Posted by AmyM on March 5, 2001, at 21:57:06
I have been suffering from Panic Attacks and a constant level of anxiety for as long as I can remeber. I began seeing a Psychiatrist about 5 years ago and I refused to take any medication. Dugs scare me. My panic and anxiety were so debilitating, that I could not function like a normal person. I even developed agoraphobia. Finally in the summer of 1998, I decided to take Xanax (.25mg 3x/day at first then up to .5mg). The Xanax didn't work that well for me, I still had a constant level of anxiety & the effects did not last that long, but I feard increasing the dosage. I then fell into a deep depression about a year ago, and my therapist put me on Paxil. 20mg to start then down to 10mg. I responded very well to the combination. My depressing went away and my Panic/Anxiety was almost non existant.
About a month ago, I discussed with my Therapist about going off the Paxil, seeing as my mental state had dramatically improved. After I stopped taking the Paxil my depression didn't return, by my Panic/Anxiety came back in spades. Again I could not function. We discussed many options, and ultimately he put me on Klonopin (1.5mg/day). I feel much better now.
I'm a bit concerened about the withdrawl symptoms that I have been reading about regarding Klonopin and I am unaware of the effects of long term (life time) use. Also, what are the risks of taking this script while pregnant? In my opinion, the effects that Panic/Anxiety have on my body are much more detrimental (the stress on my heart) than the drug itself. Am I right to feel this way?
I trust my Therapist, but I would like some feedback from people who suffer from Panic.
I would really like to hear from anyone who has information that my help me.
I'm new to this site, so I may not be able to locate responses.
Thanx.
poster:AmyM
thread:55657
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55657.html