Literally on the Edge

[Toraaay]

Hi you guys. I saw this and maybe thought I could gain a little reassurance. I started developing panic attacks on zoloft (we think my body started to outgrow it since i was on it 4+ years). So I started to wean myself off of it. Then, my fanily and I moved to Georgia, and it was ok for a while. I started taking Buspar to help with GAD because anxiety messed with my stomach. Then it became scary to leave the house, because I would have panic attacks everywhere. So mu doctor put me on lexapro. That was literally the worst thing I have ever experienced. I had constant adrenaline rushes, and I felt like I wasnt in my body, and I was just going to float up to heaven. I developed severe panic attacks. Usually lexapro makes it worse before it gets better, but I was taking it for over a month at that point. When I stopped taking it, I felt vetter. Then my doctor put me on Clonodine, and it feels just like lexapro. Im getting adrenaline rushes, my hair is falling out, I cant sleep, and I feel a terrible sense of impending doom or dread. Thid id also supposed to increase my anxiety at first, but I cant take it. I just hope its not the medicine and not me. Im so terrified. I dont know what to do.

[Sulley66]

Toraaay, I am sorry you are going through this. But, rest assured, you are not alone. Lots of us have been there and I can promise you that you WILL be OK and will feel "normal" again.

I know it's very hard to believe that when you are in the middle of what you are experiencing, but it is true.

Panic attacks seem scary, but remember they don't last. They are just scary thoughts that frighten you causing your body to release adrenaline which creates the symptoms that scare us more (trembling, sweating, blurry vision, tight chest, etc.)

When a panic attack starts, tell yourself "it's just a panic attack, I'm not going crazy or dying, it will be over soon and I can't relax and wait it out". This takes away the power of panic attacks and they go away. When we are afraid of them, they keep coming back because we are worried about having one.

Don't give up on finding the right medication, there are sooo many options these days. Keep bugging your doctor until you find what works for you because something will.

I've been on Paxil (paroxitine) for 15 years or so and it still works for me. Some people say that's too long, but I say if it's not broke don't fix it. Quality of life is too important.