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Posted 10/16/2011 3:48 PM (GMT 0)

eyes  well let me tell you about myself!  I  have a had panic attacks for over 26 years,  started right after my daughter was born!  Have been  on a number of medications.  My panic disorder kept me from doing alot of things!  I think i have had every symptom you can have!  Well.... the last 6 years i have taken Lexapro 20 mg. and felt pretty "normal"~... with  the exception of occasional light headedness and palpitations....   My life is pretty busy,  i have 4 kids and we are foster parents have have recently adopted a 5 and 6 year old!   So it is always pretty crazy at our house!   i recently was running out of Lexapro and the doc needed me to come in for a recheck before filling it..... Sooo... i thought i would try not taking Lexapro and see if my "panic " was gone..... for the first few weeks it was fine!  THEN>>>>>> BAM!  Just like the old days I have been having severe anxiety.... the worst being this horrible nervous feeling with major tightness in my chest, and palpitations!  weakness in my legs, shaky  UGH.......... I made a doctor appointment but can't be seen till next week...... the panic has become so bad again.... at times i feel like going to the ER........ I found some old .25 mg. of Xanax which i never liked to take.... but I have been taking one  about 3 times a day and it really helps.

to make a long story short,  don't stop your meds........ i can see now I will always need them which is fine with me.  So happy i found this group!  thank you all!

Posted 10/16/2011 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Macie, and welcome! It is up to each individual person, how they wish to deal with the anxiety/panic attacks, and what works for them. I am glad you decided to go back to your meds, if that's the only thing that helps you, then so be it. It's actually the only thing that helps me too, so I get it. It sounds like your house can become quite chaotic at times, and that's no good for a person with anxiety or panic problems. I would probably go insane! LOL Anyway, i'm glad you came here, there are alot of people on this board that are very helpful with advice, and can offer different coping strategies. I hope you are feeling good until you get back to see your doc. You may have some start up side effects by going back on your meds, but you probably already know that. Just be sure to have a ready supply of xanax to help. God Bless! Fox
Posted 10/16/2011 6:22 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you natasha.... so good to have such support!  Funny thing natasha.... i was the person who tried evertyhing to help my panic attacks without meds.... i went to therapy groups,  even a breathing class... i went without meds for a number of years!  I finally gave in and tried meds... i am happy to can do it woithout meds... awesome!! We are all different and whatever works for you~~

And to Fox..... I know when I start the lexapro again it will take a number of weeks to kick in..... UGH!!!  thanks for all of the support! turn

Posted 10/16/2011 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Macie, My doctor told me that panic attacks are in the mind and I tend to agree. However, they are very real and the main thing is to overcome them yourself by logic. Why are you feeling this way? What brought it on? What are the triggers in other words? My sister gets them but far less frwuently now that she rings me and we discuss what brought it on. She lost her husband 5 years ago and has suffered them ever since. Think about the triggers and how you can avoid them. Sometimes they come about just by thinking of things that are not pleasant.

Hope this helps and as I am new here too it is really nice to meet you. yeah
Posted 10/17/2011 12:06 AM (GMT 0)
Hi macie and welcome to the group! I am glad that you found us, and hope that you will find this a place full of support, sharing and information:)

I am sorry to hear that your A/P has been ramping up lately, but it is good that you are looking for solutions, and going to see your dr. soon.

Any chance that you could look into getting a therapy referral from him/her? Therapy with or without medications can be truly helpful, and many members here have amazing succcess stories regarding CBT!

In the meantime, we have a great Anxiety Resource Guide (main page 3rd post) with some links to sites that teach all sorts of coping mechanisms for anxiety and panic issues.

I hope that you will continue to post with us, and we look forward to getting to know you better:)

Take Care,
Scaredy Cat
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