Posted by Glenn Fagelson on July 9, 2001, at 14:54:25
In reply to severe panic disorder...desperate, posted by darkling on July 9, 2001, at 12:07:14
> i have been having panic attacks for almost three years now. at one point i was having them daily-serious ones-with many symptoms. i took paxil for a while and it helped, but i didnt like the way i felt-i wanted meds that would stop the panic attacks while NOT changing anything else. i want to be myself just without the panic attacks. i want to be able to leave my house again... the problem is im 18 and most doctors wont give me a script w/o me seeing a psych on a continual basis. my familys shrink doesnt feel comfortable prescribing me with a fast acting med that i can take just when i feel one coming on because, for the most part, those medications are addictive. im going to be 19 in a month and im dreading commemorating losing another year of my life to this. any advise is welcome! names of lenient psychs, international pharms, herbal alternatives, meds i might not know about... these are supposed to be the best years of my life, but ill never know because im missing them!
Hi Darkling,
When you say "psych", are you talking about
a psychiatrist or psychologist??It's highly advisable to see a psychiatrist on a regular basis for panic
disorder. Xanax is very good for panic attacks; however, as has been said before, it
is addicting stuff if you take it everyday;
however, if you can take "drug holidays" with
the Xanax, then you will be able to avoid
addiction and drug tolerance. When you see a
psychiatrist, ask him or her about just taking
Xanax on an as needed basis. Do you get panic
attacks everyday?? Also, I suggest that you
learn all you can about proper breathing that will relax you. I believe that
Andrew Weil, M.D. has a videotape out that shows a person how to breathe correctly. Herbal
supplements? Have you tried Kava Kava or
Valerian root? Ask your doc about these
if you are taking other medications because
they can be potent. Some people say that panic
attacks can be the result of underlying conflict in a person's life. If that is part of the case with you, then psychotherapy is in order. Also, biofeedback is another route to go, along with
psychotherapy.
Try to relax, your best years are yet to come.
Glenn
poster:Glenn Fagelson
thread:69469
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/69497.html