Posted by Ritch on November 16, 2004, at 9:54:53
In reply to PANIC ATTACKS, Klonopin, Pdoc resistant!, posted by Laree on November 16, 2004, at 8:55:59
> Hi,
> I have ADHD (w/anxiety) and SAD for which I take a combo of Lexapro and Adderall. I have recently developed SEVERE panic attacks besides chronic anxiety. I have HAD to take more than rx'ed (.5 @ bedtime) because it's effects aren't lasting all the way thru my days (I have a highly stressful full time job and many probs at home, too). Now I'm prettymuch out but have run out faster than was expected.
> My pdoc was extremely reluctant to rx me any of this med in the first place--i even had to have others advocate for me. I have been with him for years and don't know what to do--they had even rx'ed me this med once in the past with no problem--but docs in this area got a scare recently with a "benzo-liberal" (illegit.) doc who was "penalized" shall we say.
> Now I'm suffering. and badly. I'm giving a call to my pdoc today and going to try to plead my case, but i'm a wreck about it. What can I do??
> The Klonopin helps me sooo much, allows me to feel 'normal'. I know I need at least 1 mg total/day to be able to function normally. I am having bad panic right now and need some support, please. Anyone else been in this sort of predicament??
> L.
>
>
>You need to schedule an appt. with your pdoc asap. AFter you get in there, you need to explain that you have got to get the panic attacks under control. I've had a similar panic spinout in the past and it was related to stimulants. You may need to discuss using something other than Adderall for your ADHD. Bring up the possibility of stim-induced panic, and what to do about it. Perhaps you would be better off on a TCA for your ADHD, which also would have an antianxiety and antipanic benefit. Also, ask your doc about doing some blood tests to check your thyroid function, electrolytes, etc., to rule out a medical cause for the panic spells. Willingness to explore and solve the problem will make it easier for them to prescribe enough benzo to get you through the immediate panic states you are in. I don't know in what order your meds got added and what time-frame, etc., but you may be looking at stimulant induced panic-if so you may need to reduce the dose or get off them onto something else. Hope this helps.
poster:Ritch
thread:416624
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041113/msgs/416645.html