Try exercise, vitamins, and flax oil.

Actually....there is no way to measure a chemical imbalance. They can't even offer a cure. Ask the doctor how may people he or she has cured. They don't tell you any of that up front.
People assume the doctors know how to fix it. The doctors make a best guess based on previous case studies and theories, not fact. It's all a guessing game, using the patient as a guinea pig.
They can't even tell you what the long term effects are on your system with any of those SSRI psychotropic drugs. They never tell you how hard it is to get off of some of those SSRI's. Anybody that is considering using SSRI's should definately do their own research before starting any of those meds because the medical community neglects to mention any of the drawbacks or repercussions.

Listen, I have no idea why I think like I do, so I am just going to have to assume I have a mental illness. It might be a 'chemical imbalance' or it might be something medical science doesn't know about; all I know is that I have a problem.

You mention talking to a psychologist to get to the "root issue", but how can I get to a "root issue" (that doesn't exist) when I have no clue how this all began? Is talking to another human being with a psychology degree going to magically find a magical "root issue"? Trust me, I've thought about nearly every aspect of my life, and I have no idea why I have this problem or what brought it on, one day it just seriously clicked out of nowhere, it was like a whole new thinking or something - very hard to explain.

Also, personally attacking people with mental illnesses is like personally attacking people taking opioids to relieve their extreme pain. I mean, if you have chronic pain and the only thing that works is Oxycodone, you would be stupid to not take Oxycodone. Oxycodone "band-aids" the extreme pain, but it makes that person comfortable and WORKS. Same goes for schizophrenia; if those people don't take their anti-psychotics - they are in a constant state of disorganized thinking. Once they take the anti-psychotic, some return to being normal - Is it masking it? Maybe? Is it a cure? Literally, no. But, I'd say it is, because it is actually bringing these people back to reality to live normal lives.

If it takes the use of medicine to feel normal because a complete cure doesn't exist, then I say use the fucking medicine. That is what medicine is for, to help you when a complete cure isn't available.

As for me, Klonopin "band-aids" (in your ignorant words) the problem, lets me live a normal comfortable life without problems, and WORKS. If you want to call it a "band-aid" approach, do so; I call it a cure.

BTW: Most medicines are just masking. Cure is a complete word and cures are kind of rare. Most medicine we use today masks the problem well enough to call it a cure. Like chemo, etc, it isn't a "cure" for cancer, it just slows it down and puts it into remission, but I guess those people are weak pieces of shit too who should exercise and change their lifestyles.

I'll never take an SSRI, and if the doctor advises it I'm going to tell him no. It is my health, so I also have a say in what can be done to help. Doctors can suggest, but the patient ultimately makes the final decision of accepting that doctor's treatment or not. SSRIs are way too dangerous, and I am taking paper work there to prove it just incase he doesn't give me the medication I prefer.

If you are or have been an addict of any kind.. stay away from benzos. Benzos are not SSRI's and have never heard of a doctor scripting them for depression.. only short-term panic disorder. Benzos potentiate the GABA receptors not seratonin. SSRI's are drugs like Lexapro, Paxil, Celexa, etc.. The rebound effect of getting off of benzos is worse than the underlying anxiety condition that you will take them for. I know first hand and can say that getting clean from Xanax was harder than stopping cocaine.

You are a fucking idiot

Yes you can take a Benzo without having to take an SSRI. I have a panic disorder and I take Xanax 1 mg, four times a day. Klonopin is a good drug as well. The only side effect is that it can make you very tired, so make sure they start you off at a low dose and then slowly increase the dose if they have to. Do not let any doctor make you feel like you have to take an SSRI drug. I have tried almost all of them except Prozac and I have found the side effects worse then the actual panic. Hit me up if you ever want to chat. I can send you some links to online panic support groups.

That is bullshit. Only 1 percent of people that take Xanax for an extended amount of time become addicted. If you take it like you are told to you do not become addicted. The people that become addicts take more then they were supposed to. I have no clue where you get this shit from. It is not from the AMA or any decent doctor.

This is a sticky subject. Having suffered from panick attacks since my early 20's I can say it feels like hell, almost a death setence. First off accept it. Who gives a flying about what people here on GFY think, do you really care? What matters is getting you feeling "normal" again for now. Taking benzos is NOT a sign of weakness. People take an advil for a headache no?

