Panic Disorder, appropriate treatment
Posted , 6 users are following.
I have been having panic treatments for nearly 10 years now and also now suffering from agoraphobia as cbt has not helped in itself and getting myself out there to face my fears and breathing exercises just hasnt helped. I get it really bad when getting to know new people and has been a real problem in education and the workplace as I have not been able to hold anything down for 10 year.
I am currently in Scotland so am aware that England for example has different treatment options. NHS (National Health Service) Scotland has suggested using the beta blocker Propranolol and has finally now prescribed me atleast with something. I have however read on the internet that it is only proven to work with performance anxiety, and I am also sceptical as after 10 years of suffering I practically diagnosed myself and have received no support from them, so basically I have to reason to have faith in them now. I couldnt come across a reasonable answer to why this is being subscribed for panic disorders other than its cheap. It can help with the physical aspect of anxiety so I have read. NHS England doesnt even mention it on its website, they do however prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or, if SSRIs are not suitable, a tricyclic antidepressant (usually imipramine or clomipramine), or, anti-epilepsy drug such as pregabalin or, if your anxiety is severe, clonazepam (these medicines are also beneficial for treating anxiety).
Please has anyone any professional advice on medication and what do they think of the experience I have described. Personally I am shocked at the lack of professionalism and also the stupidity, as the loss of productivity (as I can not work its that severe) must be costing the economy alot.
0 likes, 31 replies
racheld1975 christophe69712
Posted
Benzos are exactly what some people need, myself being one of them. I have been on and off of them for over 20 years so don't worry so much about the horror stories you hear. I have never had a problem with feeling addicted to them or with having any sort of horrible withdrawl issues. That being said, I used them as prescribed and followed my doctors instructions on how to stop taking them each time I did. I was also on a very low dose. The problem with benzos is that people that don't actually need them take them, they don't get the desired effect so they take more or they stop taking them completely without discussing it with their doctors. And yes unfortunately if you abuse them or use them the wrong way you can have issues and possibly become addicted. As with any medication, if it isn't working for you, don't take it (after talking to your doctor of course) and if it is working and you can have a "normal" life then (in my humble opinion) who cares if you get "addicted"! If I have to take a medication for the rest of my life to maintain a level of normalcy and to help me live instead of just existing then I say bring on the addiction. I'm half joking LOL. Here is the key, do your research, and not just from one site or from one person that had a bad experience. Research, research, research. And open communication with all of your medical team. Some advice I can give you, Xanax is an amazing drug, when used properly. It is a short acting rescue drug and should only be used in an emergency like stopping a panic attack from becoming full blown. If you take it in any other capacity it will probably cause problems, it is meant to give almost instant relief but it fades quickly. Which is why you need something more like Klonopin which is longer acting and is meant to release slower and stay in your system longer to keep you on an even keel. I was on xanax for a very long time, prescribed wrong I might add, and still NOT addicted. I did however have issues where my anxiety was not controlled. I switched doctors and was given Klonopin instead, 1 in the morning and 1 at night, wow what a difference. I still had a small prescription of Xanax for emergencies but I rarely if ever had to take one. I guess my point is to try and give you an alternative view to the "evil benzo" arguement. There are people that don't need them and shouldn't take them but there are people who really do need them, take them only as directed, and benefit greatly from them. So talk to your doctors, discuss all your options, and use your brain. If you take a pill, no matter what kind, that does not help you at all or causes you more problems than without it, stop taking it. Once again, best of luck!!!
marleen85993 racheld1975
Posted
christophe69712 racheld1975
Posted
racheld1975 marleen85993
Posted
First of all I was not directing anything towards you and if it came across that way I apologize. I never said you abused anything, wasn't even talking about you at all. So again I apologize if you took that to be directed at you. I was offering Christophe another view point, my view point from my own personal experiences. And an alternative to those who are anti benzo or scream about all the bad that could happen. And as always, everyone is different and what works for one might not work for another, you do what works for you. Best of Luck!!!
racheld1975 christophe69712
Posted
I understand because I have been there...I don't even like taking aspirin!!! But part of getting better sometimes involves accepting you can't do it on your own and that this is a real disease. I hope that you find some relief soon.