Longtime Panic Attack Sufferer

[mjlafond]

I started having panic attacks 11 years ago the first 3 years were spent seeing all kinds of Doctors until finalling being correctly diagnosed. I have been on Paxil 150 mg ever since and doing fine (No Panic Attacks). About 9 months ago my spouse decided she was no longer willing to put up with the lack of a sex drive (wanting sex less than once ever couple of weeks). Because of this I started the journey of trying to find a new med. First my Doctor decided to try just lowering my dos of Paxil to 75 mg no panic but still no sex drive. Second tried Efexor no panic but also no sex drive was on for about six months. Next was Wellbutrin I now have a sex drive but panic attacks have returned daily or more I have the feeling I can't breathe well and the panic begins.
After all that my questions are:
1. Is there a drug that will work as well for panic attacks as Paxil did with less sexual disfunction?
2. Will this feeling of not being able to breathe on Wellbutrin go away in time (Have been taking it for 2 months) never had this feeling before.
3. Is there any other type of treatment for someone who has panic attacks for no reason (They just happen out of the blue not brought on by any activity, etc.)
4. Should I go back to the Paxil which made life livable for me and look into something else to stimulate the sex drive.
5. Through my med plan I need to be reffered to any Doctor other than my General Doctor. If I want to request someone more closelt tied to helping with panic attacks what type od DOctor should I ask for.
Thanks ahead for your answers.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You should ask for a consultation with a psychopharmacologist.  They deal with this problem all the time, and have many options to choose from.   Wellbutrin is usually a good choice, maybe your breathing problem with that drug is more anxiety than drug side effect.

[3rdMajor]

Hi,
     Side effects of paxil are dose related.  I have found 20-30mg to be effective for panic attacks, and sexual dysfunction at that dose was not a problem after initial adjustment to the medicine.  You report taking a very high dose of paxil.  Have you experimented to see what minimum dose of paxil is effective for your anxiety?
     You might also consider taking viagra or similar sexual enhancement med.  Check with your doctor for conflicts.

[SueinNY]

I have been on Paxil for 8 days.  The first seven were at 12.5 milligrams and then yesterday I started with 25 milligrams.  When am I going to see improvement?  I have to take Adavant to calm myself down just to get myself through the panic attacks.  This is completely tearing apart my life.  I have a wonderful husband, two great boys and they have a mom who is falling apart on them.  Please tell me how much longer until I see improvement.  I'm desparate.  I've lost 10 pounds, have no desire to eat and only sleep a few hours a night.  Thank you.