Panic Attacks - Powell,OH

B.,

They are many other medications that might help prevent panick attacks. Some of the antidepressants like paxil are helpful in preventing them. Often it is genetic. I would discuss with you doctor why he doesn't want to try xanax. Probably because it can be addicting. I am a pharmacist familiar with all of these medications

I didn't read the other responses yet, but I too suffered them horribly. I went on Paxil, which affected me in ways I'd rather not say (LOL) and then Wellbutrin, which gave me WORSE attacks. Finally, the doc gave me Zoloft and it was a true life-saver. I had no side effects and I felt "normal" again. HTH. Email me anytime.

I'm so glad that you got some help. I just wanted to add that counseling can be helpful too. Sometimes just meds is simply treating the symptoms but adding therapy can help you with some of the underlying stuff. Good luck.

Hi,
I suffer from anxiety which gives me a feeling of fear (of what, I don't exactly know). I don't really get attacks that come on so strong as your describing but what has helped me is a new drug called Niravam. When I feel any anxiety coming on I can take one Niravam and it works pretty quick. I am also on other meds for depression and anxiety which include Adderall, Cymbalta and Geodon. I'm trying to reduce the dosages and number of meds I am currently on. Mine started with Post Pardum Depression and Anxiety 4 years ago. I was looking for some support groups also but, haven't found any yet in my area. Good Luck.

Hi B.,

Take a look at this website. www.selfhelpsupportgroupforanxietydisorders.com I looked at it myself yesterday and it shed a ray of hope! I'll be calling tonight to confirm that I can attend a support group starting tomorrow. I to suffer from anxiety, depression and had horrible bouts with panic attacks. I've taken Xanax, Xanax XR (which seemed to help the most but was very addicting), Clonopin and several other meds that addressed Deperession as well. I completely understand your fear of nights and snow. I literally had my mother stay with me at night for over a year because I was so sick. I'm 37 years old, divorced, have two children ages 9 and 6 1/2 and I'm on Social Secuirty Disability for Depression and Anxiety. If you find the right therapist/group it can be more beneficial than any medication. However, finding it isn't easy and I understand how uncomfortable/impossible it is to sometimes make ourselves go into those situations. Let me know if you find the web site helpful and if I can help you any further. Right now, it helps me to know I'm not alone because I spend literally all of my time either with my children or by myself. My prayers are with you.
M.

Hi B.~
I too suffer from panic attacks. I don't know if that's what you would call them but it's something. I just had a baby in Sept. 2005. Before having him my big thing was driving. Being in rooms with doors closed and being far away from the doors to get out. But after having my son and going back to work I really started with them. I went to my family Dr. and I was put on Zoloft. It was too high of a dose in the beginning and I am very sensitive to medication to begin with. It made me feel like I was going crazy. I worried about EVERYTHING! I wouldn't drive, I was afraid to be alone, I was afraid that I was bipolar, schizo, depressed, crazy. I was afraid I would turn into one of those women that hurt her baby, or myself. I was also prescribed Xanax to take until the Zoloft kicked in and that did make things alot better. After getting off of Zoloft and starting back on it at a much lower dose I am feeling MUCH BETTER! I am taking 37.5mg of Zoloft whereas he orig. started me at 50mg. No one told me that you are worse before better when taking it also. Needless to say, I have been on Zoloft since May. I haven't taken the xanax (0.5mg) for 6 weeks and I am feeling great. I am able to drive again (but still won't drive on the highway because that's where the first major attack took place). Although lately I am feeling much more confident to. But for me, the zoloft really helped. I am starting to feel like myself again. We also switched my Birth Control pills around a little too, the Dr. seems to think mine is hormonal from having a baby. I worry about everything, think too much about everything, and think the worst about everything and that is starting to go away. Hang in there though, with the right meds and a good Dr. things will turn around for you. You just need a Dr. that is willing to listen and understands what you are going through. I go to a Dr. in Downtown Powell and I love him! He takes the time to listen. And his receptionist also has panic attacks to she can relate. Good Luck with everything! I wish you the best!

B. -

Have you thought about trying to get in to see another doctor? I dealt with panic attacks for awhile and I did end up going to see a specialist who did prescribe an anti-anxiety medication for me, and it worked wonderfully!

I personallly feel if your doctor is denying you help he isn't a very good doctor at all..

