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New member, hi, and also freaking out about meds

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 8/12/2013 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone. My name is Karen, and I've had depression and panic/anxiety disorder my whole life. I'm 48 now. The anxiety comes and goes in waves or episodes, and right now I'm in the middle of a big one. I've been on Prozac for depression since 2006 but it's not working much any more, and I think it's causing big anxiety attacks now. I tried tapering off very slowly on my own from alternating 40 mg one day/20 mg next day/40 mg following day etc etc, but only got to 20 mg daily except Sundays before getting slammed with anxiety (which hasn't left since, and that was maybe two weeks ago). I've been in to see a psychiatrist and he's had me start up 10 mg of Lexapro daily in addition to getting back up to 30 mg daily of Prozac, and I'm also starting to see a therapist weekly. The plan is to get me on Lexapro for two weeks and then start tapering off the Prozac again.

My question for the group is about the effects of Lexapro and Prozac together. I've been on Lexapro for three days: do people feel the effects of it that fast? I was laying down in bed trying to rest because the last few nights I haven't been able to sleep well, and I felt like my body couldn't move but my mind was hyperactive. I couldn't get comfortable, and the panic that I was sinking started to build. That's where I am right now. I'm trying to help myself by self-talk and breathing: I'm telling myself that I'm fine, the new medication is fine, that I'm ok, but I'm so so afraid (I guess) of deeply relaxing and letting go.

Thanks for listening,
Karen
Posted 8/12/2013 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
Hey, Karen!

I can't tell you anything about the medicine, nor can I tell you how to overcome the panic attack.

I guess this makes my reply completely pointless, but at least I know how you feel.

The panic attack can't harm you and will go by as always. I hope this happens as soon as possible! :)
Posted 8/12/2013 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Scarlett! I appreciate it. :)
Posted 8/12/2013 10:15 PM (GMT 0)
I am fairly new but will try to give my advice! Have you taken it in the morning ? Sometimes these medicines can cause insomnia when first starting out. And no medicine in that class will work that quickly , unless you are one of the rare lucky few and it could work that fast. For severe panic attacks like the ones it sounds like you are having , try talking to your doctor about xanax or a medicine in that same class of drugs. This drug is incredible and it helps with my anxiety. You can't take it every day but only as needed . Hope I helped some !
Posted 8/13/2013 12:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi SMU,

Yeah, I'm taking it in the morning. My doc gave me a prescription for Klonopin, but that was before I started on Lexapro. I'm not sure I want to be taking all three at once (Prozac, Lexapro, and Klonopin). I've been on and off Klonopin before, so at least I know it works. And yeah, the panic attacks are really severe right now. They haven't been this bad in awhile, but it helps to know that Lexapro isn't causing them.

Thanks!
Posted 8/13/2013 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Karen, I can sort of empathise with you about your situation. I was on Celexa for 8 amazing years, and it recently pooped out on me, leading to panic attacks, obsessive thinking serious anxiety etc... I am now weaned down to 10mg every other day, and I am supposed to start the zoloft tonight, but I'm scared. I know that alot of people here are on, or were on more than one med, so maybe they can be of more help? I do know, however that you can definately have a klonopin if you need it. My doc gave them to me to ease the transition. Sometimes just knowing you can take it, helps you push through. I hope you have sucess with your transition, and look forward to hearing about it!!
Posted 8/13/2013 2:12 AM (GMT 0)
I was in lexapro for almost 13 years. Then I tapered off and went without for 5 months or so. Tried starting it back and a week into it I had the biggest panic attack I've ever had. I've had attacks for 14 years. Needless to say in my mind the lexapro was to blame so I quit taking it again. I'm not using anything except benadryl. It seems to calm me. I take it for my allergies with benefiting from the anxiety help
Posted 8/13/2013 4:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome.:)

I am sorry that you are going through this rough time right now. Great job on using your coping skills to help you weather the storm!

Here are a couple of links that might help answer some of your questions, and give you some guidance. (these are from our Resources on our main page...check out the other great stuff in there as well!)

http://www.theroadback.org/

http://www.crazymeds.us/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HomePage

I wish you the best...and please know that we are here for you anytime, so post often.

Looking forward to getting to know you better.

S.C.

Posted 8/13/2013 1:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for all the support, guys. I really appreciate it.
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