAXIL. I took 10mg for the first week and then went to 20mg. That nite I woke up with a major panic attack. I didn't take any more after that but I haven't been the same since(also experencing a couple more attacks since).
Now I'm afraid to try anything else!
Posted by MB on January 1, 2001, at 14:32:45
In reply to Fear of taking medication, posted by Bruce on January 1, 2001, at 13:59:13
I, too, am afraid to try any more meds. I've tried all the antidepressants sans MAOIs, and none have worked (well maybe for the first few days, which is odd in itself). Lasting side effects for me have been facial tics (and that's one month off of all meds). In talking to people experienced with mood disorders, it has been sugested that I might try a mood stabalizer (ADs send me up the wall pulling my hair out--figuratively). From what I've read, it seems SSRIs are mild compared to drugs like lithium (with the damage it does to the thyroid) and Depakote (hair loss, liver damage). I'm trying to deal now without meds--working through my "issues"--but it's hard when the mood swings seem to be unrelated to external events. I just hang on and know that in a couple of hours I will be better.
> About 10 years back I had my first Panic Attack. I stopped having them after a short period using Xanax.
> Over the years I have have had a few more and again they were stopped with Xanax.
>
> I've had anxiety over the years ( sometime worse than others) and have tried so many medications I cant name them all. I've had the same problem with all of them, they seem to bring on Panic Attacks. (The feeling of being druged also makes my anxiety worse).
>
> My anxiety has been very acute for a few months now. Two weeks ago I started taking PAXIL. I took 10mg for the first week and then went to 20mg. That nite I woke up with a major panic attack. I didn't take any more after that but I haven't been the same since(also experencing a couple more attacks since).
>
> Now I'm afraid to try anything else!
Posted by r.anne on January 1, 2001, at 14:38:39
In reply to Fear of taking medication, posted by Bruce on January 1, 2001, at 13:59:13
Hi. I'm wondering if a low dose of a neuroleptic might not help you. I don't often have panic attacks since I've been on either risperdal or seroquel. I don't know if it is prescribed for your situation, though, you might ask your doctor. These drugs are pretty safe, don't worry. :)
Posted by JohnL on January 1, 2001, at 17:49:57
In reply to Fear of taking medication, posted by Bruce on January 1, 2001, at 13:59:13
> Now I'm afraid to try anything else!I sure understand that. But here are a couple ideas to keep on the back burner for when you are ready to try something the has a higher probability of working well.
In order of priority:
Klonopin.
Valium.
Zyprexa.
Other antipsychotic (Risperdal, Stelazine, Mellaril)
Serzone.Indeed the other meds you've tried can actually cause anxiety. And when they work--if they work--to cure panic attacks, it takes time. One must somehow be able to get through 2 or 3 weeks of seriously increased panic attacks before they start to subside. One must first get a lot worse before getting better! Yikes! I don't like that.
The drugs above though would be good choices with very little chance of making things worse, with the exception of Serzone which sometimes (50/50) causes some anxiety at first. Klonopin would be my top pick at this point. Good ole Valium might be worth a shot too if, after a week, Klonopin doesn't help. No long trials needed with these (unlike antidepressants, thank God!). If neither of those work (you'll know in two weeks) then perhaps the chemistry responsible would be better targeted by Zyprexa, one of the other antipsychotics, or possible Serzone.
The cool thing is that with Klonopin, Valium, or any of the anitpsychotics, you should know within a week, and maybe even the first day, if they are going to work for you. No long trials like the other garbage they gave you.
John
Posted by Aubs on January 3, 2001, at 20:40:27
In reply to Fear of taking medication, posted by Bruce on January 1, 2001, at 13:59:13
>
> Now I'm afraid to try anything else!I certainly understand!! Panic attacks are AWFUL!!! That feeling that won't go away andgets worse the more you think about it.....I tried many things....including good ole fashioned slow breathing (whichmade things worse in times of panic) Everyone is different with meds and reactions. I also did not do well on Paxil. Tried adding buspar which didnot help. Here's what worked for me. Effexor XR!!! The wonder drug:) There are side effects....annoying but not nearly as bad a panic!!! A little upset stomach...loss of appetite....vivid dreams. But those went away as time went on. I also have alprazolam (generic Xanax) as my rescue medicine. In case things get bad. But never rely on it. Anyway, that worked for me...Hope youfind the right thing.
This is the end of the thread.
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