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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SJ on April 2, 2004, at 7:44:31
Have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and panic attacks. For those of you that have experienced this, what are your thoughts on the best meds to treat this? Currently in therapy.
Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences and knowledge.
Posted by Joy on April 2, 2004, at 9:03:46
In reply to Panic Attacks, posted by SJ on April 2, 2004, at 7:44:31
I found Xanax to be best. I never took too much of it; as needed and at nighttime for sleeping. The generic is fine and very inexpensive. Some docs don't like to prescribe but I use it now for years [just a little] and it works very well. Good luck.
Joy
Posted by KathrynLex on April 2, 2004, at 13:14:24
In reply to Panic Attacks, posted by SJ on April 2, 2004, at 7:44:31
Hi SJ,
I have the same diagnosis on top of mild depression. Panic attacks are horrible and I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy.
I currently take 15 mgs of Lexapro and 150 mgs of Wellbutrin. (Wellbutrin is more of an anti-depressant than an anti-anxiety med.) I've had pretty good results with Lexapro.
Klonopin is considered to be the gold standard in anti-anxiety meds. I take it on an as needed basis. Xanax is good too, but it has a lot of side effects. Klonopin is in the same family of drugs as Xanax, but it's the newest one and has fewer side effects.
Another one you might try is Lorazepam.
Best of luck to you!
K.
Posted by SJ on April 4, 2004, at 10:59:51
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks, posted by KathrynLex on April 2, 2004, at 13:14:24
Thanks for the suggestions. Best wishes to the both of you too.
Posted by ku4ns on April 4, 2004, at 16:14:19
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks, posted by SJ on April 4, 2004, at 10:59:51
What describes a panic attack? I've been treated for a little over a year with effexor (with good results) but never have been depressed that I know. I have problems in crowded areas, such as airplanes or going out to eat. Are these the types of problems as in panic attacks? Thanks John
Posted by MichaelJr on April 5, 2004, at 7:16:17
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks, posted by ku4ns on April 4, 2004, at 16:14:19
John,
It doesn't sound like it. If it was a panick attack, you'd probably know. For me, I think I'm going to have a heart attack and die at any moment. I even went to the ER once because I thought my heart was going to fail. So it's usually something relatively short and severe - not really a generalized type of anxiety.
Posted by ku4ns on April 5, 2004, at 14:14:45
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks, posted by MichaelJr on April 5, 2004, at 7:16:17
Thanks for the reply. I believe I have a generalized anxiety that has been undercontrol since I have been on effexor. I guess now i'm having anxiety thinking the problem may come back once I stop the drug. I've been switched to prozac to help with the withdrawal of the effexor. So now its wait and see. John
Posted by celextolex on April 6, 2004, at 13:28:20
In reply to Re: Panic Attacks, posted by ku4ns on April 5, 2004, at 14:14:45
I use propranolol (a beta blocker) - it completely destroys my panic attacks.
> Thanks for the reply. I believe I have a generalized anxiety that has been undercontrol since I have been on effexor. I guess now i'm having anxiety thinking the problem may come back once I stop the drug. I've been switched to prozac to help with the withdrawal of the effexor. So now its wait and see. John
Posted by megmr2 on April 7, 2004, at 18:42:06
In reply to Panic Attacks, posted by SJ on April 2, 2004, at 7:44:31
I was having panic attacks almost every day for two months. I finally went to the doctor and he put me on effexor xr. I've been on the 75mg for almost two months and stopped having the attacks the same day I started taking the medication. I am so grateful for this medication because my life was a living hell before. For me there are few minor side effects (increased appetite, low sex drive, constipation)but nothing I can't handle. Anyway, just thought I would share with you what works for me. How is therapy helping you? I've thought of adding that as well. Hope you are doing better
megmr2
Posted by MsMilly on April 7, 2004, at 20:19:42
In reply to Panic Attacks, posted by SJ on April 2, 2004, at 7:44:31
I began having panic attacks in my mid 20's. After quite a few years and many Dr. visits, tests, emergency room, etc, I finally found someone who diagnosed me correctly. Xanax was a life saver for me then. I had been prescribed antidepressants first (not SRI) and the anxiety was worse. The Dr. said that there was research that said tricyclics could actually make panick attacks worse. He gave me reading material etc.
There are new drugs which I'm sure could help but I know Xanax helped me. I still take it at least once a day but have more problems with anxiety so have tried antidepressants which are for anxiety but have no panick attacks.
This is the end of the thread.
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