Anxiety and panic attacks

[CAGgmb]

Since I was a child, I've suffered on and off from anxiety and panic attacks. In 2005 I finally saw a psychiatrist who prescribed 20mg paroxetine which I could cut in half if I felt good, then go back up to 20mg if needed. That's exactly what I did early in November. The anxiety got worse. It's now been 5 weeks. I even went to an emergency room 3 weeks ago. I saw my primary care physician, saw an online psychiatrist once, saw a therapist/clinical psychologist twice. She said my next step is to see a nurse practitioner about meds. That appointment is in about a month. Everyone else said for now just keep going with the 20mg paroxetine. It's so hard to get through every single day, though. I keep going, but it's hard to distract myself too many times.

[CAGgmb]

The therapist thought the nurse practitioner would be enough, but there also is a psychiatrist available at this center if needed. Two days ago I saw my primary care provider, who checked physical issues and ordered bloodwork, which I had done. The doctor advised me to stay on the current paroxetine dose until I see the nurse practitioner in January. It's been 5 weeks and I still have so much anxiety. The doctor thought it just might take more time. You are very kind to step in and help. Just knowing there are people like you is important. Thank you.

[Jstbcuz in reply to CAGgmb]

They may be saying nurse practioner because of wait time to see psychiatrist. I would call every morning to see if there is cancelation. Psychiatric nurse practioners in mental health only deal in mental health. Take a look at all of the stressors in your life. Please know anxiety is nothing more than FEAR (false evidence appearing real). Be aware of what your telling yourself.

Continue the Paraoxetine. You don't want to abruptly go off of it. Meditate Daily no matter how hard it is to focus. Journal your thoughts daily as well until you can see the ARNP. She may give you something in addition to an antidepressant that will help you relax.

My heart goes out to you. I have been there. It feels like it will never go away. But it will go away. I promise. The best thing you can do for yourself now is to listen to some meditation and relax your body and mind. Keep doing this at least if not 2x daily. Change negative thinking with positive thinking as much as you can. Try to keep busy. I know its hard but it does work. I hope this helps.

((((HUGS))))

[CAGgmb]

Yes, you make sense. Thank you.

[designguy]

I found meds helped manage my anxiety/panic but did not solve it. It took learning what it really is and how to constructively deal with it and that anxiety is a paradox, the more you fight or resist it the more it persists. So the solution is to surrender to the anxious feelings and let them flow through you and dissipate and to also never believe the anxious thoughts, they are just lies. I found the DARE Anxiety book and youtube videos very helpful and also practicing simple mindful meditation to learn to detach from my anxious thoughts.

[RMHiker]

My psychiatrist suggested I not even use the word anxiety. Call it a silly name so it doesn't seem so scary anymore. I said, how about "wookie"? It really works! If I say, I feel wookie, that seems silly and makes me smile.

[Afraidfortoolong]

I have had panic disorder for 25 years. The more I try to get rid of it, the worse it gets. "What you resist persists kind of situation." Taking medicine for it is apparently part of the problem with the disorder continuing because it is constantly telling yourself that something is wrong with you and you are broken. I am not saying stop taking your medication but you may want to work with a doctor to eliminate it at some point and try some good CBT. Through CBT I have learned that it stems from an issue with my amygdala. Maybe some trauma or major stress that trained my amygdala that the world is a dangerous place. That anxiety and panic attacks are dangerous and bad. However, the amygdala is capable of reprogramming itself in a very short amount of time to see that anxiety and panic attacks are not dangerous. Then you will feel normal again. Just need to be brave enough to prove it to yourself. I would recommend checking out Dr. Harry Barry. He has a lot to say about treating panic disorder and anxiety. youtu.be/ZE9vllbn9Rc(Not working as expected?). Best wishes! I know it feels horrible but the more you focus on it, the worse it will get. You need to find a way to shift your focus to some positive things and watch what you feed your mind. Try meditation or acceptance. Try to accept whatever you feel as much as possible. If you resist, you are paradoxically pouring gasoline on a fire.

[Frankie24]

I agree with liam2013, you really need to find a good psychiatrist. Often these types of disorders are far to complex for a nurse practitioner to manage. Even some of the best psychiatrist have a hard time helping to manage anxiety and panic. It is not just medication but good therapy based combination. I hope you find the help you need as this can be so very debilitating and one should not have to suffer with the right help. ❤️

[Dansing]

Your Dr need to change your medication , with something you can tolerate. You should not take a medicine that makes you feel worst.

I changed 5 meds until somethings really helped me.

I was prescribed Zoloft that made my anxiety and panic attacks so bad that I was ready to call the ambulance.

I took it for 2 weeks.

Than stopped.

They gave me Escitalopram, and this med helped me to cut down on benzos.

[Eddie83]

Have you ever had a thorough thyroid workup? Fading thyroid can cause anxiety & panic. I would recommend a full panel that includes the T3 & T4 frees, not just TSH.

[CAGgmb in reply to Eddie83]

Thank you, Eddie. I had bloodwork done last Thursday when I saw my PCP. Waiting for results now

[AmandaC1001]

I have been exactly where you are. It seems like it will never get better, but it does! You need to find the medication that works for you. I was taking Paxil when I was first diagnosed with anxiety & panic disorder. I got pregnant & had to stop taking it. I thought as soon as I had my baby I could start taking it again & feel better. No such luck… I went through 3 or 4 different medications & finally started on celexa. I also take klonopin as needed. It may take trying some different medications to find the right one for you. But you WILL feel better! HUGS!!