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