Should I try Effexor XR or Cymbalta for my Panic/Agoraphobia?
Hello everyone, have suffered with anxiety/panic attacks for about 20 years now. Usually, an anti-depressant will work for about 4 years, poop out, then another will be found to be helpful. Used Pamelor, Nortriptyline 150 mgs, from 1996 to 2000 with great results. Then used Paxil 40 – 60 mgs from 2001 unitl this year. Noticed that Paxil was really losing it’s effectiveness about 2 years ago and would poop out more and more. Finally, in early May of this year switched from Paxil to Zoloft. Started Zoloft while still on the Paxil and tritrated up on one down on the other. Was pretty tough but handled it okay. Problem is I’ve been on the Zolfot 150 mgs for over three weeks now and still don’t want to drive anywhere. Depression is pretty much all gone and no panic attacks unless I drive out of my "safe" area (currently about 1 mile). Pamelor and Paxil corrected this phobic behavior but no help from Zoloft thus far. Going to pdoc tomorrow (Thursday, July 26) and hoping he has some answers for me. I’ve been thinking, as has the pdoc, that maybe Effexor XR or Cymbalta will do the trick. By the way I do take Xanax in the a.m. and p.m. Usually, only take half of a .25 mg. I take a whole .25 when going out. Haven’t been to work since mid-July and need to get back as quickly as possible. What do you all think? I really need some good advice. Thanks for all your help
Another thought is should I try another SSRI like Lexapro?
wow you’ve tried a lot of things. i have also, it seems most of the anti-depressants flip flop on you after a while. now i am on lithium carbonate and lamictal for bipolar I and depression. i used to be on xanax for anxiety disorder but started abusing it so i quit that all together. i was breifly on effexor and found it to be a wonderful ‘quick fix’ it just didnt seem to help me long term, and i found little anxiety relief from it. i’ve never tried lexapro but some friends of mine are on it and are very happy with the results. you know as well as i do that it may take trying 100 medications before you find the right one, so keep an open mind and do the best you can everyday.
do you see a therapist? i find it very helpful to talk to mine twice a month.
Comments
Comment from tina
Time January 12, 2010 at 4:31 am
hi, I’v never used this site before, but i’m up early again thanks to the churning stomach in the morning.
I am a female aged 42, and this is the 3rd time in my life I have had to go on medication for severe panic attacks.
The first time a panic attack occured was when I was 28 and had a one year old. I didn’t know what it was, I thought I was going to die etc. The Dr prescribed prothidein (old drug) & after one year i came off it and was great.
The second time it happened was 3 years ago, My dr put me on LUVOX and while I was waiting for it to work I was taking valium. I was literally paralysed with fear, I could not walk and stayed in bed most of the time, taking my meals etc in there.
Let me tell you about me I work full time in a highly respectable job, nomally confident until this overcomes me.
God there so much I can tell you. I think my overall fear is death, isn’t that what we all fear (the ultimate).
Currently I have been off work since Monday 23/7/07, don’t know when I will resume work (big hurdle that one). I’m on LUVOX again day 8 its difficult because I know my mind has to adjust to taking it again, but I know when I took it last time it helped me so much I would have not made it. Some of my symtoms are, panicking, not wanting to leave the house, but I force myself. I have children so I need to go to shops, this is difficult I can’t stay in cues as I feel like I’m going to faint, my legs feel like they can’t keep me up, I hate the sensations. I had blood tests the other day, I have been so paranoid that there is something wrong with me, all tests came back good and this has taken some of the worry away. I’m off to pschologist today to talk about issues etc.
The worst thing for me is when I go out in public all I want to do is flee, this is the fight or flight action that we have.
I do not want to talk to any of my friends or family, the only people I currently deal with is my children and partner (biggest support).
My doctor yesterday suggested when you feel a panic attack starting focus on any object it could be a picture, tree etc, look at all the finer details, the concept of this is to distract yourself from your thinking to the other object. I will be trying this or if fails good old valium, which has been my saviour.
The last time I was on LUVOX, when it really kicked in I eventually didn’t need valium. I eventually went back to work and took on a very challanging job ie speaking infront of large groups, wow couldn’t do that now, I would run away.
Hang in there I know every day is difficult, I want to be my oldself again but I have accepted that I need to do it with medication. Hey before my last severe panick attack (last week) I went off LUVOX in April 07 and started walking on average 5km about 5 days a week, now I can’t work out the door without shaking, rattling rolling, how powerful is our minds. Ask me what you want I have experienced every text book symptom, heart racing, nausea, constantly going to toilet etc etc.
References :
Comment from Moonface
Time January 12, 2010 at 5:02 am
Hi, I can’t advise on drugs, but the following steps should eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks and agorophobia:
1.Breathe properly – if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, agorophobia and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really make a difference if you practise often enough (i.e. twice a day). They will also help you sleep better if done at bedtime. You can get free downloads online. E.g.: http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/counselling/audio_resources/index.html
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!
References :
Comment from grundle goat
Time January 12, 2010 at 3:52 am
wow you’ve tried a lot of things. i have also, it seems most of the anti-depressants flip flop on you after a while. now i am on lithium carbonate and lamictal for bipolar I and depression. i used to be on xanax for anxiety disorder but started abusing it so i quit that all together. i was breifly on effexor and found it to be a wonderful ‘quick fix’ it just didnt seem to help me long term, and i found little anxiety relief from it. i’ve never tried lexapro but some friends of mine are on it and are very happy with the results. you know as well as i do that it may take trying 100 medications before you find the right one, so keep an open mind and do the best you can everyday.
do you see a therapist? i find it very helpful to talk to mine twice a month.
References :