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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Re: Panic disorder
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Re: Panic disorder
by john__0__0, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By john on May 27, 1999 at 14:12:46
I have 2 questions:
I have Panic Disorder. Is it common that people with anxiety
or Panic Disorder develop heart arrythmias?
Also, I have been taking Paxil 10mg. for over 1 year. I feel as
though it helps me, but I would like to go off of it. If I go
off of it, are relapses of Panic Attacks common? I really
do not know if the meds are helping me or if it is psychological.
It is only 10mg.
I have 2 questions:
I have Panic Disorder. Is it common that people with anxiety
or Panic Disorder develop heart arrythmias?
Also, I have been taking Paxil 10mg. for over 1 year. I feel as
though it helps me, but I would like to go off of it. If I go
off of it, are relapses of Panic Attacks common? I really
do not know if the meds are helping me or if it is psychological.
It is only 10mg.
Dear John, It would certainly be possible for a person with panic disorder to develop a heart arrhythmia, however, panic disorder in itself does not cause heart arrhythmias Symptoms of panic disorder such as heart palpitations and shortness of breath can also be found in certain arrhythmias, so it is important to rule out a cardiac cause of such symptoms.
It sounds as though you feel the paxil has helped your panic symptoms. Paxil, an SSRI(selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder. 10 mg is a low dose of the medication but some people respond well to this dosage. It sounds as if the medication is helping you. If you go off the medication, there is possibility your panic symptoms will relapse. I would discuss your interest in discontinuing the medication with your prescribing physician and the two of you can determine the best plan. I would not stop the medication without consulting with your physician.
I hope that this information has been helpful for you. It is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a physician. If you would like to see a mental health professional at Henry Ford Hospital, please call 248-689-7476 for an appointment.
Follow Ups:
Panic disorder Kim 6/08/1999
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