medication

Has anyone on here had any sucess with anti-depressants? I have been on everyone without success. It may help with the amount of panic attacks, but does nothing for the anticpatory anxiety. The fear of going somewhere where I have had a panic attack. I moved into a new state, so i lost my old DR, who tried all the different medications. Well I have seen a few DR's here and they all want to precribe ssri's. I tell them that they don't work for me and I have no libido and I am not able to achieve an orgasm. Besides that the withdrawal is hell!!!! But they don't seem to listen to that. I have been on ssri's for 11 years it is nice to finally feel like a women again, in that department. When they tell them that benzo's are the only thing that seems to work. They think I am drug seeking. Finally my DR presribed xanax prn .25 mg 3 times a day..25 mgs don't even touch my panic attacks!!!!

[29sillygirl]

You know you have my sympathy.  My situation with meds is very similar.  Since anal cancer the ghastly diarrhea caused by all SSRIs was the final straw.

Believe I've shared that I pay for all my mental health care. Medicare won't pay for benzos or a psychiatrist. I am d***** lucky to have one who will see me.

I do fine on clonazapam, but to be frank, I do still have anticipatory anxiety.  I look at it as something I have to work on, and it is manageable.

Wish I had an answer to the way many doctors treat us like junkies.  I have to believe you will find one who will review your medical health history and understand.  Wonder if a woman would be more sympathetic to female needs?

I absolutely love my gyn.  She is a cancer doctor @ MDAnderson.  Did repairs on scars and adhesions a couple of months ago, so now, if I want, can have a man in my life again.  Also orgasms back.

I feel real again after three years of guys telling me my depression was because I was facing my mortality.  Huh?  They never waited for me to tell them what the real problem was.  Just congratulated themselves on their work...and zipped out of exam room.  

The dose you describe is, in my non-medical opinion, low.  You have to get the panic attacks under control.  I never found anything better than Xanax for them.

[peacetiff]

I wish there was some way I could post this to the medical community. to tell you the truth I really am not a big advocate for benzo's. They are very adictive. But sometimes they are the only think that works. I never take them when I feel anxious. To me anxiety and panic are 2 different things. I can handle the anxiety. But having panic attacks is what keeps me housebpound at times. I am in nursing school right now. I just started my first week last week. And guess what I had a panic attack. Now everyday that I have to go to I jave that fear I am going to have another panic attack!!!! The think about benzos they were made for people with panic disordrs!!!!! So why is people that are feeling stress from there job can get them. I am talking about normal stress!!! That everyone has. but people who have panic disorder who really need them can not. I also do not have insurance, So I see someone from the county. Which i know there are alot of people who there who are drug seeking. I have signed a release for mmy DR in virginia. So that they can see it is not BS about being on so many SSRI's and benzos was the only thing that seemed to help.!!!! I am therapy also. So I am not looking for medication to be the only answer.

[29sillygirl]

Starting school is really stressful even for people who don't have an anxiety disorder.

I know the 'fear of fear' that happens to all of us who have had extensive periods of panic attacks.  Glad you can, at least, see someone @ a clinic.  Also that your records can be forwarded to whomever you see.

You are probably right about more drug seekers at a county clinic.  Same as ERs...just the way it is.  Does make things tougher for people like us.

I believe as you get into your studies, you will have fewer panic attacks.  It is the firsts, and as you mentioned in original post, the anticipation that is hardest.

Try to focus on the accomplishment: each day you attend class a big victory.  You know there are people who give up...claim disability and all that.  You are strong.  Know you are going to do well after you get over the newness of classes.

I also do know you use other methods to calm yourself.  Hang in there.  Peace.