Posted by Pandora on January 9, 2001, at 18:46:57
In reply to Re: Meds for Agoraphobia with Panic Attacks? » Pandora, posted by Jackster on January 9, 2001, at 2:48:32
> > > Can anyone recommend a good med for agoraphobia with Panic attacks? I was on Paxil for 3 years which was great - but came slowly off it. The Panic attacks came back, and when I went back on the Paxil it wasn't as effective.
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> > When I was a senior in high school, about 11 years ago, I had severe panic disorder with agoraphobia. The only thing that finally worked for me was Prozac. (Of course, back then, Prozac was the latest "miricle drug" and many of the other SSRIs were not yet available.) However, it did work and allowed me to participate in therapy and slowly regain my life. (I realize therapy is not necessary for everyone, but I had suffered for several years already and had many habits to "unlearn") Anyway, I agree that since you responded favorably to Paxil, any of the other SSRIs would, hopefully, help. One caution with Prozac - start with a LOW dose (like 2.5 mg) for a week and titrate up SLOWLY! I experienced the worst panic attacks I've ever had when I tried taking 20 mg a day from the start... it builds up too quickly in the system and can cause anxiety - not a good thing for someone already suffering! Anyway, have some xanax, etc. on hand just in case. Good luck!
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> The doctor recommended Prozac via phone consultation (couldn't see him for a month) so I got a script from my GP for it and started on 20mg per day - and yes, also had the worst panic attacks of my life. Am now taking Xanax and slowly recovering from it, hoping that the Paxil will work again.If you can stand to take the chance, try taking the Prozac again, but ask your doc for an Rx of the liquid form so you can start slow and raise the dose gradually. I know that it took me a few months to get brave enough to try it again after the first incident, but in the long run I was glad I gave it a second chance. It really is a good med and one good thing is that because of its long half-life, if you miss a couple doses you don't have the icky withdrawal symptoms like many experience with effexor, Zoloft, etc.
poster:Pandora
thread:51188
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001231/msgs/51306.html