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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jimmyboy on October 8, 2007, at 12:57:20
I have suffered from bad bipolar depression along with anxiety for many years, during this time I never really had panic attacks , it was more of a constant, lower level anxiety.
Two years ago I was taking SAM-e , which greatly helped my depression, but I believe it made me have several panic attacks. Now when I am in those same situations I frequently start having anxiety attacks. These are situations I had previously done hundreds and hundreds of times in my life no problem. Now they have become almost phobia situations.
What are the best way to try to deal with these? Meds, therapy, both?
I was prescribed Xanax, which completely knocks me cold. So thats not really an option.
Also , has anyone out there compltely overcome anxiety attacks brought on by certain situations, like these?
JB
Posted by Phillipa on October 8, 2007, at 13:25:55
In reply to Anxiety Attacks, posted by Jimmyboy on October 8, 2007, at 12:57:20
To stop them now when they are just starting do those things despite the fear. You will not die as I've been told. Unfortunately for me waited too long do take a benzo no good anymore but keep forcing myself to do things as the less you do the more it spirals out of control. A book at top of page I think Anxiety and Phobia handbook may help you make some sense out of it. Good luck and yes to CBT. Phillipa
Posted by Jimmyboy on October 8, 2007, at 17:16:16
In reply to Re: Anxiety Attacks » Jimmyboy, posted by Phillipa on October 8, 2007, at 13:25:55
I am at the end of any ideas I have to stop my severe anxiety . I hate SSRI's, but I think I would try them again if they would be helpful in mellowing the anxiety attacks.
I take Lithium, so does anyone think adding a low dose of an SSRI would be helpful?
Thanks
JB
Posted by karen dee on October 8, 2007, at 18:51:58
In reply to Re: Anxiety Attacks- do SSRI's help?, posted by Jimmyboy on October 8, 2007, at 17:16:16
I suffered from really bad panic attacks for years and was on a couple different ssri's and xanax for them. When I am having a panic attack for some reason xanax doesn't knock me out it just takes the edge off.
I am bipolar so I always took some antimanic, plus the ssri plus xanax.
I felt better after a few yrs and went off zoloft, then the anxiety came back and I felt like I was always on the verge of a panic attack.Now my "cocktail" is topamax, for bipolar, prozac, for anxiety, adderall for add, and xanax as needed, I only take .25 or half of .25 at night
I am doing good and have been panic free for a while.
Posted by bassman on October 9, 2007, at 19:07:31
In reply to Re: Anxiety Attacks- do SSRI's help?, posted by Jimmyboy on October 8, 2007, at 17:16:16
I take a low (10 mg) dose of Prozac for panic disorder and it helps a great deal..much more than the benzos alone.
Posted by Jimmyboy on October 10, 2007, at 16:28:51
In reply to Re: Anxiety Attacks- do SSRI's help?, posted by bassman on October 9, 2007, at 19:07:31
Thanks, I am going to look into that.. How long until you noticed a difference?
JB
Posted by Phillipa on October 10, 2007, at 19:53:09
In reply to Re: Anxiety Attacks- do SSRI's help?, posted by bassman on October 9, 2007, at 19:07:31
Bassman no more benzos how did you do this switch seriously? Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on October 12, 2007, at 23:11:27
In reply to Re: Anxiety Attacks- do SSRI's help?, posted by bassman on October 9, 2007, at 19:07:31
Bassman would babblemail me so I can ask about the prozac and benzos pretty please? Phillipa
Posted by sdb on October 13, 2007, at 14:51:22
In reply to Re: Anxiety Attacks- do SSRI's help?, posted by bassman on October 9, 2007, at 19:07:31
> I take a low (10 mg) dose of Prozac for panic disorder and it helps a great deal..much more than the benzos alone.
It is great you have success with Prozac (!!!!). If you want give us some more details. Maybe it is in other peoples interest to know further details of your personal experience on that board :-)
As far as I know prozac is the more benign SSRI concerning sexual side effects. At least a low dosages.
warm regards
sdb
This is the end of the thread.
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