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panic attack and anxiety medication?

eyeballer123 August 1st, 2015

hi! i have been dealing with panic and anxiety for years. i have thought about trying medication. but the side affects kinda scare me! any feedback would be great!

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IndecisiveTangerine August 1st, 2015

I feel the same way about taking anti-depressants. But I'm getting to the point of wtf, can't be worse then how things are now...

mimameid August 1st, 2015

In my experience with this, usually doctors first place you on the lowest dosage of antidepressant and then adjust as needed if you feel worse after taking it. Everyone is different in how their body reacts to medicine. I have only ever had one rather alarming side effect (nothing life threatening) which had me switch medicines many years ago. Now with my current one, I feel no side effects.

If you are thinking of medicine the best solution would be to discuss with your doctor, who will ultimately know upon examination which one would be best for you with minimal side effects.

Mikaelaaa August 13th, 2015

I'm not sure what kind of medications you are on. And what kind of side effect, but it's great to reach out here and to a psychiatrist to the different options you have. some have less side effects as others. Hope you are doing well, take care!

August 13th, 2015

I have panic disorder and I take two medications for it. It will help, just wait, talk to a psychiatrist and be honest, and I hope you'll get the right medication. Side effects aren't that scary. Don't worry. Good luck smiley

hisuikohaku August 16th, 2015

I have a panic disorder and have had very mixed experiences with medication. That's why finding a good doctor is very, very important: you need someone who knows your history, can monitor you for long term side-effects, etc.

It took me 6 tries to find something that didn't cause serious side-effects with my existing medication (for unrelated stuff). I've finally found a combination that works well, and they have become a very important tool in managing panic - but don't think it will make it go away entirely! If you chase an ideal like that, you may end up with new problems, especially as some panic medication is addictive.

The point is that the side-effects are much easier to deal with than panic attacks, but it may take you a few tries to find what works for you. Ask your doctor and stick with it!
tatania328 August 17th, 2015

Yes, medication can definitely be iffy and it all kind of depends on your body in regards to how well it would work. I've been on two different medications in the past and was exchanged out for a new one today. And 30 days from now, I have to go back to look through results of it. That's really the most discouraging part, but don't give up hope, there is sure to be one that fits.

I've never had any bad experiences while being on an anti-depressant, more so it just didn't really tend to change anything. The biggest side effects I've dealt with is if I stop taking the medication. I don't really notice a change in myself until I don't take the medication for a few days and suddenly an eruption of chaos just flies out of me. Like hardcore sick and storms of emotion I didn't know I had. Always take your meds as prescribed!

I was really nervous when I first approached the problem with my doctor. While I knew I definitely had depression and anxiety, I was really embarrassed to bring it up. My anxiety got to be too much while I kind of neared the subject with him one day and I had a total breakdown in my doctor's office. Since then, I'm more open towards medical help.

luv2listen August 18th, 2015

I have tried 3 meds for my panic attacks. Early on they helped to a degree, it wasn't until I saw a therapist who introduced me to various breathing techniques. which was the most effective !!! You also have to keep in mind after taking meds for a long period of time you become imune to them and they lose there desired effect. Just my insight, everyone is different.

luv2listen August 18th, 2015

In regards to my earlier post, i feel its my responsibility to tell you, by no means I am a doctor. The best and most effective person to discuss the use of meds is your doctor, I was just sharing my experience.

mythicalcreature August 18th, 2015

I've been taking anxiety medication for about 6 months now and I can honestly say I haven't experienced any side effects, I didn't even know they were working until people started saying I seemed happier and braver. I suggest them!! Or there's the Bach remedies, everyone I have spoken to swears by them

Lotusflowers August 23rd, 2015

I've been taking medication for several months now and I have never experienced any side effects worth mentioning. It really changed my life in a good way, I can go out now and I feel al lot better about myself :)