Good luck to you sweetie! I know how horrible panic attacks feel and hope you find relief soon!

Hi B.-
I'm so sorry to hear that you deal with panic attacks! They are definatly NOT fun! I've also dealt with them for about 10 years. I started out I think on Xanax and it made me really shaky and just 'out of it'. From there I was prescribed I think 3 other medications (which none of them worked for me). Then I started seeing a new Dr. and he prescribed me Celexa. I have been on Celexa for probably 7 years now and it has been a God send. It has really made a difference in my life and has allowed me to live a normal life. I, too, would have many, many panic attacks throughout the day and would not want to drive anywhere for the fear of having a bad attack in the car, or in a store. Those attacks can really take a toll on a person. After being on Celexa it's probably been a few years since I've even had an attack! Thank GOD! My Dad, who also would suffer from panic attacks, would continually remind me that they will go away and you cannot let them control your life. When one comes on, you have to tell yourself that it is just a silly panic attack and it WILL go away and you WILL get through it. Don't let it control you. Anyway, I hope you can find a cure soon. Feel free to email me anytime if you need more advice. My email address is ____@____.com.

Hello, I also suffer from panic attacks maybe not as frequent but just as painful. The best thing i have tried and worked for almost 3yrs was effexor er and wellbutrin xl together they worked awesome.

B.,

My mother and I suffered from the same thing, though it was more of an adolescent thing for me and I outgrew them. Paxil helped my mother to some degree and the only side effect she noticed was dry mouth. My best friend uses Lexapro, but I think it has something to do with her depression, as well.

Sorry I can't provide more information regarding support groups. Mom never attended.

Hope this helps. Best of luck to you!

HAve you tried getting a new doctor? THe problem with Panic and Anxiety meds is tht you have to keep trying different ones until you findthe one that workss best. Maybe try a combo of an antidepressant with anti anxiety in it like, celexa or lexapro, along with something milder than Xanax, like Tranxene. It is less addictive than Xanax. I would search for a psychiatris instead of family MD, they are mor up to date on the meds and can help you decide which works best for your situation. You are not alone! Did you know that 38% of SAHM's were prescribed antidepressant medication in 2004? That's a lot of people that feel just like you.

Hi B., I too suffer from panic attacks especially in the car. I take celexa for depression and my doctor also prescribed alprozolam (for zanax) but if a severe attack hits me, I take ativan, it makes you very sleepy but the attack is gone in a half hour or less. You need to talk to your doctor again, let him know how these attacks are affecting your every day life. I am sure he will help you, if not - find another doctor. I believe there are groups - check with your doctor, free clinics or Pathways or United way groups maybe can give you times and dates. I started 6 1/2 years ago with severe attacks, immediately after the birth of my daughter in the hospital. I did not know what was happening. I also quick smoking cold turkey - and hormones - who knows. It was so horrible, I was not myself. I wanted to hurt myself or just walk away from everything. I could not function when the baby was asleep, but if she was awake and needed me - I was fine. A physchiatrist prescribed ativan and after I took two pills, I was alright again, for quite some time. Then I went to my doctor (Phychiatrist) and he prescribed paxil - no good for me. He switched me to celexa and I have been good with the depression but the panic attacks still hit me, so he increased my mg. and added zanax. I had a complete hysterectomy 2 years ago and in the hospital, they prescribed ativan for my panic attacks and it worked immediately. I know what you mean about breathing and closed doors, I also get visions or thoughts of something terrible is about to happen especially in the car and I just can not function. I cry and I feel my throat closing on me, making it difficult to breathe. (I was in a terrible car accident 3 years ago) and now I do not drive much at all, only if I really have too. Please check with your doctor again and have him refer you to phychiatrist that can help you. I feel your pain and can assure you that there is HELP out there. I WILL PRAY FOR YOU, THINK POSITIVE AND IT WILL BE BETTER. E-mail me back if you would like.
Happiness and health to you B., yours truely, S. H.

