How is Lexapro for anxiety/panic attacks?

Question

What has been your experience?

Answer 1

I didn't think Lexapro was prescribed too often for panic attacks. While it (and other SSRIs) have been used to manage anxiety in general, I wasn't aware that it was effective for acute anxiety (panic disorder). I thought they prescribed benzodiazepines for that... like Ativan (Lorazepam) or a derivative thereof.

A family member had severe generalized anxiety, and while Celexa (an SSRI similar to Lexapro) did NOT help her, the Lorazepam DID help her, but for a short amount of time. The problem with benzos though is that I hear they tend to be habit-forming or addictive, so they can't be used for long-term management of anxiety the way SSRIs can.

Answer 2

That depends on just what you are asking. A person could stay off work using Family Medical Leave as long as twelve weeks if you qualify. And if you mean will your disability insurance cover that period, it depends on your plan. My family doctor has kept me off work as long as 30 days at a time for depression, however, I did have to see a psychiatrist once for my insurance to pay. Currently, my short term disability has exhausted and I applied for Long term disability, which i should have done a month before my STD ran out, because they say it will take a month to process it. So I have been out for fifteen weeks and without income for two of those weeks. You can also apply for Social Security disability if your condition is expected to last for twelve months or result in death. I have done that in the past for panic disorder and was awarded benefits on two separate occasions. So, you could draw benefits for the rest of your life if your condition is serious. However, you would probably need a diagnosis from a psychiatrist. I have forty weeks of supplemental medical leave in addition to fmla but that is through my employer. Hope that helps.

Answer 3

Lexapro works well for me. I take a very low maintenance dose. If you start, do not stop abruptly. You have to wean off. It does not cause any side effects either.

Answer 4

Lexapro effects the levels in your brain and stabalizes it. I know my son is on this medication and has been sense it first hit the market,

Answer 5

depression feeds anxiety, and anxiety feeds depression. So prescribing a med for depression may alleviate some of the anxiety too. Paxil is a good SSRI for anxiety too.