New member with Panic Disorder, needs advice =)

Hello everyone, Im really glad I found this site, it seems like everyone truely cares about one another and just reading these posts have helped me alot with my anxiety!

Anyways, I had my first panic attach around March of this year, this is after many life changes ( moved across the country, changed careers, returned to college ) I went to my Doctor and he prescribed zoloft as Ive always had anxiety problems but never a full blown PA... After taking my first pill I really reacted badly to it... really dizzy, extreme anxiety, headache... I didnt take another pill. I went back the the DR and asked for something differant, Ive tried a xanax before and it was just a miracle pill so I asked for that. I never really used many of them, maybe 5... and my life kinda returned to normal.

Then recently my dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer and has just had surgery for it... the next day he blacked out in front of me, vomited and chocked on his own vomit, I tried clearing the vomit and obviously dialed 911... long story short, he made it okay, but is still getting dizzy occasionally....... point is, this has been super stressful for me wondering whats going to happen next...

So now in addition to my lone panic attack in march, ive had about 15 or so... pretty much daily, sometimes even in my sleep. Ive been using my leftover xanax to get by... which works great...

Question is... should I try a SSRI again for longer term treatment? I dont want to get addicted to xanax. Should I try the Zoloft again? Maybe what I experianced was a massive after taking my first pill?? Im thinking if I start the Zoloft I could also take the xanax until my body adjusts to the SSRI...

Any advice would be just super =)

Thanks everyone

I just though I'd reply since I'm pretty bored, :) and I know how it can be to have stressful things going on. I dont even know where to begin. But I was prescribed Valium and it really mellows me out. I'm afraid of getting addicted to, but I dont have that "addictive" personality... My friend told me to just use Benydryl once I'm out of Valium just so I dont get too use to taking Valium. I just had a baby though, so I think i'm just going through like.. hopefully short term anxiety. Maybe once I'm use to being a mother and getting use to this change i'll get better. I'm sure you will adjust as well. I hope your dad gets better! That can be very stressful having a family member being sick. My prayers go to you and your family. Things WILL get better.
I'm a new member as well, and I know how just talking to others helps out alot doesn't it? anyway, take care 27m

When I first started having panic attacks, I would have one almost immediately after taking any new medications. Obviously, there wasn't enough time for the med to get into my system to cause any reaction, so it was definately panic. I did it with MY first dose of Zoloft!!

The general way to start an SSRI is to use a benzo, like Xanax or Klonopin, for the first few weeks while your body adjusts to the new med, to help with any increase in anxiety that comes from it.

HI there
I think you will be just fine if you go to your docs and get something to help you
The zoloft needs time to work 4 to 6 weeks as do most ssri's but you may have well had a reaction to it
So sorry bout your dad as well here is to him and his getting better
As you already have good input I will just say welocome and plz let us know how you make out at doc
Dont worry about the xanax is my opinion it is a low dose I am on valium or ativan and have been for many many yrs but now only as needed
Relaxation,CBT ....breathing exercises ect and lots of other self help techniques do work

Be well
Stay with us
LYN