Posted by grapebubblegum on August 2, 2001, at 8:55:24
In reply to Re: Can anyone help with a definition?-Zo, posted by MM on August 2, 2001, at 1:29:12
Thanks medlib and everyone. Similar to what you said about valium, my comment on benzos is that they can HELP SOME but typically don't derail a well-entrenched panic attack. Since PAs have to run their course, I suppose the forced muscle relaxation of benzos might speed or ease the process until the attack is over. In my experience, the worst PA aspect is the twisted and frightening cognitive aspect that occurs once the attack is well underway, and benzos (clonazepam is the one with which I am most familiar) seem to slow thinking enough to break up the negative downward spiral of thoughts. Typically, though, for me, a PA is never over until I sleep. And of course benzos make sleep a little more easily attainable.
To answer the meds question: I typically go on SSRIs until I think I can live without them. I taper off them with no problem and live fine for a few months or more. Then, (and I cannot take out the element of life stress) a major life stressor, and I mean MAJOR, comes along and throws me back to where I started so that I am back on the SSRI wagon. But the doc said recently that she was thinking that geodon might be better for me in the long run than another round of zoloft. Anyone have any experience with both of these meds (or with another SSRI vs. geodon) and can give me a comparison?
poster:grapebubblegum
thread:72927
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010731/msgs/73084.html