What is the best medication for panic disorder?

[Ninettaoath]

I am on the search for a medication that will make me stop having panic attacks.
I have been on Klonopin which basically took my anxiety out of my chest and put it out by allowing me to cry, so I didn't have panic attacks when I was on it I just cried. It messed with my frontal lobes of my brain, the part that keeps one from doing things you shouldn't. It took away a lot of my inhibitions and made me feel a bit reckless. I had to get off of it, too because I cut myself when I was on it. Buspar doesn't help my panic attacks or anxiety. It makes me nervous too. Imipramine (Tofranil) made my anxiety worse and made my heart race. Seroquel basically keeps me from having a full-blown panic attack but that is only because it sedates me, but it STILL doesn't stop the panic attacks, unless I take enough of it to "knock me out" or put me to sleep. I am frustrated. My doctor now is going to try me of Effexor. This is probably going to be trial-and-error for awhile until something helps me. My husband is afraid that I will abuse benzos, because I took too many Klonopins thinking I needed more to help me because i felt so depressed on Klonopin. Anyway, the only thing so far that has helped my anxiety are benzos but those seem to be out of the picture so what medication will help me not to have them???? Does anybody know or have some experience with this??? Thank you! Hannah

[BillTheCat]

I suffer from panic disorder that brings on depression.  The panic attacks "shut off" my emotions.  About 6 years ago, I went through a 1-1.5 years of the disorder.  During that time I took paxil and i didn't like it.  then I went to Zoloft and it helped a lot.  I was on it for 2 years then off and panic free for 3 years.  I recently started back on due to return of the panic attacks and associated depression.  I am starting to feel better.  

My advice is see what works for you.  I have heard from others that Zoloft is very well tolerated but everyone is different.  I know another guy who takes zoloft for panic disorder and is doing well.

[cnote]

Everybody is different. And I think you answered your own question.

You said "This is probably going to be trial-and-error for awhile until something helps me."

Bingo! Trial and Error. You will find something. And benzos should only be used for short term.

An anti-depressant will help change your "brain diabetes" if you will. Your brain may be off a little bit chemical-wise and just needs a little extra help balancing serotonin etc.

I bet you'll find something soon.

Good luck to you. And remember, Antidepressants take a good 2-6 weeks to feel the full effect, so don't stop taking something after a week, unless its giving you some type of side effect you don't like. =)

Also, have you tried seeing a therapist?

Good luck to you.

[flob]

the 2 that have helped me were luvox (many years ago) and more recently, zoloft.

as far as benzo's...they are what they are and there's nothing to replace them. there are shorter acting benzo's like xanax...have you tried different ones? i mean no benzo should really be used daily like a preventative...but if you had one that worked for you on an as needed basis, then it might help.

i don't know what to suggest other than patience. there are a lot of different things to try and it's a matter of finding which one works for you so just give it time and keep talking with your doctor. thats the only way you'll ever find what works for you.

[Paxiled]

Klonopin is for long-term use, you usually don't have to take more of it, assuming it works, to maintain its effects due to its longer half life in the body.  But if you take too much, it can cause depression.  And nothing medicinal will eliminate anxiety attacks, they will just limit them. All of them have side effects.  Hopefully you take that increase in confidence and use talk therapy to fix the problem.  Good luck.

[AliBhai]

I have used effexor.....it really really helped.....I hope it helps u too.....wish you very best of lucks....

[kyrra28]

I tried several meds for my severe panic attacks--my panic attacks lasted months with heart racing constantly--this happened 2 years ago and after several meds the only one that took the racing away was Zoloft.  I just went up to 200mg this week and I'm so scared of whats going to happen when it stops working.  I hope it works for you too.  Wish you good luck and know that I understand your pain.  BTW thank god of Klonopin right--it was a life saver for me at the beginning when nothing was working.  Good luck.