HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

need help

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 12/27/2012 1:00 PM (GMT 0)
I am new here and was hoping to get any and all advice. I took paxil for about 15 years and it quit working, so in conjunction with my gp doc we tried cymbalta for 6 months and the insomnia was so bad i wound up taking other meds like trazodone and zolpidem a.k.a ambiem. I ran out of the zolpidem before i got more and the withdrawals were so severe it threw me into a depression and ive tried lexapro, and pristiq, zoloft and they didnt work, so then my doc said i might be low grade bipolar, so we tried depakote, that was horrible, then abilify- felt like i could run 10 marathons, not good, then lamictal and too many side affects. Now i have some severe panic attacks and was just prescribed xanax .5 twice a day. I took .125 twice yesterday, i cut a .25 in half, and it made me feel like i was normal again, but this morning i woke up and felt groggy and cloudy brain and anxious like i was before taking this medicine. Should i take it everyday to make myself feel normal, or should i try to find a different solution since i know xanax can be addictive and create tolerance. Thanks for all advice.
Posted 12/27/2012 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi wilks and welcome.

I am sorry to hear that you are struggling to find the Rx that will work for you.

It can take time, and a lot of trial and error, until you can work out what you need and can tolerate.

As far as the Xanax question...it is a benzodiazepine, and as such can carry with it the concerns that you mentioned. However, if you have not had addiction issues in the past, then I am sure that you can take this without a problem, provided it it temporary and taken resoponsibly.

I mention temporary, because if you have not already, I would recommend getting into therapy and/or learning some coping skills for the anxiety and panic attacks. Benzos are generally not taken as one does an SSRI, but more as needed (sparingly) for acute times of A/P. It could help you definitely, but with the hopes that once you get your skills for managing your issues through therapy/self help, you can wean off for the most part.:)

We have a great self help section in our Resources that you may want to check out (main page, 1st post) You will find video links to coping mechanisms, informative sites, book recommendations and more.

Post with us anytime as well. We are here to listen and support...and it does help to talk with others who have similar circumstances!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 12/27/2012 7:10 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice. I took another .125 xanax today and fell asleep, after 2 hours i woke up in a severe panic attack, i was able to calm down after an hour, but still feel terrible. I dont think xanax is for me, but still have panic attacks. Can l-theanine and gaba supplements help? Does anyone understand the neurotransmitters very well? I have researched alot about serotonin, noripinephrin, dopamine, gaba, glutamate, and i am trying to figure out which transmitters i need to regulate to get back to feeling good. Thanks
Posted 12/27/2012 11:46 PM (GMT 0)
I have had good experience with L-theanine with gaba. I think that a lot can be done holistically, but for some people western medicine(pharmaceuticals) is necessary, so you just need to determine what works for you as an individual-with a unique chemical balance.:)

S.C.
Posted 12/28/2012 8:54 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HealingWell. I am sorry it is under these circumstances but we do stick pretty close together and everyone on here is so supportive and kind so please stick with us and we will help you in any way we can.   I have been on many of the antidepressants.  I had been on one that lasted me about 15 years and one day it just pooped out or my depression and anxiety just became worse.  After trying many combinations I will share with you what is working for me right now.................remember anytime you start a new antidepressant you must give the medication 6-8 weeks to reap the benefits of the full effect of the med.   I am on Effexor XL at 150mg daily, Trazodone 150 mg at bedtime ( this has been a miracle drug for me as it knocked out my insomnia on the very second night I took it) and Buspar twice daily at 15 mg per dose. Of course each of us will react differently to the meds but this combo is working and my Dr. tried some of the bipolar meds too only to make me feel much like you have - not good for me.   A combination of life style changes, therapy and medications can help you but sometimes it feels like we will never find the right combo.    I wish you peace, Kitt  
Posted 12/28/2012 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the advice, i am at the docs right now and working to try some new meds. Will try to hang in there and give meds a chance, just really in a bad place right now, but the love and support of my wife and 2 children have been extremely great and helped get me through some really rough times. Will keep you updated on progress.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply