Panic attacks happening more often, considering to medicate

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I am a 21yo female who has been dealing with depression, anxiety, focusing issues, and insomnia since I can remember. When I was 15, myself and parents thought it’d be a good idea to go to a psychiatrist to see if there was anything that could help me stay focused and relaxed during school because that was always a problem. My Dr. at the time said the main reason I couldn’t keep focused is because of the underlying depression. He put me on WellButrin for the depression and to help with being more attentive. It gave me bad side effects. I’d be having a pretty good day on the meds but as soon as it was night time, panic attacks started happening, and insomnia set in. I was trying to fix one problem but it started two others that were not an often occurrence. Then he put me on some sort of an antipsychotic to help with anxiety and trouble sleeping. But then I became an emotionless zombie and could not get out of bed. I was taking both meds daily even if I wasn’t having a particularly bad day.  It wasn’t a very long period of time until my parents kinda flushed my meds down the toilet and decided it was causing more problems than helping suppress them in times of need. Since then I have not been on any other medications for my issues. I’ve recently moved to a new state and have been here for a year and it’s been pretty awful dealing with the entire time so far. I’ve been under so much stress that has lead to depression and ultimately anxiety and panic attacks. I’ve been experiencing panic attacks since 14 or 15 years old. They used to never be an often occurrence, maybe just one incident every one or two months. Now since I’m a little older and feel like I’ve been dealing with a lot more stressful situations, panic attacks have been happening up to 3 times a week now. I’m starting to feel out of control over my body and emotions with the recent amount of anxiety in my life in the last year. I’m to the point where I want to find a doctor here that could help me and see if maybe trying different medications could have a better effect. Like I stated briefly earlier, it’s not an everyday struggle but it’s becoming more often and a lot harder prevent the panic attack happening even when I can feel the early signs of one about to happen. I usually always end up ‘cracking’.  Does anyone have any experience with a situation like this? Is there any type of medication I could take as a only when needed or in case of emergency or do I have to take it daily even when I’m not having a ‘bad day’?

I apologize for the long speal! 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi I completely relate the antpsychotics for sleep turning you into a zombie. Did same to me but work really well for a lot of others. You could ask doc for diazepam but its very easy to become addicted to. No one on here can tell you what you need as everyone reacts differently. Find a doctor you feel comfortable with and be completely honest with them. I'm sure they can help. Good luck xx
    • Posted

      Becoming additcted to something is what I fear. I don't want that to happen. But would the diazepam be something I'd be required to take every day even if I'm not having a bad day? Because like I said, its not every single day I feel out of control with my mind and emotions but defintly a few times a week now for sure. Like is it something that'd help prevent anxiety from turning into a full blown panic attack if needed?
    • Posted

      No not everyday. Diazepam does take a bit longer to work than other anti anxiety drugs but lasts longer (I think). I may have an addictive personality but ended up taking it everyday and am now tapering off. If you live with your parents they may be willing to control it. Definitely go to doc hun they are trained to know and only you know what works for you. It could take a while to work out what works for you xx
  • Posted

    Hi ayvee 

    do you do and cognitive behavioural therapy? this will help your brain perceive things in a different way? I believe it helps to retrain the brain into a different way of thing and help you to cope a little better

  • Posted

    if you are really anxious at the moment and need medical help with medication I would see your Dr and get referred to a psychiatrist.

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