Questions about medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy

Hey all,
I know I don't post here nearly as often as I should, and when I do I usually go through some long, drawn-out back story. I'm looking for information and personal stories this time, so here goes...
I've been dealing with panic disorder with severe anticipatory anxiety for about two years. It started shortly before I graduated from college. Since then, I've probably had about five bad 'cycles' of panic attacks/anxiety that last for approximately a month and then disappear. I've been dealing with my sixth for the past week.
Although this only seems to occur for me a couple of times a year, I really want to nip this in the bud and beat it. My family and girlfriend support me as best they can when I get like this, but I can't help feeling like a burden to them at times. I also want to be able to do things with them that at present make me horribly nervous! I took a trip to Rhode Island with my girlfriend last July(there's probably a post on here about it, lol), and in the days leading up to it I was a mess.
Because of the attack this week, I went to my therapist for the first time in about a year on Tuesday. I'll also be seeing my PCP on Monday to discuss my physical symptoms.
So, several questions:
I've been on citalopram(Celexa), for about a year and a half. Has anybody else had success with panic disorder using this medication, and has your current dose ever seemed to 'wear off?'
aaand...
My therapist has suggested trying cognitive-behavioral therapy(CBT), which we're going to start talking about at my appointment next week. I've researched what this is, but I'm a skeptic by nature and not sure this will work. So, has anybody else been through this, what did your sessions involve and when did you start to notice changes?
Any positive replies would be appreciated. Thanks!
Fraser - Panic disorder/general anxiety disorder since November 2006
Celexa 20mg

Soonblue, cognitive behavior therapy will help tremendously! That and relaxation techniques. Also, as Nanners suggested, see if you can get an anti-anxiety drug to use only as needed. She uses the Xanax. I use Ativan. A lot of us use something for those times when it's unbearable.

Please do not beat yourself up over this disorder. It's not your fault. Your body is tired and stressed. Take yourself by the hand and give yourself what you need. That means sleep, good food and exercise. Begin taking walks on your lunch hour or after work.

I also suggest educating yourself and maybe ask your girlfriend to read a book or two on the subject of anxiety/panic disorders. There are many great books out there. They are light reading and will help the two of you immensely. You can find the titles of books on this forum under resources.

I wish you the best of luck! Let us know how you're doing and hang in there! Things will definitely get better.

Hi Soonblue
When it comes to your meds I'm not sure. You should really talk to your physician about this As far as the CBT (therapy) I would suggest it because it has worked wonders for me. We have a link to a free online CBT course called MoodGYM and you can find the link at the top of the page under the Anxiety-Panic Resource thread under "Wen"
It would not hurt to do both of them to get a few perspectives, but you should speak with your therapist about it.
I wish you much luck

I tried CTB without sucess but i was not at a stage in my life where i was ready for it...I was still using drugs and couldnt pay much atttention to him....Since then i have started to remember things that he taught me...they come back to me in times of great stress....I guess in a way it did work although i remained messy for quite sometime after the sessions untill i cleaned up my life a bit more. It is something i will definately do again in the state of mind i am reaching now!!! Please do try...It cant hurt! Gill xx