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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Squiggles on October 27, 2004, at 9:17:00
I haven't had a panic attack
for 5 years now. I used to
get them daily at approximately
the same time of day (evening around
9 - 11 p.m.).I stopped having panic attacks
when I successfully withdrew
from the benzodiazepine Xanax (alprazolam).
This may sound paradoxical, but it may
be explained by either of two incidental
factors: 1. I had reached tolerance on
the benzo, and/or 2. My Synthroid dose
was too high (later lowered). However,
I think it is 1., because the 2. happened
quite some time apart from the withdrawal.You may wonder why I was prescribed
Xanax in the first place -- it was
anxiety and occasional panic attacks.
I was at the time taking Valium irregularly,
and dx'd with bipolar disorder. Go figure:-)So, this is just something I am very happy
about. Daily panic attacks were very
intrusive and I had great difficulty at
work and daily life. I lost my job.It may be of use to some taking this
drug to ask your doctor to monitor the
cause(s) of GAD and panic attacks, in
case they are circumstantial or non-psychiatric
related conditions. I am not proposing
that anxiety is not related to psychiatric
conditions in every case.Just a reminder for those who have not
seen this story before.Squiggles
Posted by mattsit on October 27, 2004, at 9:24:15
In reply to Panic Attacks - a reminder, posted by Squiggles on October 27, 2004, at 9:17:00
Squiggles,
When you lost your job, what did you do? Im terrified to lose my job and lose medical coverage..I dont know what I will do!
Posted by Squiggles on October 27, 2004, at 9:45:02
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks - a reminder, posted by mattsit on October 27, 2004, at 9:24:15
> Squiggles,
>
> When you lost your job, what did you do? Im terrified to lose my job and lose medical coverage..I dont know what I will do!I applied for some other jobs, and got one
part-time for a while. If you are ill however, some companies will give you coverage for disability.
I am not sure if you are in the States - policies
are different in different countries.But I would not worry about "what will I do?"
As I said, you may ask your doctor for assistance
in raising your dose or weaning you off, or
getting another drug if necessary for panic attacks. Each person may have different conditions.Squiggles
Posted by mattsit on October 27, 2004, at 9:50:36
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks - a reminder, posted by Squiggles on October 27, 2004, at 9:45:02
Yeah I know what you mean, you cant predict the future and there's not logical reason to worry about it over and over again, but Im stuck in a rut of worry and insecurity. I started Lexapro last week (1 week almost) and im still feeling the rush of panic and anxiety with every little thing I come up against....Im hoping this starts helping soon!
Posted by Squiggles on October 27, 2004, at 10:02:05
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks - a reminder, posted by mattsit on October 27, 2004, at 9:50:36
I'm not familiar with this drug. Have
you checked to see what the average time
of "stability" is? If you continue to
be nervous on, the common sense thing to
do is report that to your doctor.I should have mentioned that I lack common
sense myself, and never report to my doctor
until the very last minute of desperation.I'm shy.
Squiggles
Posted by mattsit on October 27, 2004, at 10:13:56
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks - a reminder, posted by Squiggles on October 27, 2004, at 10:02:05
Squiggles,
I am also shy...and didnt seek medical help until i felt so desperate the choices were a bridge or the doctor's office...Honestly, i felt so trapped, and still feel under the gun.
Posted by Squiggles on October 27, 2004, at 10:19:05
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks - a reminder, posted by mattsit on October 27, 2004, at 10:13:56
How long have you been on Lexapro?
Have you been feeling ill on the drug
and not seeking medical attention?Squiggles
Posted by mattsit on October 27, 2004, at 11:31:26
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks - a reminder, posted by Squiggles on October 27, 2004, at 10:19:05
Squiggles,
No, i've been on lexapro one week...I dont feel ill on it. I felt anxiety and scared to live before I started taking it...out of control, etc. I'm hoping that Lexapro will help me be the old me again.
Posted by Squiggles on October 27, 2004, at 12:08:52
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks - a reminder, posted by mattsit on October 27, 2004, at 11:31:26
I got the impression that it was THIS drug
that was causing you nervousness. I sent
a URL of side effects - but i think it did
not go through. From what i read of the
descriptions of this SSRI on the net, anxiety
does not figure largely as a common side effect.However, I have heard that SSRIs can cause
this, particularly upon discontinuation.In any case, if this drug is not improving
your mental state, a visit to the doctor is
a must, imho.I have a friend who just let the adverse
effects go on ad infinitum and got quite ill.
It was a very stressful experience.With psychiatric drugs which take a long time
and a big chunk of your life, you have to
be vigilant.Good luck.
Squiggles
Posted by jujube on October 27, 2004, at 12:34:51
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks - a reminder, posted by mattsit on October 27, 2004, at 11:31:26
I'm sorry to hear you are having such a bad time of it. You have to continue to believe that things will get better. You have only been on Lexapro for a week, and, from my own experience with other SSRIs, increased anxiety/agitation/nervousness can be start-up side effects. You might want to place an emergency call to your doctor to see if he/she can prescribe a small amount of Xanax or Klonipin to help with the anxiety while your body adjusts to the Lexapro. When I went on Paxil years ago, my doctor gave me some Xanax, and it really helped me get through the initial increased anxiety until the Paxil kicked in.
I know it is awful feeling this way. You have to have faith that things will get better. And, remember, keep your doctor informed of how you are feeling and how you are reacting to the medication.
Tamara
> Squiggles,
>
> No, i've been on lexapro one week...I dont feel ill on it. I felt anxiety and scared to live before I started taking it...out of control, etc. I'm hoping that Lexapro will help me be the old me again.
Posted by Squiggles on October 27, 2004, at 13:03:45
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks - a reminder » mattsit, posted by jujube on October 27, 2004, at 12:34:51
URL from a Google search on Lexapro side effects:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lexapro_ad.htm
and general
In particular the question
"When will i start feeling better?"
is answered here:
When will I start feeling better?
"In clinical studies, many patients treated with LEXAPRO began to feel better within 1 or 2 weeks, although the full effect may take 4 to 6 weeks. You should follow up with your healthcare professional or doctor and report your progress."
Squiggles
This is the end of the thread.
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