what is the best med for severe anxiety and panic attacks?

Question

i got to the dr. tommarow and he has given me xanax, and ativan and neither seem to help. is there a better one i can ask him about?

Answer 1

Don't listen to the person who wrote that xanax and ativan counteract each other!! They are in the same class of drug, the benzodiazapines, and they have an additive effect. A good thing to try would be an ssri, such as zoloft, prozac, or celexa. They take a few weeks to work, but they are effective at relieving anxiety and are non-habit forming. Stay away from the benzos as much as possible, as they are physically and psychologically addicting.

Answer 2

I suffered for six yrs. I thought I was schizo. I thought I was two people at one point and that one might grab a gun and shoot the body. It was BAD. I let it get WAY too far out of hand. That was because I didn't understand what was going on. Medications can mask it, but they can't cure it. I eventually found my way to EFT, which is an accupressure thing you can do on yourself. It is whacky, but it works. Also, I did a lot of research.. The whole panic thing happens in the amygdala of the brain. A switch gets turned on and until it gets turned off you feel nutty and in a constant state of fear. Just knowing that it isn't insanity, and that it is just a 'switching' problem really really helped me. Once I got a handle on it, I was 'back to normal' in less than a month. One round of EFT and I haven't ever had another panic episode. Also, one thing that helped me a lot was just to say... well this is such a crappy way to live.. if this panic attack kills me.. so be it. (panic attacks won't actually kill you they just make you feel like they will). But I would say ok then, well do what it will do, I don't care, I'm going to live anyway. And that sapped a lot of the strength. Anyway, I know how it feels. Check in with me anytime and I'll help you all I can. You really can be fine again.. It has been years since I have had one.

Answer 3

did he give you the xanax and ativan at the same time to take ?
because if he did, the reason they didn't work is because they counteract against each other,

i suffer from sever panic anxiety disorder, and I am on zoloft, and ativan, ask your doctor to give zoloft a try, it wasmade for anxiety/panic disorder.

Also remember xanax, and ativan are highly addictive, so if you have been on either one for a while, you have to be weaned off the med, to keep from going into withdrawal.

If you need any more info, or someone to talk to please e-mail me, I know exactly what your going through

Answer 4

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 5

I like my Zoloft. It helps with my bad panic attacks and controls alot of the anxiety

Answer 6

GABA is available at healthfood stores, take up to 2500mgs a day. Also, kavakava is an herb that acts like xanax or ativan. Also I suggest a good 12 step program, Al-anon can help if you have a family member or friend whose drinking affected your life. Panic is a body response to stress.

Answer 7

definately talk to dahorndog. He has a tremendous amount of knowledge on this disorder and he and I have found out it helps to talk about anxiety with someone who has anxiety. He is a great, understanding man who would be more than happy to talk to you about it.

Answer 8

If you are taking the medication for anxiety only then try klonopin.

Answer 9

Pl seek the advice of some YOGA experts.

Answer 10

zoloft seems to help, i take ativan only to help me sleep..good luck