Wow, just reading the first page really opens your eyes to the fact that ALOT of us have these! My lord! Where did we go wrong? LOL
I've had 'em for close to 10 years. Been on Paxil, Zoloft, Xanax/alprazolam, Klonopin/clonazepam , ativan/lorazepam ....now, I'm on nothing.
Drugs, my experience:
Paxil - SSRI:
helped alot....I think I was on it for 3 months or so...then just stopped it. For 2 weeks I felt like I had cobwebs in my head and literally had to shake me head every so often to 'clear my thoughts'. Amazing. It helped...BUT...don't EVER just stop taking it and go cold turkey like I did....bad bad bad.....you won't like it one bit. ;)
Zoloft - SSRI:
was horrible....it helped with anxiety but it did a real number on my digestive system.
Ativan/lorazepam - treats anxiety:
has always helped me....but I take it VERY sparingly because it is addictive. My doc gives them to me in 10's (1mg) and I use them only when an attack is VERY bad. (those who suffer just know when that is...lol) 10 can last me a long time depending on how often I get the 'bad ones'.
Xanax/alprazolam - treats anxiety:
this worked too....not fast acting like Ativan, takes about 20 minutes but it definitely worked for me.
Klonopin/clonazepam - treats anxiety:
knocked me on my ass. I slept on my couch all day long....wasn't right for me...went back to Xanax.
I hate drugs....which is why I don't think I've ever lasted long with any SSRI's.....but Ativan works for me cause I can take it when I need it instead of every day which for me, makes me feel medicated...and I don't like that feeling.
Panic Disorder?:
Those of you who talked about having a panic attack at a time when something 'stressful' happened to you don't necessarily have Panic Disorder. The problem is when you get a panic attack for no apparent reason at all. I could be sitting here thinking of how pretty my garden is and WHAM. That is panic disorder. Having a panic attack during a particularily stressful situation is very natural......fight or flight....adrenaline...its' how the body functions.
Excercise:
I see many of you suggest exercise....and it definitely works because it raises the levels of seratonin in your brain. ;)
Symptoms:
Mine included heart palpitations, feeling of heart attack, sweaty palms, feelings of 'unreality', feelings if 'going crazy'.....NONE of which I would wish on my worst enemy....it is absolutely terrifying.
Alcohol?:
oh yeah, before I actually knew what they were, I drank them away, only to feel worse the next morning because my body was dehydrated. (not to mention the hangover...lol) ;)
It's a horribly tough battle...but not impossible to win. If you learn to 'move through' the attacks instead of fighting them you will win....trust me. ;)
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Oh, and less/no caffeine, proper eating and exercise are great suggestions...and well worth the effort.
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Good luck to all!