Question about anxiety & bipolar medications?
I had several panic attacks last year i thought I was dying I went to hospital I was perscribed 0.5mg Xanax, also i used to take ritilan and adderall for Adhd, lately I’ve been noticing mood changed and getting very angry sometimes, and kind of obsessive. along with the panic attacks! I went to counselor and he doesnt want me taking xanax anymore because of possible addiction…He had recomended cymbalta? I was just wondering which medication can help with anxiety, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, possible ocd and what else to take for the ADHD? thanks.
The doctor recomended not taking any kind of benzodiazepines.
Cymbalta is an antidepressant and is not addictive. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety/panic. Xanax is fast acting, and doesn’t last a long time (much like crack or cocaine) which is what makes it so highly addictive. Antidepressants are prescribed for OCD. Bipolar disorder requires at least one episode of mania for a diagnosis and anticonvulsants as well as Seroquel (an atypical antipsychotic) are commonly prescribed for it. Panic attacks only last between 5 and 30 minutes. It is very possible to learn to talk yourself through them; I know because I do it. One way is to use your computer to make up an ICE card for yourself. I made mine the size of business cards so I could stash them all over the place. On the card you put In Case of Emergency instructions for yourself – things to do in the event of a panic attack. I laminated mine. The first thing I had was "Breathe" because that is something you forget to do. And I listed other things I could do to help myself, with "Breathe" being listed every few steps as a reminder. That way, when I had a panic attack all I had to remember was "The Card." My therapist taught it to me. Worked wonders. Things you can do are acknowledge that it is a panic attack and engage in self-talk, assuring yourself you are not going to die and that this will pass. You can list things like take a walk, call a friend, etc.
Comments
Comment from theonlyneurotica
Time March 29, 2010 at 4:42 pm
There is a patch for the ADHD, called Daytrana and it is very good, because you only use it when you need it. That is, when you need to have the help; in school, at work, at a meeting, family function, but otherwise you do not have to wear it. It is effective immediately and once taken off, it is out of your system within a few hours. Lithium is often used for bipolar, but you must have your Lithium levels checked periodically, because if they are off, you can experience mood swings, and problems with motor skills. A lot of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medication works for various disorders. Paxil, for instance, is an antidepressant, but also used for panic disorders. Klonopin is very good for anxiety disorders, but all medications have side effects and you may need to try many, before you find one that works for you. Btw, I have heard good results from people that have used Cymbalta…good luck!
References :
15 years medical experience
Comment from Michele L
Time March 29, 2010 at 4:27 pm
Cymbalta is an antidepressant and is not addictive. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat anxiety/panic. Xanax is fast acting, and doesn’t last a long time (much like crack or cocaine) which is what makes it so highly addictive. Antidepressants are prescribed for OCD. Bipolar disorder requires at least one episode of mania for a diagnosis and anticonvulsants as well as Seroquel (an atypical antipsychotic) are commonly prescribed for it. Panic attacks only last between 5 and 30 minutes. It is very possible to learn to talk yourself through them; I know because I do it. One way is to use your computer to make up an ICE card for yourself. I made mine the size of business cards so I could stash them all over the place. On the card you put In Case of Emergency instructions for yourself – things to do in the event of a panic attack. I laminated mine. The first thing I had was "Breathe" because that is something you forget to do. And I listed other things I could do to help myself, with "Breathe" being listed every few steps as a reminder. That way, when I had a panic attack all I had to remember was "The Card." My therapist taught it to me. Worked wonders. Things you can do are acknowledge that it is a panic attack and engage in self-talk, assuring yourself you are not going to die and that this will pass. You can list things like take a walk, call a friend, etc.
References :
I’m a Certified Peer Specialist in Mental Health Recovery