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Posted 9/13/2012 11:34 PM (GMT 0)

 Well i'm new here and any info would be greatly appreciated. I've had panic attacks before about 11 years ago and I was on effexor for about a year and then stopped. My doctor put me on xanax. The xanax has done me well for the past 2 years. The bad thing is my doctor has retired and I had to find a new gp. She doesn't prescribe xanax. She tried me on effexor 37.5 mg an that made it worse from day one. The attacks were severe.I hadn't had any in quite a few years till then. She took me off the effexor and put me on celexa. I took it for 5 days and with in that time I have lost 18 lbs. the anxiety is through the roof. I stopped it 4 days ago and am still taking the xanax.It seems to be getting a little better. At least now I can eat a little. I have an appointment with psych on the 18th.Still having panic symptoms but I'm wondering if some of this is from withdrawls from the celexa.I pray someone on here has some words of encouragment.

Posted 9/14/2012 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I'm really sorry that you're feeling so badly.

How much xanax were you taking before you changed doctors? If you stopped it cold turkey when you went on the antidepressants it's not surprising that you started having severe anxiety and panic attacks. Even if you find an antidepressant that works great with no intolerable side effects, you need a doctor who understands that you have to be weaned off of xanax properly.

I think you'll start feeling a lot better once you've worked through the last of the side effects from the celexa, and that shouldn't be too much longer. Hang in there. I know how rough it is.
Posted 9/14/2012 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
I didn't stop the xanax. I was told by my pharmicist to keep taking the xanax till the celexa was in my system and then gradually wean myself off. I trust him regarding meds more than any doctor. I take 1 mg in the morning,.5 mg during the day(usually not needed till the 1st dose of effexor) and 1 mg before bedtime. I want to thank you Little Lady for responding. It's nice to know that there are people who understand. I'm so sorry people have anxiety attacks. I wouldn't wish these feelings on my worst enemies. My prayers are with each and every one of you.
Posted 9/14/2012 2:47 AM (GMT 0)
I am sure you can find another doctor who will continue to prescribe xanax, if that is what you want.  Or you could decide that benzos are not a good long-term solution and that you would be better off weaning off of the xanax, under medical supervision and at an appropriate pace, and instead rely on a combination of therapy and other medication, such as an SSRI.  I hope the psychiatrist will be able to give you some advice about this and help you reach a decision that is right for you.  My best wishes, medved
Posted 9/14/2012 2:54 AM (GMT 0)
I would like to wean myself off xanax and just b me with out the attacks
Posted 9/14/2012 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I too am sorry to hear of your recent changes in meds and the trouble that it is causing in terms of your anxiety.:(

I really hope that you can get it all figured out soon, and find the right Rx for you.

As far as the attacks that have come back...what worked for you before? Was there a specific coping mechanism that helped you to get through it? If so, put it back into practice until things settle down for you.

If you are in need of some ideas...we have a lot of self-help options in our Resource Guide (main page, 1st post) There are links to breathing and relaxation exercises that can stop or reduce panic symptoms if practiced regularly.

Keep posting with us as well. We are glad that you found us, and we will be here to listen, help and support!:)

Talkt to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
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