I was taking 20mg of lexapro once a day, and it really helped. My insurance stoped covering it so they tried me on paxil, zoloft, effexor, and prozac. The only one that worked for depression was the lexapro. I am wondering about what to get for the anxiety attacks--the lexapro does not stop those. I cannot take xanax. Would valium be appropriate to take when I feel a panic attack comming on.
2007-07-12 16:40:04 · 5 answers · asked by ? 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
have you tried celexa? or it's generic counterpart citalopram. That's what my doctor switched me to from Lexapro for cost saving. Also he gives me clonazepam for times when Anxiety is really bad
All of course are prescription, so you will need to see your doctor for the best advice
2007-07-12 16:48:58 · answer #1 · answered by skvuorinen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Valium is addicting and is not the same type of drug as Lexapro. I don;t know what type of medical insurance you have, but most will cover the medication you need if you have failed on the other formulary drugs. Call your doctor's office and ask the nurse to call your insurance company (have the number from your card ready for her). Ask her to justify the reason Lexapro is necessary, and tell her to let the insurance company you failed on the other class of drugs. Hopefully they will cover for you. Somethimes the pharmacy has to make the call, so you can also give them the information and ask them to do the same thing. Good luck, Lexapro is a really great medication.
2007-07-12 23:55:34 · answer #2 · answered by debijs 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. I can't advice on your meds, but I think the following self-help tips could really help you. (And they're all free - i.e. no insurance necessary):
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and depression. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com It has been funded by NHS Scotland and has had great results thus far.
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/minipax.cfm?mini_ID=23
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!
2007-07-13 07:12:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can read this article and learn how to manage anxiety panic attack.
2007-07-14 04:15:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The person you should be talking to is your doctor.
2007-07-12 23:47:29 · answer #5 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