what to do next....

At first things were good. I even had some high stress problem (I flipped over my bicycle handles and broke both my elbows, one requiring surgery). about two months ago, I had my first panic attack in a long time, It was after a day of driving about 12 hours.  So at the time it was an isolated issue and the Xanax seemed to work. I was feeling good, exercising regularly, lossing weight and generally feeling healthy.

But the last month has been hell . Stress at work and financial problems have caused a bad relaps. I've had numerious panic attacks and extreme anxiety. My MD perscribed EffexorXr. I keep reading good and bad post about it. I am nervious to try it because of the same possible side effects. I have never tried CBT or a therapist. The anxiety is so extreme right now that I feel like crying at least once every day.

Although the Xanax works with little to no side effects, It only last a short time (maybe 8 hours). Im afraid to take it as well because everything I read say its addictive. The nurse at the hospital when I had my surgery told me klonopin was better than Xanax because it stayed in the system longer.

Id like to not go on the Effexor, but I dont think I can wait for any type therapy to start and be helpful. 

Anyone have luck with Effexor vs. Lexapro? Should I just try to use the Xanax or maybe the Klonopin for now, and find a therapist? I've tried reading some of the CBT theroy books, and see how they may help, but its not quick enough to stop the problem now.   

Well I started the effexor yesterday. It's ok so far. I’m a bit lightheaded and nauseas but everyone says that will pass in a few days. I haven’t noticed any major side effects. I did get a few hot flashes where I sweated a little bit heavy for a couple minutes. But I’m use to putting up with sweating, I sweat in an AC room, even if I don’t feel hot.

I felt really good yesterday, I think the relief of making a decision and the Xanax I took in the morning helped. My anxiety is coming in spurts today, but much more manageable than before. I can see myself looking for greener pastures from my current job soon (which was the biggest source of the panic/anxiety). But not until I feel like the effexor is working to control the panic attacks.

My MD wanted me to go from 75Mg to 150 after a week at 75. I am more inclined to stay at the 75 and see if the pa's stop, and up it later, if it doesn’t seem to work at 75. I see him in a few weeks and will bring up seeing a specialist. I know he believes that drug therapy works. He didn’t want me to go off the lexapro because it worked. But I just didn’t want the side effects. I guess my mistake was stopping it w/o getting some therapy first. I know I want be able to deal with the anxiety on my own.

Thanks for the thoughts... If anyone has more opinions on Effexor let me know, I'd like to keep myself more informed this time!