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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 9/26/2008 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, 

I'm fairly new here and new at trying to survive panice attacks.  I've been doing my own research on natural cures and aids for this.  It's only been about 7 weeks.  I do fine as long as I don't drive more than a few miles or know that I have to go someplace.   My mom was out today and wanted me to go home with her for the day.  I was feeling o.k. but I just didn't want to go. My mom is 73!  I'm suppose to be looking after her, not the other way around.  Well, anyway, I called my Dr. who had said I had anxiety following my illness.  Once again I explained I couldn't take the Buspar as it made my heart race.  It's a long story, but after numerous phone calls I think he understands I need medication for panic attacks not for a racing heart.  Effexor was discussed but I don't know yet what med he has ordered.  Is anyone taking Effexor?  I'm scared of taking meds for the most part. 

Posted 9/26/2008 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hostas,

I don't take Effexor, but I'm sure others will be along to share their experiences with it soon.

I think the first time a person takes an antidepressant or antianxiety drug is always unsettling. There are concerns and questions about how it will affect your body and mind. Will it work? Will it make you hyper or sluggish? Will it cause physical side effects? How long will you need it? How will you get off it when it's time? Try making a list of the things you're scared of, and ask your doctor or pharmacist for their input about them. Getting clear information from the folks in the know helps to deflate a lot of the fear.

Also, remember to be aware of how *you* are feeling when you start your meds. Under a doctor's care, they should be safe. Any unpleasant side effects can be tackled by clear communication between you and your doc. I think most of us who take medication were nervous about it at first. I had a lot of trouble sleeping on the first one I treid, so my doctor prescribed something different, and it worked very well. I didn't let the side effects get bad before telling him (within a week) what I was experiencing. And he was very willing to help me find the right med for me.

Good luck!

percycat
Posted 9/27/2008 3:06 AM (GMT 0)
Just checking back in to let you know that I talked to my Dr. by phone again tonight.  He insists that the heart medication that he prescriped "Metoprolol 25 mg" is what he wants me to take.  It's a beta-blocker.  I'm confused.  I checked it out at the Mayo Clinic website and it says it's for people who have had heart attacks and/or high blood pressure.  None of which I have had.  I have very low blood pressure.  Sooooooooooooo, I looked up beta blockers and see where they can be used for general anxiety. I do get a racing heart when I have a panic attack.  Is anybody out there taking this med?  Maybe I just worry to much, or have to little faith in the medical profession, or am scared of the unknown, or all of the above.  I just want to be better.  I want to be me again.  I've developed this comfort zone and excepted that this is what's happening.   But I know that my staying at home is not what my family wants of me.  Maybe I'm just rambling now, but I needed to get this out for some much needed advice.
Posted 9/27/2008 10:24 AM (GMT 0)
hosta,

Good Morning. Beta Blockers are used for some people especially if you have anticipatory anxiety. I actual take one, Inderal. Buspar is a med I am trying right now but I think My dose could be a bit lower. It is scary to be on meds and most of us would love to not use meds.

I would suggest the next visit to your Doctors, you discuss the meds you are taking including any side effects, reason for med and make an informed choice as whether you want to take the medication.

Good Luck

Kitt
Posted 9/27/2008 6:12 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt,

Thanks so much for your advice. I started my betablocker today at 11 a.m. So far so good. I've been in hyper mode and even after a few hours of med I don't feel so hyper. I know it's to soon to really tell it's effects. I haven't taken any buspar for a few weeks and will wait to see how the beta blocker works before I decide wether or not I will try to take it again. I promised my Mom and Dr. I will check back in with the Dr. either by phone or person to let him know how I'm doing. Thanks so much for you kindness.

Have a blessed day. I'm smiling today, which is the first time in long time.
Posted 9/28/2008 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hostas,
I'm so happy you are smiling

Beta blockers as Kitt explained keep your heart rate down and yes, help keep you calmer. I hope this continues for you.

I took effexor xr (I think same thing) and it gave me a bit of tummy troubles and dizziness for a few days but it certainly didn't make my anxiety worse. I'm terrified of trying new meds, but this one was really okay for me. Just my 2c!!

Stay well and keep smiling!

Hugs,

Meg
Posted 9/28/2008 3:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hostas,

I'm so glad to hear that you're smiling again! I'll be hoping and praying that your new meds do the trick to help you stay feeling so good!

percycat
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