MEDS - what works for panic disorder/what doesn't?

[creekgirl]

Hi, I'm new here, and it's a great comfort to read your posts and feel I'm not alone in dealing with anxiety and panic disorder. I thought I had gotten these problems under control years ago, but with the covid situation they've come roaring back. Over the years I've managed anxiety with just half a .5 mg Klonopin irregularly as needed. Klonopin is perfect for me! However as a "benzo" I understand it can be addictive if taken regularly, you have to take more to get the same effects over time, and you can be subject to "rebound anxiety." So I'd rather find something else I can take regularly. I had one session with a therapist last week who wanted to put me on Prozac. Yikes! I tried SSRI's (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil) many years ago and they all made me hyper......the last thing I need!

Anyway........what has your experience been with meds used to treat anxiety/panic disorder? Would love to know both your recommendations and warnings.

Thank you so much!

creekgirl

[Agora1]

Hi creekgirl, as you know I'm sure, finding the right medication is

but a trial and error effort. After being on a benzo for years, I asked

to be taken off it and was put on Lexapro. I was one of the lucky ones

where the medication and dosage were just right for me.

I've never suffered with depression and always thought that was the only

reason doctors prescribe SSRIs...Little did I know that it works great for

anxiety as well. Of course, like anything else, getting off the drug one day

may be a struggle. But I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Good Luck to you. xx

[creekgirl in reply to Agora1]

Thank you, Agora1! By your user name can I assume you've had issues with agoraphobia? That's been my biggest problem over the years. Never quite housebound, but limited to varying degrees. I've been both anxious and depressed, but always suspected the anxiety came first and caused the depression. So it seemed treating the anxiety would be treating the root problem and maybe the depression can take care of itself.

In any case, glad to hear you don't have depression issues. It's helpful to know Lexapro can be effective for panic disorder!

Best of smooth sailing to you!

creekgirl

[Agora1 in reply to creekgirl]

Yeppers creekgirl, I was Agoraphobic (totally homebound) for 5 years.

Never again. I've got my life back now. Even with the lockdown, it's good

to know that my anxiety isn't keeping me in. Good Luck to you. I care xx

[creekgirl in reply to Agora1]

WOW. Congratulations! Did the Lexapro help or CBT or both or ???

In any case.......wonderful to hear. Thank you for the encouragement and hope!

xoxox!

[Agora1 in reply to creekgirl]

The "key" was in me all this time. Medication/Therapy helped but unless I

consciously made the decision to go forward, I would continue to stay stuck.

creekgirl, it's an amazing feeling and I am here as well as the others to help

you through your journey. You are not alone anymore. xx

[creekgirl in reply to Agora1]

I am so touched, Agora1!!! Thank you for your generosity of spirit!

I know what you mean about just wanting to do it bad enough. For 30 years I was limited to about a 30 mile radius but longed to hike and kayak and camp further off places. I'd pour over maps and photos of places I wanted to be. The little bit of Klonopin I took to venture further and further was probably secondary to my deep desire.......AND significantly, the loving tolerance of a very dear boyfriend. I trusted him to accept me whether I could "make it" or not, and turn around if I requested. Trusting him on that meant I never felt the need to make the request. So I have to give a lot of credit to him.

That being said, I never was totally "cured." I haven't been on an airplane and my comfortability zone was still only a driving distance of a few hours. But that was enough to take me to the forests and rivers I longed to experience.

Unfortunately now it seems I'll have to start over. This spring has really knocked me to my knees : (

[Mike7777]

Meditation, lifestyle changes, natural supplements vitamins. Ssris didnt work for me benzos did particular lorazepam. Not addictive unless you abuse it like anything.

[creekgirl in reply to Mike7777]

Thanks, Mike. I guess Lorazepam is related to Clonazepam (Klonopin) which to me has been my "fail-safe" taken irregularly in a half dose when I anticipated or faced a particularly difficult challenge. These days I wish I could take it every day.

Any thoughts out there on BuSpar? When I told my primary I don't tolerate SSRI's well, that's what he prescribed, but I've yet to try it. I'm so leery of possible physical and mental side effects of substances unfamiliar to me.

[Mike7777 in reply to creekgirl]

You gotta atleast give em a try i did, they made me worse so i stopped. Simple. I got over it. At one point i was taking my benzos everyday. Ive had zero withdrawl. I was not on a very high dose .5mg 1mg. Still take it to this say occasionally. My tolerance has gone up but thats normal with ANYTHING. You never know buspar could maybe help you? If you have a good doctor he will want you to have improved quality of life and will help you with med management.

[creekgirl in reply to Mike7777]

Yes, I tried Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil years ago. They made me so restless I thought I'd jump out of my skin. And weird cravings for things I could not identify, like a constant insatiable longing for something unknown. The doctor said I'd feel better by UPPING the dosages! That only made matters worse.

I understand SSRI's do a lot of people a lot of good, but not me. I practically get PTSD remembering them. I might try the BuSpar but want to read more about side effects. I'm an older person with some health issues I don't want to take chances with.

[Mike7777 in reply to creekgirl]

I am the same as you when it comes to ssris. Upping the dose made me worse. Im 28 and pretty active for the most part. Excersise helps. For my panic attacks in particular lorazepam has worked the best. Maybe u should see what your doc says about buspar side effects with your health conditions.

[creekgirl in reply to Mike7777]

Thanks, Mike. That's a good idea. Unfortunately my primary is a busy kind of guy. Actually a big part of my anxiety problem has been months scaring myself researching health-related stuff on my own. I've had chest pains since February unexplained by a number of tests. Google "chest pains" and the first thing you see is CALL 9-11. Months of seeing that could put anyone on edge. It's possible the chest pains are anxiety, creating a vicious circle. And of course covid is a whole 'nother source of stress for us all.

[SushiMonster]

Hi there! I am new to this as well, COVID brought so much depression & anxiety to the surface for me, it overwhelmed me to an unimaginable degree. I stopped sleeping, eating, wanting to do anything but sit & ruminate on the panic that was happening in the world. I am now on Zoloft + Ativan at night to help me sleep (1.5mg). I know it is potentially addictive, BUT otherwise I am up until 3-4am with a mind that will not quit. I am also starting CBT therapy this week (excited!) and would highly recommend this book "When Panic Attacks" by David Burns. It makes me feel like I am not losing my mind & that I am not alone, AND that this is treatable, even without meds. Reading about my condition really provides a validation of my feeling plus solutions on how to deal with them. I carry the book with me from room to room in my house, underline passages & just have it as a security blanket to read when I start to feel like I'm slipping into anxiety. I wish you the best! We're all in this together!

[creekgirl in reply to SushiMonster]

Oh, SushiMonster, I so much relate! My mind works overtime too. Besides personal fears and anxieties, a general sense of grief, so much suffering out there. And who knows when/if the world will ever be the same. I'm sorry.......I know we are all struggling to keep our spirits up. I'll look for the book. THANK YOU for the recommendation!

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Sounds as if a lot of you have suffered during lockdown. I must admit my worst problem was boredom....it's good now that the lockdown is easing and things will get back to near normal! I've heard of Buspar and its for anxiety if my memory serves me correctly. I guess it's worth a try.