B., I don't know if this helps - not everyone has the same reasons for having these.
I had pretty unsettling panic attacks starting in my early 20's... could have been anything, right? Pressure at college, break-ups, being away from home. They continued. My mother was diagnosed with endometriosis (pretty advanced) and after her hysterectomy went on hormone suppliments. She described r symptoms - some sounded like my panic attacks. It made me wonder if the whole thing was hormonal... it was slightly cyclical. I don't know if yours is.
It took visits to 9 diffrent gyn. / doctors before one - an endocrynologist - started asking me some questions about hair loss / growth, cravings for salt / sugar...had me keep a basal temperature chart. We determined I had a slight hormone imbalance - hypo-androgenism (too much adrenyline) which is sometimmes related to Polycystic Ovarian Disorder (I had had large cysts removed from my ovaries) and sometimes endometriosis. A simple synthetic hormone replacement was all it took for me to get back to normal. I was fine and off meds in 6 months. Later, surgery during an apendectomy revealed I in fact had endometriosis, too.
Alright: TMI but... the endocrynologist I saw (in Houston) was so surprised I found him; I was such a textbook case for his research, and I recovered pretty completely.
Maybe it's worth exploring... I had already filled a prescription for Prosac (1991) but hadn't been able to take the medication when I finally found this guy!
Now I'm 40, just had a baby and feel a little whacked out again. Wouldn't be surprised if I'm "hormonal" again, or even starting down that peri-menopausal road. I'll be speaking with my doc here, soon, if this doesn't correct itself with time.
Hope you find a simple answer to a complicated problem.

Hi B.! I've suffered from panic attacks for the last few years and my heart goes out to you for what you're going through. It took my doctor awhile to find out what was going on with me. He finally gave me Zoloft to treat anxiety and it was amazing. I find myself suffering now from postpartum which has made the attacks start coming back, but I've started the meds again [I stopped while pregnant] and am doing better. Keep a strong drive to go on. And believe in your inner strength to beat the attacks. Will power is an amazing thing. Someone to talk to also helps. Good Luck to you.

B.,

My brother recently had the same issue. Xanax made the panic attacks much worse. He tried counseling which he still does and it made a world of difference.

Good luck.

Hi B.,

I feel for you. I suffered from panic attacks in the past and wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy. At the time, my doctor prescribed Paxil for me. I didn't like the idea of being medicated but took it anyway. It didn't stop the attacks from happening so my Dr. gave me a prescription for Xanax. I never took one Xanax pill because he basically scared me about the addition factor. We took another route - the counseling route to see what exactly was triggering the attacks. He had me note exactly what I was doing when each attack came on, what I can remember I was thinking about, how long the attack lasted, where I was, etc. After a few weeks of paying close attention, we determined the cause, or the "trigger". It didn't take too long in my case and, without going into too much detail, we were able to fix the situation. Once we determined the cause, it helped me see clearly and gain control again. My case may not be typical..I didn't suffer for years like you or the other responses you've received. Just wanted to let you know what worked for me.

I wish you the best and hope you can soon find some sort of solution, whether it be a new doctor, different meds or something else.

My aunt suffers from a panic disorder and the best thing that has worked for her is counseling and relaxation tapes and techniques. She went from going into hysterics to learning other ways of coping. Her doctor gave her an anti-depressant and muscle relaxant drug for her situation. I am sure there are groups out there for this...it's a pretty common problem.

I don't know if these are kinda like anxiety attacks but I am on Zoloft and that seems to work great for me. Thanks C.

B.,

I suffered from panic attatcks for a long time. Wellbutrin works wonders. I take 300 mg in the morning, if you take it in the afternoon, it may effect your sleep. It doesn't effect my appitite or sex drive and it hasn't put on weight. Check into it with your doctor and let me know. It usually takes about a month for it to settle in your system and really start working.

Best of luck,

Jennifer

B.,
I suffered from panic attacks for most of my life before I even realized what they were. With the help of some good medication and excellent therapy I have gotten them under control.
The medication that has worked for me is Paxil. I take 40 mg a day and it keeps my anxiety on a pretty even keel. However, I also took Xanax when I first began seeking help for my anxiety, but only as needed. The reason your doctor won't prescribe it is probably because it can be addicting. It sort of makes you feel like you just had a shot of brown liquor. Very relaxing. Really helps to take the edge off. Personally, it was a life saver for me during that time in my life, but I wouldn't want to have to take it daily.
I would recommend you seek treatment (not just medication) for your panic attacks NOW!!! It will help you to recognize where your anxiety stems from so that you can better understand it and therefore get control of it. Don't prolong your suffering. It is probably having an effect on your family, as well as you.
It can be difficult to find a good therapist. Ask your doctor to recommend one and don't give up until you find one that is good. A good therapist won't just tell you what you want to hear, they'll tell you what you need to hear. And if your doctor won't help you get the help you need, FIND A NEW DOCTOR! Mental illness is as real as any other disease. If you had cancer you'd seek help, right? Why should this be different?
I truly hope you will heed this advice. Life is too short and too precious to continue the way you're living right now.

