Aa
Does it get better?
I am 32 years old and have been suffering from severe anxiety attacks for 1 year now. I have been on Xanax 0.25 mg as needed (off now), meprobamate 800 mg (off now) lexapro 10mg (off now), prozac 20 mg 1 a day (off temporarily), ativan 1 mg as needed (current med) and another medication for anxiety and depression that gave me a real bad reaction that I dont take either. When the attacks happen my hands get cold and clammy, my heart pounds as if it is coming out of my chest and I feel like I am going to die. I have a better understanding of this disorder and know that I am not going to die and I usually take my med and take a walk outside to reboot. My question to you all is does it get better? How long before you see results? Do you get your life and sanity back?
Have you tryed Paxil?,,I have severe anxiety also,,Paxil is the only thing that helps my mind,,Ive tryed many meds with no relief,,,But always gone back to paxil As i also have PMDD wich is pms but more sever with hormone levels fluxuating,,, Im thinking by your name you are also female ,,Please check or keep a diary of your days n times of every attack and every pain if its near or around your period you may also have PMDD,,,Tell your doctor if you think you may have PMDD,,,,,,Its no fun to have both ,,,Yet paxil helps my anxiety but not my pain,,,,,,atleast my mind is clear and im not thinking im having a heart attack, cancer , or going to die!,,,I hope ive helped a bit good luck with finding your relief ,,,Your friend Vicki
I think it can get better also. But I am afraid there is no silver bullet. It is going to take some effort on your part. Assuming you are otherwise healthy and indeed anxiety is your problem, I think the only way for real long-term progress is through CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment). It will help reduce the fear of the attacks themselves, the physical symptoms, and agoraphobic situations by desensitizing and changing your way of thinking. I would seek a clinic or therapist that specializes in this type of therapy.
Medications can be used but should only be used in conjunction with therapy. Otherwise you are just masking the symptoms and not really getting anywhere. Benzos especially should be avoided if at all possible. Some cases do require them. Reason being they work a little too well (I know this by experience). One does not learn to face and deal with the fear.
Of course this is all my opinion and I wish I was further along this road to tell you my outcome. But I can tell you it is helping. I wish you the best though and can totally empathize.
Joseph
Medications can be used but should only be used in conjunction with therapy. Otherwise you are just masking the symptoms and not really getting anywhere. Benzos especially should be avoided if at all possible. Some cases do require them. Reason being they work a little too well (I know this by experience). One does not learn to face and deal with the fear.
Of course this is all my opinion and I wish I was further along this road to tell you my outcome. But I can tell you it is helping. I wish you the best though and can totally empathize.
Joseph
My attacks just got worse. I didn't think I was gonna live either. I think it could stop, but its gonna take some letting go of some things. I know it's not easy, and that's why I still go through. I am so vidictive and unforgiving, and I wont stop thinking until i have resolved my issues...all im doing is killin myself....
It does get better. Second, DO NOT stop your meds without the consultation of your doctor. In fact, I am a very big proponent of medication as long as it is combined with talk therapy. Study after study will show that this is one of the best approaches to get long term relief from anxiety/panic and depression.
Many people will give you many different paths to trying to get relief from this, but I believe that you are already on the right track for one very important reason. You have recognized and accepted that it is just anxiety. In my experience, this is the most important step for you to take because without doing that you can get stuck in that anxiety/panic cycle and feel like it is just a big circle.
Have you tried talking to a therapist? If not, you would be amazed how much you can learn about yourself and what bothers you. Second, I always try to urge patience and focus on the long term. Don't get upset if you move backwards...it happens with all things in life. Keep using this forum and keep us posted!
Many people will give you many different paths to trying to get relief from this, but I believe that you are already on the right track for one very important reason. You have recognized and accepted that it is just anxiety. In my experience, this is the most important step for you to take because without doing that you can get stuck in that anxiety/panic cycle and feel like it is just a big circle.
Have you tried talking to a therapist? If not, you would be amazed how much you can learn about yourself and what bothers you. Second, I always try to urge patience and focus on the long term. Don't get upset if you move backwards...it happens with all things in life. Keep using this forum and keep us posted!
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