Is there help for anxiety and panic without meds?

[shannon]

Hi,

Thank you very much for re-opening this forum.

I am a 43 year-old female who is struggling with anxiety and panic attacks.  I am currently taking .5mg clonazepam b.i.d.  I have tried Zoloft and Paxil with terrible results.  Each one intensified the physical anxiety symptoms so badly I had to stop taking them.  I was started at half the recommended dosage, so obviously SSRI drugs do not work for me.  The clonazepam has helped somewhat, but it does not totally eliminate my symptoms.  I'm also afraid of what the long term effects of this med are, so I'm reluctant to increase the dosage.  The doctor (psych)I've been seeing suggested I try Serzone, but from what I've read, that drug does not seem to be very helpful in treating panic disorder.

I'd really like to get off the clonazepam and try some alternative methods.  Is there anything that you know of that can help a person dealing with anxiety and panic who has not had much luck with the traditional meds?

Thank you in advance for your response.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Shannon, thanks for your thanks. Regarding medication for anxiety and panic, it is a trial and error process. You have tried some of the best, but that doesn't mean that then next one won't be effective. If medications is the treatment of choice for you, you will have to keep experimenting.

It sounds to me like you already have an effective drug response.The clonozepan is getting rid of the high intensity, disruptive feelings. Now you are left in a place where you want to search for more peace, but in a different mode.

I believe that medication is useful only to the limited extent you are already experiencing. The rest of the work is up to you..to solve personal problems and make your life work the way you want it to work. That means addressing issues and resolving them.

You may find some help in our Mastering Stress and Depression program. In that program we identify problems and help you work them through. You are seeing a therapist (m.d.? phd?) and you may already being doing this...but if its more that you want, and a different way of helping yourself, this may be a useful addition to what you are already doing.

Hope this helps.

[M.L.]

Shannon,

I am no MD but have quite a bit of knowledge about panic disorder, treatment, and meds.  Sounds as if you are trying to start the SSRI's at too high dosage.  People with panic must start medication at a VERY low dosage because they are very sensitive to any changes thatoccur when taking SSRI's, or any other class of meds for panic and anxiety.  Talk with your Dr. and have him or her to start your meds very low and work up slowly and I think you will be able to tolerate the SSRI.  They really do work for panic, but must be started very slowly, otherwise they will create more panic symptoms.  Anxiety people are very super sensitive to bodily changes, and starting the meds to quickly is counterproductive.

Hope this bit of info is helpful.  Good Luck!!

[M.L.]

Shannon,

I am no MD but have quite a bit of knowledge about panic disorder, treatment, and meds.  Sounds as if you are trying to start the SSRI's at too high dosage.  People with panic must start medication at a VERY low dosage because they are very sensitive to any changes thatoccur when taking SSRI's, or any other class of meds for panic and anxiety.  Talk with your Dr. and have him or her to start your meds very low and work up slowly and I think you will be able to tolerate the SSRI.  They really do work for panic, but must be started very slowly, otherwise they will create more panic symptoms.  Anxiety people are very super sensitive to bodily changes, and starting the meds to quickly is counterproductive.

Hope this bit of info is helpful.  Good Luck!!

[steve]

Hi Shannon,
   Ditto what M.L. said about starting -very- slow on the Zoloft or Paxil.  When I tried these drugs my doctor started me on something 1/4 of a 50mg tablet per day.  Even then I had the same reaction to the meds as you described (and ended up discontinuing them). I've been taking Xanax for about 3 months now and I'm in the process of slowly "ramping down" from that but I'm having a helluva a time getting off of it completely.  As for alternative methods, I have had wonderful success with cognitive behavioral therapy in conjunction with a couple of the "self help" books out there.  One book I highly recommend you read is "Don't Panic" By Reid Wilson PHD.  Of all the things that have "worked" I've probably had the most success with breathing and meditation exercises.  If you would like to email me I can go into more detail about I'm approaching this and what seems to be working.  ***@****

[Cathy]

Shannon, go to see a doctor who practices Alternative Medicine.  You need to find out what is causing the Depression and attacks before you continue "experimenting" with anti-depressants.  You may have what is called "Wilson's Syndrome" (www.wilsonssyndrome.com).  A Psychiatrist will only keep trying different chemical medications with you, but they will not address the natural imbalance in your body and why you're experiencing the Depression and attacks.  Best wishes to you.

[beth bryan(mental health system involed)]

        Dear fellow Member,
            Hello my name is Beth Bryan. I feel I need to tell you that I take Serazone right now and it is the best kind of medication for me. I used to take Prozac and Depekote. I suffered terrible shaking tremors from the meds, so I also had to get off them. Serazone helps me be able to control my anxiety and all of the other symtoms that I have. I have also  stopped shaking altogether.But you should think about it before you go on the meds because they can possibly for you horrible side effects. But I wan't you to know you do have the power to tell them what you want to go into your body. This is your god given right. Well I hope this will help you with most of  your struggles. Keep your  mind . Dont let the people in the system control you. Good luck. Please Email me at ***@**** to let me know how you are. Maybe we can become good freinds and pen pals.