confused!

[PenelopeeP]

My Dr. put me on Celexa for general anxiety.  I don't recall ever having an actual panic attack until after I was put on this medication.  I thought the Celexa may have actually been causing the panic attacks, so now I have been on paxil for a few days.  I had another panic attack last night.  These attacks seem to happen when I am just relaxed sitting, watching TV or after I eat.  I am very confused.  Is it possible that these medications can actually cause this reaction? Please help!!!

[PenelopeeP]

Thank you very much for all of your comments, it is greatly appreciated and I will take your advice!

[nursegirl6572]

Nothing to add except, this quote from lydia says it all!!  Any of us suffering with panic attacks knows this to be true...and is one of the more maddening things about them!!.....

"I could never understand why I'd get a panic attack when I was out having a great time but never get one when I was stressed to the max."

[cj29]

I agree 100% with greenlydia here.  Medications like these can cause our anxiety to increase as we become adjusted to the meds.  For me, whenever I started or stopped an SSRI like Celexa or Paxil, I would get more nervous and notice some side effects.  It was probably exacerbated by the fact that I was nervous about taking it in the first place, so I would link all 'weird' feelings to the fact that I was on the medication even if it was not related.  

Also, good communication between your doctor and yourself is very important in my experience.  You will have questions and remember no question about this is a dumb question...they are there to help you.  

For me, it took a good 3-4 weeks to completely adjust to the SSRI, and I had a good experience with them.  Just remember that they are not going to 'cure' you of your anxiety in the long term, but they are a useful tool to have when learning about your anxiety through counseling in my experience with this.  Keep us posted!

[RubyWitch]

Sometimes when we begin a new medication, it will exacerbate our symptoms until it reaches therapeutic levels in our system. He should have told you how long (approximately) it would take before you began to feel relief. Either call him and ask or call your local pharmacist. If you notice the symptoms are not abating or getting worse, don't hesitate to call your doctor. We all react differently to meds and often have to try a few before we find the one(s) that work the best for us.
Anxiety and panic attacks almost always come "out of the blue" which is one of the very frightening things about them. We can be sitting with friends, talking and laughing, not a care in the world and from one heartbeat to the next, we're having a massive panic attack.
I could never understand why I'd get a panic attack when I was out having a great time but never get one when I was stressed to the max. Didn't make sense until I began to learn about why they happen.
Talk to your doctor, his PA or nurse about your concerns. You deserve answers and support.
I wish you peace
Greenlydia