any help or info on panic disorder and depression?

Question

its like the worst thing ever. ive been having panic attacks for the past year and a half EVERY day. The other day i actually felt suicidal. Its so out of character for me; iused to be so happy! i tried zoloft, didnt work. im currently taking paxil and i really dont know if its going to work(its only been like 2 weeks) any info can help! sorry for bein such a debbie-downer......

Answer 1

I'm pretty much in the same situation you're in at the moment. =( I used to be happy and I used to love life, and that all changed about three years ago. Last November I convinced my parents that something was wrong, and I was diagnosed w/ ADD and depression.
I've taken Wellbutrin and Lexapro, and neither of those worked for me. Taking Prozac now, I'm a week and a half into it and not feeling better or worse yet.
The best advice I have for you is to find something to do while you wait for medication to work. The medication waiting game really sucks. (This is the fifth medication I've tried since December, other three were for ADD but doc thinks it's more important to help the depression first) I've found that playing videogames and MMOs really makes time pass by quickly for me. Other people I know tried to take on an a big project to keep themselves focused. Just try not to count down the days until your meds start kicking in, and find a distraction.
Also, if you're feeling suicidal, just think about how much people will miss you, or what will happen to other people after you're gone. That always snaps me out of suicidal thinking, since I know that if I ever do kill myself my family will be completely devastated... my sister will most likely become severely depressed, and my mom would probably kill herself as well. I don't know what my dad would do because he just confuses me... But yeah, you get the point. =)
Good luck!

Answer 2

I know what you mean. I've been there too. Two meds did not work for me. Zanax helped a lot (for about 2 months) while I was waiting for my 3rd med to kick in, Paxil (with a slow increase in the dosage). When the Paxil finally began to help I was able to get off the Zanax. I've remained on Paxil for almost 3 yrs now and I'm truly grateful that someone designed that particular med. If you can get on the right med, believe me, the relief will be overwhelming. A Psychiatrist can do much better then an Internist/family practice Doc regarding the proper medication. It is difficult for people to understand why certain activities will not help you get out of your panic. Unless they've been through it they can not relate. And I think we can all understand that. Panic/depression is not always an emotional state. Very often it is a chemical imbalance. Hang in there. I wish you well.

Answer 3

I too had suffered for years with anxiety and panic attacks. I have spent thousands of dollars on therapy and drugs...nothing seemed to help. It was very depressing and frieghtening, thinking that I would have to live this way for the rest of my life.

I went to support groups everything, of course my family was absolutely no help at all...they just kept saying "It's all in your head. You have a great job, make good money what do you have to be afraid of?"

I had even considered suicide...I trully thought there is no hope. Drugs made my feel bad, nothing worked.

It was then that I discovered the following books and videos. Though I was very skeptical, I thought what the heck I had already spent a small fortune trying everything else....so I gave them a try.


The rest of the story as they say is this...I have been Panic Attack and Anxiety free for over a year now. I have never felt better. Bottom line I have my life back.

If you would like to check them out here are the links to books and videos.


http://bmusabetterhealth.info/BeatChronicAnxiety/


http://bmusabetterhealth.info/PanicAttacksCured/


http://bmusabetterhealth.info/VideoCoachingSeries/


http://bmusabetterhealth.info/EliminateAnxiety/


http://bmusabetterhealth.info/StopPanicAttacks/


I purchase them all...it still cost me less than a session with my therapist. And best of all they all come with a full 100% money back guarantee. Do your self a favor, visit the sites and give one or more a try...you won't regret it.

Answer 4

no need to apologize. I've been there. Really I'm still there. My mother did well on Paxil so I asked my Dr if I could try if for my depression anxiety. I never have had a full-blown panic attack but when my episodes come I pace the floor, my heart beats fast, I beg my husband to tell me what can I do? It is miserable. Paxil has helped me the best of all the depr. meds I have tried. It does take longer than 2 weeks to kick in, maybe even 4 weeks. Do you have any med for anxiety? Sounds like it would help to have valium or klonipin. I would go back to the Dr to ask for a med for anxiety to help until your Paxil kicks in. Hang in there. It will get better. Stay in touch with your Dr.

Answer 5

oh, been there!!! Paxil did work for me, for about 2 years, then they came back. (I think I built up an immunity to it.) I am now taking Celexa (for about 5 or 6 years) and it seems to be working great. Thing is, you have to take something for several weeks before you can even guess if it's gonna work. And not everything works for everybody; it's unfortunately a matter of trial and error. In addition to the meds, I saw a therapist every 2 weeks, who helped with offering methods to cope, deal, work thru, etc. etc. I can't be sure I'm cured forever, but so far so good. Just so you know, I thought it was hopeless too... but there IS help, there are things that work, people who will help you. Stay strong ! Best wishes.

Answer 6

i have the same exact problem and i take lexapro and klonopin as well. that really helps me a lot. i have taken paxil and it made me sleepy. but it might work for you. give it a little while. i know exactly what you mean about it being out of character. i hated being scared all the time and that was not me and i refused for it to be me and when i got suicidal over it i actually checked myself into the hospital and there i got regulated on my meds and got the rest and therapy that i needed. if you feel reallys suicidal take yourself down to the nearest er and they will help you. no one deserves to feel that way and once they get you on the right meds and you are getting the proper amount of rest you will feel better. don't give up. if i can do it so can you. hope this helps

Answer 7

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 8

It seems that you are getting some help. I am wandering were are you getting these meds. I am not sure that they are helping you maybe it would be a good idea to call your doctor and tell him about felling suicidal .It is not a good sign but again as long as you do not act on these toughts you are in control .Medication is the key, getting in contact with your doctor and if you feeling suicidal and there is no one around go to the nearest emergency room and seek help. This is serious , do not apologize for being sick, get help . It is not your fault that you are sick but it is your responsibility to get yourself well.Call your doctor now !!!!!!

Answer 9

Different medicines work for different people, the same applies to doctors. Every doctor has their own medicine choices that they have seen work for people. Keep searching for the right medicine, If you run out of options with one doctor switch to another doctor to get new ideas.

Answer 10

Take yoga, Calms you down... Drink tea everymorning... But the best effect may be yoga. Because ur calming urself down.