Ways to combat anxiety attacks...

[Joshua Hughes]

Hi everyone,

This place is looking great, no doubt it will be another great resource.

I'm interested in hearing from other people that experience problems with anxiety.

Which medication works best for you? What forms of therapy have been successful?

[Sean Bowen]

I'm happy to see you here, Joshua. this place is taking off a lot faster than I thought.

[Joshua Hughes]

Sean,
Please accept my sincere congratulations. What you're doing is great and all the attention it's getting so quickly really proves what a need there was for such a community.

Good on you!

[Jennifer Webb]

I'm on Paxil and that has worked wonders for me. Otherwise I can't function in society at all. I haven't tried therapy because I'm too scared to do so.

[Sean Bowen]

Jenniffer, do you think that in time the Paxil will give you the courage you need to go into therapy? I mean, as you leanr new and better social skills, will your condition improve because you will be used to being out in society and outgoing etc.?

[Lee-Ann]

heyhey, im on citalopram, its kinda working for me, i mainly feel okay, and am feeling alot more confident about myself, i still get the odd anxiety/panic attack though!! how about yourself? x

[Alison]

Hey Josh,

I have been on Paxil for 11 years. Worked in the beginning now not so much at all. I have been on countless numbers of different meds from Xanax to Trazadone. Right now just Paxil, Ativan and clonazapam. They keep things moderately controlled but not well controlled at all. Xanax was a great quick fix but horrible to come off and not long term enough. I am being sent to Toronto as they are lost as to what combo or what meds to try next. They have never tried CBT which bothers me. I have been in counselling for 18 years, not much of a help. I would have to say what has helped the most out of anything at all would be refocusing my energy into something else. I have started exercsing and clean eating and really focusing on it. The exercise helps reduce the anxiety and makes me feel better. But I am also seeking out "natural" options such as seeing a naturopath who has started acupuncture, B12 shots, high dose b vitamins and massage. Since that has started I feel much better. Not perfect but much better. Not sure if that helps at all as I still have anxiety but I do know that someday it will be a memory!

[Andrew S Lorch]

Hi Alison. My name is Andrew, I'm new here and I'm glad I found the place! I was on Paxil for about 10 years when it just stopped working about a year and a half ago. Last Fall my Dr put me on Lexapro, which controlled the panic somewhat, but did nothing for the anxiety. Then we tried Zoloft, which I am still on. It seems to be working pretty well. I've noticed that the more attention I give to exercise and nutrition, the better I feel as well. I've also read a great deal about cognitive behavioral therapy and that seems to have helped my agoraphobia quite a bit. It's all a journey I guess.

[Robert SC]

I have heard cognitive behavioural therapy is very useful but I have not tried it. I am too lazy and stubborn and don't feel like it. Though I have started to do some research of my own on the internet about success stories. Always good to know what others think.

As for medications, I am on Peroxetine which is the generic version of Paxil. It does work but as of lately I have been so forgetful in remembering to take my pills. So, I am feeling a bit more down lately.

[Joshua Hughes]

I have been on most of the above and can say that without my medication, i would have a very hard time. Medication and talking, this is the key to leading a relatively normal life.

[Destiny]

I currently take amitriptylina and thats been the best so far

[Joshua Hughes]

I tried therapy, i found medication was more successful in the long run, what about everyone else? Vivienne, where do you buy your meds?

[Sean Bowen]

I used to take Citalopram, and it worked really well, one of the hardest but best decisions I have ever made in my life. I was afraid that it would make me into another person, but it really didn't, it only made me feel better, and be the better version of me.

I have now stopped taking it, because of a variety of reasons. I feel different now, not used to being "myself" anymore, but I'm getting used to it. Maybe I'll go back on them again, I'm going through a rough patch right now. I suppose that if I won't take them now, I never will again. Or Maybe I will, never say never:)