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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
panic disorder and agoraphobia
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
panic disorder and agoraphobia
by sue, Jan 28, 2000 12:00AM
I have had these two problems for my entire life off and on, but the bout I am fighting with right now has been for the past 10 years. I have a real problem with medications. I am very sensitive to them and don't like to take them anyway. But my tollerance is very very low. I also have PAT which is heart palputations. I just started to take paxil and according to my doctor there is no way it can effect my heart, yet on the second and third day after taking it my chest gets like a muscle spasm in it and it causes my heart to go into an irregular beat. Years ago a doctor tried to change my heart medication (inderal is what I do take) and it caused my heart to go into a winky-bach beat.(sorry I know I did not spell that correctly) Any way that is the beat it feels like it goes into now. Is it just my panic that makes that happen or could the paxil do something to the surrounding muscles which triggers the heart?? I feel so stupid asking this question. I have been trying to get some in home care from a cardioligist so I will feel more comfortable, but until the paxil makes the panic go away....I can't go as far away from home as the doctor's offices are.
I'm in a total "catch 22" situation. The cartioligist won't perscribe any halter moniter or such without seeing me and I can't get to him so he will perscribe it.
Anyway I do not like being in this situation. And was doing okay until two weeks before Christmas when I went to the Mall (one block from my house) and it was so crowded that I had a panic attack (the first in a year, I don't go anywhere that will set it off, so I'm trapped in my house) but now I am having attacks even at home again.
Outside of an answer, if you are a Christian I'd appreciate any prayers you say on my behalf. Thank you for your time.
I'm in a total "catch 22" situation. The cartioligist won't perscribe any halter moniter or such without seeing me and I can't get to him so he will perscribe it.
Anyway I do not like being in this situation. And was doing okay until two weeks before Christmas when I went to the Mall (one block from my house) and it was so crowded that I had a panic attack (the first in a year, I don't go anywhere that will set it off, so I'm trapped in my house) but now I am having attacks even at home again.
Outside of an answer, if you are a Christian I'd appreciate any prayers you say on my behalf. Thank you for your time.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-SW, Jan 28, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Sue,
It is unfortunate you are having such a difficult time adjusting your medication.
Paxil is effective treatment for Panic Attacks and anxiety. Ironically, it may cause mild anxiety and restlessness in the first few days of starting treatment.
I recommend you contact your doctor, perhaps you can be started at a very low dose of 5mg/a day or even 2.5mg/a day and slowly increased to minimize the side effects.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
It is unfortunate you are having such a difficult time adjusting your medication.
Paxil is effective treatment for Panic Attacks and anxiety. Ironically, it may cause mild anxiety and restlessness in the first few days of starting treatment.
I recommend you contact your doctor, perhaps you can be started at a very low dose of 5mg/a day or even 2.5mg/a day and slowly increased to minimize the side effects.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
God to release his peace upon you!! I too suffered from panic attacks and chest spasms starting from when i was 12 years old / The Lord is delivering me from it ,but it has been process .! but I can definitly relate to that catch 22. It turned out for me that it was fear of alot of different things,but the attachs are no where near what they used to be!!!As I face my fear one by one and with the help of meds , prayer support groupss,and praise and worship(which is the key)!! I havecome along way and i know Jesus will do the same for you!!Your enemy is fear, but remember fear stands for f=false. e=eveidence a=appearing r=real!!It has no power over you unless you give it to him.you may have to warfare, and that comes in praise and worship!!!!when you are afraid sing/. get some healing songs.simple ones that you can remeber. songs that have scripturs in it are the best
get out your sword (the word) and do battle and I agree with all your prayers> My email address i ***@**** if you want to talk or pray together write me God bless!! your sister in christ
Please try to do things sometimes that you generally avoid as it is one of the best ways of overcoming this.
Don't worry if you have to retreat, a step at a time is the best approach if you're feeling fragile.
It's hard I know, but it can be done.
luv and care
Ray.