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Anyone cured their agoraphobia?

Posted , 4 users are following.

lara54717
lara54717

Don’t know how I’m im still going! 

Tried:

Citalopram -8 months 

Sertraline - 6 months 

CBT - 12 sessions 

Hypnotherapy 

Propanalol 

Gp wants me to try escitalopram but I can’t take this trial and error anymore. condition is really severe. Can’t go out, work, socialise etc. What’s worked for you? TIA 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • mrs_susan74280
    mrs_susan74280 lara54717

    Posted

    HI how old are you, I have tried Citalopram, and escilopram which did not suitable at all, lost 10 lb on it , am now on prozac 10mg day 9 , I can't think how bad it must be for you , I do go out but I am suffering with anxiety, didn't go out much on escitalopram as I felt to I'll, but it doe,s help a lot of people ,just not me, the trouble is each time you start new anti, it takes about 6 weeks to work, I would give it a try because you are in all the time, you have nothing to lose , you can go to bed if side effects are to bad, take care

    • lara54717
      lara54717 mrs_susan74280

      Posted

      Yes that’s then the thing putting me off. It’s weeks of getting used to it and then weeks every time you go up on the dose and then if it doesn’t work it’s weeks weaning yourself off and starting all over again. I think I’m just it’s got going to have to accept it might happen again. Tried so hard to sort myself out with no meds but it’s not getting better. Thanks for the reply xx 
  • jj07521
    jj07521 lara54717

    Posted

    I know you are already taking a lot of meds but have you ever heard of Pregabalin for anxiety? It was originally prescribed for epilepsy, but recently doctors are prescribing it for anxiety and it is reported to be working wonders for many many people!! I would highly recommend talking with your doctor about it if you can. I wish you all the best x
    • lara54717
      lara54717 jj07521

      Posted

      I’ve read a lot about pregabalin but the problem is that the 3 GPs I’ve mentioned this to have never heard of it being prescribed for anxiety! It recommends it on the NICE website so that surprised me. The side effects are a bit scary but at least with that you can just stop taking them if it doesn’t agree with you. Have you had it or know if anyone who has? X
    • jj07521
      jj07521 lara54717

      Posted

      I haven't tried it, but I have a friend that takes it and she said it's wonderful. But from what I've read it only works for some people. But it's definitely worth a try. I would recommend taking some print outs from the internet to show your GP as it is DEFINITELY available on the NHS for use with anxiety. I can promise you that 100% xxxx

  • samantha1710
    samantha1710 lara54717

    Posted

    Hi hun I've suffered from this for years. It first started 7yrs ago & I managed to get on top of it & was fine up until a month ago when I had a panic attack whilst out shopping and it put me right back to square one. The first time round I tried citalopram & found it useless it made me really poorly so I changed to fluoxetine which was a lifesaver! I came off it when pregnant 18m ago but when the anxiety started again I started back on it along with propranolol. I'm now 4wks in & getting there very slowly I was literally terrified of doing the school run where as now I'm more nervous than scared. I still have to take it slowly & am anxious at points when out but manage to talk myself down. One thing I will say though is the only way to get through it is to push yourself to go out, small steps..even if it's just to the end of the street. You have to recondition your mind to realise it's safe to be out & there's nothing to be scared of. I'm still unable to go out alone, but I will do a bit at a time..I always have a drink & my propranolol on me for emergencies. Medication alone won't cure your agrophobia, as hard as it is & believe me I know how terrifying it can be u have to push through & take the first steps. Take someone with u & u will feel so good for doing it. Try doing a bit more each day. Good luck xx

    Hi u

    • lara54717
      lara54717 samantha1710

      Posted

      Yes citalopram made me worse and I took it for 8 months so it wasn’t a case of just getting used to it lost almost 2 stone just being sick. I find since I’ve come off all the meds I’ve been able to get out on short walks etc but it doesn’t get easier and I don’t get further that a certain point. It’s like a barrier I’ve created for myself. I did quit drinking a year ago thinking it would help (bit that I was a heavy drinker) but I do think sometime a bit of Dutch courage wouldn’t be the worst thing. Xx 
    • lara54717
      lara54717

      Posted

      Sorry not* that I was a heavy drinker 
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