Does medication (paxil) really work for Panic attacks?
Sandy V asked:
I would like to get on medication (paxil) for panic attacks and constant worrying but I’m even scared to get on it because everyone says that it will be harder when you try to get off it. I have been trying to deal with my panic attacks for years now and I think that now it has gotten worse because I totally obsess about it and I’m even scared to be by myself. I had blood work done a while ago and I was told everything is fine. I feel very guilty for wanting to take medication for my panic attacks. Is there anyone that can convince me otherwise? I have the medication and I dread taking it because I feel guilty but then again when I have a panic attack I take xanax which I also heard is bad to take because you can become addicted to it also. I thought of maybe trying to take some vitamins for nervousness and maybe like an herbal supplement for depression. I would like to get to the bottom of this and get answers as to why I get this way. I lost almost every job I had and when I’m home I get depressed and dread over it and I start panicking because I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m working again and still under my 90 day period but I have a hard time concentrating on work and I was also get trained and I got very nervous every time I would make a mistake. I don’t know … I really want to medicate but not for long. Does this medication help you even after you stopped taking it?
Lori
I would like to get on medication (paxil) for panic attacks and constant worrying but I’m even scared to get on it because everyone says that it will be harder when you try to get off it. I have been trying to deal with my panic attacks for years now and I think that now it has gotten worse because I totally obsess about it and I’m even scared to be by myself. I had blood work done a while ago and I was told everything is fine. I feel very guilty for wanting to take medication for my panic attacks. Is there anyone that can convince me otherwise? I have the medication and I dread taking it because I feel guilty but then again when I have a panic attack I take xanax which I also heard is bad to take because you can become addicted to it also. I thought of maybe trying to take some vitamins for nervousness and maybe like an herbal supplement for depression. I would like to get to the bottom of this and get answers as to why I get this way. I lost almost every job I had and when I’m home I get depressed and dread over it and I start panicking because I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m working again and still under my 90 day period but I have a hard time concentrating on work and I was also get trained and I got very nervous every time I would make a mistake. I don’t know … I really want to medicate but not for long. Does this medication help you even after you stopped taking it?
Lori
You really need to be under the care of a good psychiatric nurse practitioner. Paxil did not agree with me. I was then put on Lexapro, as it has fewer problems associated with its use. I have taken Lexapro about three years. Occasionally I need a little more medication than what Lexapro provides, so I will add a small amount of Klonipin. I have had great success with these med. It will take several weeks for the Lexapro to help you, as it takes time to build up in your bloodstream, but the Klonipin will hold you steady until you are evened out. My very best wishes to you. Do not be afraid of the meds, they are a life saver in many lives. Never go cold turkey off any of these meds………you need help from a good professional.
no medication helps you after you STOP taking it… get real.
You major issue seems to be that you don’t actually know why you get panic attacks or what causes them.. knowing this could make a huge difference for you, and yes, there are identifiable causes. What I suggest you do is contact a mental health clinic near you and see about getting into a class or group for phobias and panic disorder. There are classes that will not only teach you the cause, but also teach you skills for coping with the results. Paxil is an antidepressant, and some think that depression results in panic, while others feel that panic is what results in depression… I ascribe to the latter, when my depression was gotten under control, then my panic disorder was revealed… once I got that under control thru the classes, I stopped taking all meds.
Yes, it will help rid of needless anxiety, panic attacks. Medication along with therapy combined is a goal to achieve a maximum result. Therefore you’ll learn to control attacks w/o the medication ultimately. It’s like a crutch that you need on broken bones, you have to use the crutches until the bones adhere. We all need some assistance at times when the situation becomes uncontrollable and interferes with everyday activities…Hope this helps ease your anxious mind.
:}
I know exactly how you feel.
Paxil is more of a long term thing… you take it for an extended period of time in order to decrease depression and thus decrease anxiety.
However, if you are having constant panic attacks and need immediate relief, your psych will likely prescribe you a low dosage of paxil and a muscle relaxer such as lorazepam or klonopin. I have lorazepam for when I feel a panic attack coming, it works immediately to calm you down. Both can be somewhat addictive, but personally I’d rather have to take medication daily than deal with extreme anxiety.
Firstly, it’s important to know that medication will not cure anxiety disorders. All it does is keep them under control while the person receives psychotherapy.
There are often side effects to taking medication. Common side effects of anxiety medication include nausea, jitters, drowsiness and headaches. The more recently developed medications have fewer side effects, but side effects nonetheless.
In order to totally eliminate anxiety disorders, you have to seek natural treatment. Here are some natural anxiety treatment programs you can consider…
Hope this helps…
“help you after you stop taking it” ha ha ha if it doesn’t kill you it sure won’t help you after you stop taking it. I took it and it was hell to come off of. It helped to lessen the anxiety attacks but the side effects of taking it were not worth it.