Declining prescription effectiveness, or just me?

Hi all. I have posted here before in the past, but my posts are few and far between, so I'll try to summarize my anxiety history.

I began having panic attacks around last summer. Around November (and consequently my birthday - fun times) I finally went to the doctor after having a breakdown in an iHop. I had no idea how to commute there, and therefore no idea how to get home, and I ended up calling my Mom and basically panicking in her ear, telling her that I just wanted to get away, as far away as I could, from my current position, whether I get lost and have to sleep in a park or not. She calmed me down somewhat and I suffered the terrible ride back with my confused and angry boyfriend.

Long story short - prognosis: anxiety and panic attacks!

So I started generic Wellbutrin. It was awful, not to get into stories. Just awful. In Feb or March I finally went to my other doctor (the original doctor's husband) and asked for a second opinion. He recommended Sertraline, which I take to this day.

At first (and after the three-day period of withdrawal from Wellbutrin) it seemed like the miracle pill - the attacks stopped, I was the way I used to be, all was well.

It didn't last, though, and especially recently I've noticed a distinct decline in the pill's effectiveness, or perhaps an increase in my ... lack of dopamine? Either way, the attacks are growing far more frequent again. They aren't nearly as bad as they first were, but they seem to be triggered by far less substantial things than before, too. The stupidest conversation or disagreement will leave me sobbing into my pillow (or alternately writhing in panic-induced mania) for half an hour or more.

I've been on 25mg since the day I started Sertraline. Has it stopped working as well (have I built up something of an immunity) or am I, on my own, developing some other problem?

Lord help me if I fall back into depression. Wellbutrin caused it the first time, and whether it's drug-induced or natural, I'm not sure I could handle it again. Especially because, unlike the last time, I am now in school.

Hello KC and welcome back...

...although I am so sorry it is due to not feeling well again.:(

The good news is that you did find a med that has worked for you...it may just be the very simple matter of adjusting your dosage now to meet your needs. (you are at half of what a lot of Dr.'s consider a theraputic dose for A/D...so you have room to increase!)

I second, and amen all of LS's above advice! Start with talking to your doctor.

Also ditto on the coping skills and therapy recommendation. I do believe they are crucial for a well rounded treatment plan. If you don't have time at the moment to look into getting going with therapy...start with the self help in our Resources.

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Keep posting with us...we understand...and support is key!

S.C.