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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Catgirl on June 8, 2004, at 19:12:52
Wow. I am so glad that I found a site where other people share my issues. I developed a raging panic disorder six months ago. I fainted unexpectedly and had many, many near-misses after that. My doctor put me on buspar (the generic form) and that helped for about 4 months. Had to take it at night because of the dizziness. Then, I had a panic attack behind the wheel. So, now my doctor wants to switch me to Lexapro with Xanax (as needed). I have to say,I am really scared about changing medications. Although the buspar wasn't doing the trick anymore, I am afraid of the lapse until the Lexapro starts working.
The worst is that the panic happens when I drive because I'm afraid that eventually I won't be able to work due to lack of transportation.
Anyway, now I am rambling. Any support you guys can give would be really, really appreciated!
Posted by lelebug on June 8, 2004, at 21:00:06
In reply to LEXAPRO VS. BUSPAR, posted by Catgirl on June 8, 2004, at 19:12:52
Hey Catgirl-
Meow. I took Buspar. It didn't do much at all for my panic attacks. Mostly made me crabby and irritable. I have had some major attacks that have been very debiliatating too. So I know what your talking about totally. My Dr put me on Lexapro and it was such a great thing for me. I've been on it for about 6 months. It's helped decrease my depression. Helped boost my mood. And my panic attacks are few and far between.
I understand what your talking about being scared about the meds switch. But you shouldn't worry. Your Dr has given you xanax which is great for panic attacks. It really takes care of them for me in no time at all. I think this has been one of the best reliefs for me so far. Have you been diagnosed with anything yet? Like Bipolar or GAD's? I did a lot of research on the internet after I was diagnosed with Bipolar II. That also helped me understand a lot of what was going on with my body and mind. It really validated what I was feeling. It also helped me to educate people around me. A lot of my family just thought I was being a drama queen. My Dr currently has me on Wellbutrin 300mg Lexapro 20mg Xanax as needed Trileptal 600mg. The combination has been great. You may find that for panic attacks a combination of things helps a lot. If you have any other questions definitely come to this site. It has helped me with a lot of my questions. Good luck to you.
Posted by shadows721 on June 9, 2004, at 1:23:09
In reply to LEXAPRO VS. BUSPAR, posted by Catgirl on June 8, 2004, at 19:12:52
I take the buspar with the lexapro with no problem. I found that Lexapro worked right away, but the side effects kicked in too. Just hang with them. They do get better.
Posted by linkadge on June 9, 2004, at 7:42:51
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO VS. BUSPAR, posted by shadows721 on June 9, 2004, at 1:23:09
do you find that the wellbutrin makes your panic attacks worse ??
Linkadge
Posted by MGOLDW on June 9, 2004, at 10:33:30
In reply to LEXAPRO VS. BUSPAR, posted by Catgirl on June 8, 2004, at 19:12:52
Lexapro and Xanax (as needed) is a great combo!
Just prepare yourself for a rough 2-3 weeks. This happens when starting Lexapro, but the Xanax will help you deal with the SE's. Within a few weeks, you will feel much better and eventually you will not need the Xanax anymore; just for emergency in case of a panic attack.
Good luck!
Posted by Catgirl on June 9, 2004, at 17:20:33
In reply to LEXAPRO VS. BUSPAR, posted by Catgirl on June 8, 2004, at 19:12:52
Thank you all for your replies, which are very encouraging. I started the Lexapro this morning. I felt pretty uncomfortable for most of the day (a spat with a co-worker first thing didn't help)and had a hard time concentrating. My memory was a little weird also. Something happened during the day and I found myself wondering later if it happened at all--sort of an "unreality" feeling.
Do these side effects sound familiar to you all?
I am proud of myself though, I got up and walked this morning (doc says that will help) and avoided the Xanax all day.
Posted by Catgirl on June 9, 2004, at 17:36:20
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO VS. BUSPAR, posted by MGOLDW on June 9, 2004, at 10:33:30
> Lexapro and Xanax (as needed) is a great combo!
> Just prepare yourself for a rough 2-3 weeks. This happens when starting Lexapro, but the Xanax will help you deal with the SE's. Within a few weeks, you will feel much better and eventually you will not need the Xanax anymore; just for emergency in case of a panic attack.
> Good luck!
Thanks so much. Can you tell me what "a rough 2-3 weeks" meant for you? I feel tired today, and unfocused.
Posted by MGOLDW on June 9, 2004, at 18:44:45
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO VS. BUSPAR, posted by Catgirl on June 9, 2004, at 17:36:20
By rough, I mean, in my case, severe anxiety, nausea, insomnia, jitters, flu-like symptoms, headache and being VERY tired!
But after 3 weeks, everything get better and by week 6, I felt great.
Posted by Mariposa on June 9, 2004, at 20:20:04
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO VS. BUSPAR, posted by MGOLDW on June 9, 2004, at 18:44:45
> By rough, I mean, in my case, severe anxiety, nausea, insomnia, jitters, flu-like symptoms, headache and being VERY tired!
> But after 3 weeks, everything get better and by week 6, I felt great.Ditto for me, called in sick whole 2nd week, w/above + diahrea, increased depresson, and jaw clenching. Most se's gone wk.3. Felt *better* wk.9
Hang in there, it DOES get better.~~~8|8
Posted by lelebug on June 9, 2004, at 21:25:42
In reply to question for lelebug, posted by linkadge on June 9, 2004, at 7:42:51
Wellbutrin was the first thing I started to take medication wise. So no it didn't help with my panic attacks at all. It did ease my depression a bit. And then as I upped the dose it eased it more. But I would snap at my family and friends. That is when my doc added the Lexapro. That is when I began to get a bit of relief from the panic attacks. I also began to sleep better. Wellbutrin made it very hard to sleep. Hope this answers is what you were looking for. If not please feel free to ask me anymore questions. Have a good day.
Posted by Catgirl on June 10, 2004, at 17:40:54
In reply to LEXAPRO VS. BUSPAR, posted by Catgirl on June 8, 2004, at 19:12:52
My second day of Lexapro and, after a groggy start, I felt pretty good! I actually sat through a stressful meeting with blessedly few anxious moments!
I also found out that I have a friend that has taken Lexapro for about a year and had very few side effect, even in the beginning.
This is the end of the thread.
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