Posted by ZeeZee on January 1, 2003, at 21:37:03
In reply to Re: Panic Caused By Celexa...Study!, posted by Kam on January 1, 2003, at 17:12:21
Kam,
I wish there was a miracle pill, I'd be the first in line if there was!
I highly recommend cognitive behavioral therapy with a competent therapist, if you're not already doing this, as well as the use of the right benzo.You might also find relief with Nardil or Parnate, if you can find a competent physician who is willing to prescribe and monitor. Although they are frequently shunned by physicians MAOI's are in fact highly effective for panic disorder as well as the subsequent phobic avoidance.
However, this issue of dependence - I understand your concerns, I have the same ones - but using benzo's is really no different than a diabetic using insulin, or someone with epilepsy using neuroleptics. There's withdrawal from most of the AD's as well, but that doesn't make one an addict.
Sometimes the combination of CBT with the right benzo is just what it takes to help get this downward spiral going in reverse - back up. You need relief, and you need something that can help you quickly. You might talk to your doc about the use of Klonopin or one of the neuroleptics, like Neurontin. I'm on day 3 with Buspar, and I also use xanax, and St. John's Wort. Panic is infrequent for me, but the anticipatory anxiety and phobic avoidance are real killers.
Ask your doc why the push of the SSRI's? If that's all s/he's got I'd recommend you looking for a new doc.
I wish you all the best. Remember, you are not alone. There are many on this board who have been and currently are where you are right now, and that includes me.
Keep us posted.Regards,
ZeeZee
poster:ZeeZee
thread:133896
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021230/msgs/134052.html