panic attacks

I have been experiencing panic attacks on and off for the past three years.  of course they always seem worse when moneys tight or issues come up in my life.  when things are good, the panic attacks go away, petty much completely.  I have the up and down swings like I could be bi polar, but alot of the other symptoms don't exist.  I am currently prescribed to 1 mg xanax as needed(which is pretty much all day long), but am supposed to be using it as an interim drug while waiting for celexa to begin having it's affects on the problem.  I started 10 mg of that about three weeks ago, and was told to double my dosage after two weeks if i didn't feel any better.  so the dosage has been doubled since a week ago at 20 mg.  The xanax helps a ton, but i know it's addictive and will negate the celexa having a positive affect when i am so dependent upon it.  i have heard of other drugs being helpful, like paxil or prozac, but want one that i can take once a day and get rid of these issues for good.  i am a salesman and need my focus and clearness of mind to survive.  lately, this has been the most painful problem i can ever imagine and it's to the point where i would rather have cancer than panic disorder.  my public functionality is to the point of non existence without the xanax since i freak out and have to leave.  my doctor seems to think i don't need a shrink and the celexa will work if i let it run it's course.  any thoughts?  

[johnnykelly]

Hi, Panic attacks where a major issue in my earlier life as-well. Very Debilitating and scary. The cause of panic attacks seems to be worry,as you stated earlier. There are also family traits like was your mother or father anxious,people overly cocerned with the BILLS and the fear of economic insecurity.I believe responsible people like yourself, diagnosed the cause of the problem.the solution to my panic symdrom was psychotherapy (The talk therapy) as for the Anti-depressants they say they are the cure.In my own experience with Prozac for example was increased panic and anziety and other back in the early 80tys.Thwere was a time that these attacks ruled my life,i was afraid to attend a medical oppoinment for the fear of having a panic attack in front of people and Losing control and ending up in a mental instution,tgose attacks can precipitate the feelings of suicide.In closing i found a good psychiatrist and have not had a full-blown panic attack in 10yrs.Honey at the time i thought thewre was no hope.As for the benzos,use them as tnhe attack are terrible. love john

[girlybuff]

I suffer from them as well.  And as an addict, I have to be very careful with benzos.  Your GP is right in prescribing you an anti-depressant but with anxiety attacks you need to be taught ways to counteract them.  Please see a therpist.  You will be given tools to stop them when they start and cut them off at the pass before they get uncontrollable,
Also, there is a forum on this sit for anxiety.  Check that out.
The seadtives are merely a band aid for the core issues.  ALthough your GP means well, you need a professional to FIX the issue.
Good luck to you.