Hello,
Anyone have any experience with this drug for Panic disorder. I specifically mostly have nocturnal panic (wake up in panic attacks) pretty regularly (every 2-3 days) about
2-3 hours after falling asleep.
Was on Paxil for this 10 years ago, worked great except for 20 lb weight gain. Went off it in 2006 after 3 years - no panic for 10 years! However, lately have had some life events trigger it again
This time my doctor didnt want me to take Paxil because it was an "old drug" and she felt I wouldn't gain as much weight with a new one. So I started on 5mg of Cipralex/Escitalopram 4 weeks ago. Was on 5 mg for one week and have now been on 10 mg for 3 weeks - totalling 4 weeks on the drug.
Side effects right away such as bad gas, stomach issues, heightened anxiety (buzzing like feeling in my body) and the need to tense up my limbs or run or something to burn off the heightened energy. Now stomach issues are gone but still feel "buzzed" and anxious about
3-6 hours after taking the med. Sexual side effects and hard to sleep. Very recently I feel like I've regressed a bit - was feeling a bit happier - but depression was never my real issue - panic is. Ive started having nocturnal panic again - out of no where just when I thought it was getting better. Now i'm having them every night and worse then before. I've read that it takes longer to start working - maybe a month or two? but I am just so frustrated to be feeling worse at night now - cant sleep and wake up in panic and feeling disoriented in the mornings
Has anyone had this and stuck to it and felt better! trying to decide whether to change meds or to give it longer?
Thanks!