K.

PS - I also teach public school. Maybe that has something to do with our panic attacks:-)

I had my first panic attack one week after my son was born. I had them continuously for 2.5 years, even with medication and therapy. When I changed doctors to one who knew what he was doing, the panic attacks stopped. I am on a number of antidepressants at the moment, but now I am living life to the fullest. I'm am a born again Christian and I believe in divine healing, but I am also not a doctor. I suggest finding a new doctor. Obviously, the one you have now is not listening to you. Some doctors have a God complex about them and think they know it all and you know nothing. My current doctor does not believe that at all. With the right doctor, medication, and therapy, you can get back your life again. Remember, in the times you feel afraid, God has not left you. He is with you and He loves you so much. May God bless you!

Hi there. I too suffered from them in my early 20's. I was afraid to travel far from home and my biggest fear was my health..that something bad was going to happen to me. I first tried Buspar and did not like it, it didn't help me. I was given Paxil and it worked for me. I only took it for a couple months and then stopped and haven't used it since. I don't know whats causing them for you, but what I did was read about anxiety and panic attacks. If I ever feel one come on, I just tell myself that it's all in my head, because that's what the panic is - your mind telling you to panic. But my advice would be is to read about anxiety, possibly look into your life to see what sort of stressors may be causing it. I was in a very unhappy job so I moved and got a new job and mine stopped. But that may not be so for everyone. I'm sure there are groups out there, I don't know if you talk to a therapist or not, but they may have info on that. Of course the internet is always helpful. Good luck to you, I hope they stop soon! People who have never experienced them just have no idea how much it affects your lifestyle.

I have had many patients with this. Is panick attacks the only thing you have been diagnosed with? What is the reason your doc wont prescribe you Xanax? I used to take the antidepressant Effexor to calm me down. My attacks where not like your though. I would maybe ask to see a physc doctor for those meds. Good Luck, I hope it works out for you.

S.

Hello B.,
You certainly deserve to not live with these debilitating feelings. The best advice I can give does not involve medication but rather nutrition, diet, etc. If this is a direction you have not considered, I'd love to share with you how it has helped thousands. Since you're a Christian, I'll include:
Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, attend to my words...For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

Hi B.,

Have you tried a small dosage of Paxil? It takes a couple of weeks to start working but seems to help keep things in perspective. Best of luck.

Sounds to me like you need to change doctors. Sometimes it helps to get a fresh perspective from someone else. Hang in there it will get better.

Hi B.!
I have suffered painc attacks/depression for more years than i would like to think about, but i finaaly got help after having my daughter and am now on Lexapro. It has been wonderful.
The feeling of being "out of control" is gone for me. I have tried other "drugs" and the made me feel "crazier" than w/o the medicine.
Pls get a second opinion. if your doctor doesn't agree with prescriping you with anything then maybe he is not the right doctor for you.
J.
I go to a littl family practice over in Gahanna called OLMO FAMILY PRACTICE, he listens and is very attentive. also try talking to your gynocologist. hope this helps and you feel better soon!

B.;

I have panic attacks as well - they started in my 30's. I believe my family is pre-dispostioned to high anxiety, but it comes out in different forms for my various family members. I started seeing a therapist for my attacks. I have taken Paxil for mine, I have gone on and off them over the last 5 or 6 years. there is also Zoloft, but I didn't like how I felt on it. Every person is different. I have them prescribed by both my family Dr. and by my Therapist's Dr's Assistant who could prescribe medication. If your Dr. will not prescribe you anything - change Dr's. You need someone who will listen to your needs. There are several good books on Anxiety as well that will not cure your attacks, but help you recognize them and instead of fighting them, help you recognize and try to find methods for you to relax you and get you thru them. Try Borders or other good books stores or Amazon online. I'm at work and don't have the book names with me.

Good luck - and there are thousands of people who have anxiety attacks - this world is crazy and fast paced.