What is a best medication for panic attacks and anxiety disorder?

[michelle54991]

What is the best medication for panic attacks and anxiety disorder with the least side effects? My doctor put me on Prozac but I had insomnia so now I am on Remeron 15mg. for second week, it makes mefeel groggy and I have memory loss.

[greenlydia]

You must understand that there is no "BEST" medication for anxiety/panic. What is "best" is what works for YOU. And sometimes that takes some trial and error until you and your doctor find the right one or the right combination. If you read some posts on here, you will see that some people can tolerate a medication very well while someone else can't.
The other thing you need to understand about these types of meds is that they all vary in time as to when they will reach therapeutic levels, which means, in short, until you begin to feel some relief of your symptoms. While you are going through this period, you will very often experience some side effects which your doctor SHOULD have made you very aware of. I don't know how long you were on Prozac, but insomnia is one of it's side effects which usually abates after a few weeks.......(if that long) Now you've been on Remeron for two weeks and are experiencing some grogginess and memory loss. Both of these are fairly common side effects of this med and should pass in time, but it can take up to three weeks for Remeron to reach it's therapeutic level and a bit longer for some side effects to completely disappear.
I find myself wondering two things. First, why your doctor is prescribing antidepressants if your dx is anxiety. There ARE antidepressants that will deal with both conditions, but you've mentioned nothing about depression. And second, is he/she giving these drugs an adequate trial time to see if they WILL work for you once the therapeutic level has been reached. Or are you insisting they put you on something else when some side effects show up. I don't mean that to be harsh, but I think I did mention that the majority of these meds carry with them some side effects until your body adjusts to them, it just can't be avoided. It is usually only when, and if, the side effects get worse or become unbearable that the drug is discontinued and another one instituded.
I am neither a doctor nor a pharmacist, please understand that as well, but I think you need to have a discussion with one or the other about side effects and what is or isn't acceptable to you.
I wish you the best in finding what works for you.
Peace
Greenlydia          

[michelle54991]

Hi,
thanks for your comments-I thought that antidepressants are the only medications that treat panic attacks and GAD? No, I am not depressed. I am easily stressed and when I get insomnia I get panic attack so . My doctor told me sleep deprivation can cause panic attacks. I was on Prozac 10mg. for only a week when insomnia set in so the doctor took me off. What medication are there for panic attacks and anxiety disorder that you know of?
Thanks.
Michelle  

[tina0214]

HI, So i was wondering how you feel when you get your panic attacks? and if you ever feel anxious during the day on a regular basis?

I ask bc thats how i feel, and im wanting to know if im the only one who feels this way when having anxiety...

Thanks
Christina

[ginissimo]

Ey up

I had an anxiety disorder when I was younger and the doctor put me on seroxat (I think it falls in the same category as prozac) The first two weeks my anxiety increased but after that the symptoms lessened and after 8 weeks I started feeling much better. I remember vividly when I felt the change inside me. It was like the sun breaking through the clouds on an overcast day (sounds a bit corny but that is how it felt) So I'd recommend it. But it's true what Greenlydia says: people react differently to different kinds of pills. Don't be afraid to try and see what works for you. That's the only way you'll ever feel better.  Good luck to ye.

[M4Y0U]

Anti-depressants ( preferably SNRIs like Cymbalta and SSRIs like Lexapro ) are widely used to treat anxiety and they can be the first logical choice for a doctor for a LONG TERM treatment. Short term treatment includes benzodiazepines like Bromazepam, Ativan, Xanax. Anxiety is closely related to depression and even if the patient have no symptoms of depression. Anyway it is always better to consult a therapist before going on meds of it can cure the problem without the need of any medication.

Anyway please note that i'm not a doctor and you should consult a doctor and maybe thinking about seeing a therapist for your condition.

There is one thing i suggest to everyone tho and it is physical activity and healthy diet. When doing physical activity your body will produce a lot of hormones that are proven to be essential for a healthy mind-body. One of those hormones is endorphin. It is an endogenous opioid from the pituitary gland that blocks pain, decreases appetite, creates a feeling of euphoria, and reduces tension and anxiety. A healthy diet is also suggested since our body was made to move and to eat bio. Quick fact: Our body is made from the same 22 minerals that you can find on the earth. The iron in our blood the calcium in our bones are good examples... So keep in mind that healthy diet and physical activity is crucial.

I'm not a doctor and you should consult a doctor or therapist since i am only giving you suggestions. If you intend to to physical activity i suggest you consult a doctor or cardiolosgist prior engaging any hard cardiovascular workout.

Best regards,
M4

[michelle54991]

Hi ,
It is an awful feeling your heart pounds real fast your senses just go numb you feel like you are going to die. It 's all psychological but once you've experienced it then you are scared to face it again. Anxiety is an obsession thinking of some fear and eventually it leads to panic attack. No. you are not the only one who experience this. If you feel anxious everyday because of certain things you should talk to your doctor. I use Klonopin for anxiety disorder and Paxil for panic attacks.

[michelle54991]

Hi,
thanks for your advise. I was on paxil, but it makes my mind foggy and my ability to concentrate is close to nil. I used to read books a lot but now I can't unless I concentrate really hard. After the doc. put me on Prozac and Remeron I have certain side effects and Remron boosts up my cholesterol level so now I'm back on Paxil.
Michelle54991

[michelle54991]

Hi,
Thanks for the info.. I am seeing a psychiatrist but sometimes I can't even get an objective opinion so going into the forum gives me an idea how everyone else deals w/ the problem and it has been very helpful for me.
Thanks again.

[M4Y0U]

Another advice as a bonus!

I would suggest going to a natural food store or supplements food store and try to find some GABA and Melatonin. I found GABA ( ok i know it's a receptor's name too ) today when i went to the store and i didn't know about it. I didn't do any research yet on the product but it seems to be good for anxiety and a good stress releiver.

Also i would suggest Melatonin before you go to bed to promote better and refreshing sleep which can help regulate your serotonin.

Talk to you doctor prior executing my suggestion because Melatonin can have interactions with anti-depressants drugs. So if you and your doctor want to try a natural approach combined with the above suggestion and physical activity and healthy diet and you want to be medication free, suggest it to your doctor and let's see what he have to say!

But the big safe combo would be light therapy during the day to promote serotonin production and Melatonin 1 to 3 hours before bedtime to use this serotonin to a good refreshing sleep.

Oh and here are something about diet and serotonin.

Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan.  Thus to produce serotonin, you need tryptophan.  Tryptophan is an amino acid that you can only obtain by consumption.  Therefore you want to consider eating foods containing sufficient levels of tryptophan to help replenish your serotonin levels each day.  The following is a list:

   1. Cottage cheese.
   2. Brown rice.
   3. Avocados.
   4. Bananas.
   5. Walnuts.
   6. Tomatoes.
   7. Soy protein.
   8. Meat.
   9. Turkey is probably the highest serotonin containing food.  Eat turkey to help increase serotonin levels.

Now you know many options besides medications

Best regards,
M4

[ginissimo]

Anytime. Your description of what a panic attack feels like is spot on. I remember my first time. It really did feel like I was about to die. It was so intensely frightening. I wish you all the best and I hope you find your way. I truly do.


G.