It is really good idea that you see a therapist and a psychiatrist for help. Meds for panic disorder do help, a lot, but they can't "fix" the underlying cause of the panic disorder. a combination of meds along with good solid therapy can definately change the patterns that induce the panic disorder, so you are on the right track. You're doing your research and that's smart. Remember EVERYONE is different and react differently to benzos.

I've met a few wonderful people in the business that have shared the same problem with me and have helped me (genuine people). I am forever thankful.

With that being said proceed with caution they can be EXTREMELY addictive. Try and use it as a temporary crutch to help you work through these issues. But mostly reach out for help, find forums that deal and discuss these issues.

Sad thing but a reality if you had a broken arm it could easily be "fixed" and people would actually feel sorry for you, because it's something "you can't see" people that have never experinced a panick attack are clueless and as far as I'm concerned what matters at the end of the day is that you get better PERIOD. You'll always find people to voice their opinion on a subject that affect so many people and the help is out there.

The journey begins with the first step. You have taken that step and I can only hope that you will find what you are looking for. It is there, believe me, and you will find it someday. Just be patient and it will come. Without a doubt you will meet some people along the way....but remember, "princibles before personalities" is always the best guide in this life. I offer my best of wishes to you!

Funbrunette-xxx-

People that do not have panic attacks do not understand. They never will. You are also not a nut. Panic attacks can be caused by a few factors that doctors know of. Chemical imbalance, genetics, a major life change, and stress. It has nothing to do with being lazy. 2.4 million people in the US have panic attacks. Medication does not mask the problem. It will help you function while you learn how to control your panic attacks. I would recommend getting a therapist and starting CBT training. That person that said you are lazy, is a stupid fucker. Most people with panic attacks do work out and eat right. They will try anything to be normal again. Don't let negative comments on here get to you. You know how peopleon here are. Drop me an e-mail at [email protected] and we can chat about it off here.

I am definitely not going to take any SSRI; I'll just flat out reject that treatment and go to a different doctor. I'd prefer Klonopin because it lasts longer, so I would be on a low pill count treatment.

Also, my friend gave me Klonopin and it worked wonders, but like you said.. it does make you drowsy. I wonder if a doctor would prescribe a low dose Adderall prescription to counteract the drowsiness of Clonazepam?

Also, are these benzodiazepine treatments supposed to be stopped? I mean, they don't actually make the thoughts go away after treatment do they? I can't ever imagine being 'normal' again; I think once you know that feeling it is unforgetable and will always haunt you.

Oh and a heads up...I could be wrong, but I don't think if you yake it once a day you'd build up enough of a constant blood level to develop full blown physical dependancy. Can anyone correct me on this if I"m wrong, please?
What you can build up that fast though, is tolerance, so that the same amount of the benzo no longer works as well. That is how it starts..People need to take higher and higher amounts, and then start taking them more than once a day, and before you know it, you've got a dangerous physical addiction going. Keep yourself in check and speak with your doctor.

Good luck and keep your chin up! :winkwink:

Do you know if benzo treatments ever stop? I mean, I can't imagine not ever being "normal", even while on Klonopin - the thoughts are still there but it is like it doesn't matter or something. I think if I went off the benzo it would start to matter again... it is hard to explain, this seems like a life long illness, but I may be wrong?

Also, Clonazepam patients do not develop a tolerence in most cases, but they do develop a dependance. So, no, you wouldn't have to keep upping the milligrams, you'd just be stuck on what is called a "low dose dependence". I guess you would wean yourself off from there if you ever were "cured" of your problem.

I personally hate the SSRI drugs. They use them for everything. So far they are used for depression, panic, anxiety, OCD, and social anxiety. I am sure they will find more things to use them for. They also make you gain weight. Some people gain 20 pounds, some have gained up to 100.

The first few days on any dose of Klonopin you will feel tired. That is a normal side effect. It does go away as long as your dose is not to high. I am sure they will start you on a low dose and go higher if needed.

You take take Benzo's for years. They do not have to be short term. They will ween you off of them when the time comes. I know people that have been on Klonopin for 7 years. I am not sure why people think they are only for a short term use, that is not true. Xanax is also not as addictive as people make it out to be. I have known plenty of people that took it for years and came off of it just fine. I think people like to scare other people by saying that.

You will be normal again, it just may be a long road. With medication and therapy you can lead a normal life again. Make sure to get a therapist, medication alone is not enough.

Klonopin is usually taken at least twice a day by most on it. Since he is new to panic attacks they may put him on it three times a day and lower it as he gets better. Most people on klonopin do not build up a tolerance. It seems like the benzo's take longer to build up a tolerance then the SRRI's do.