Posted by Laree on November 16, 2004, at 16:48:45
In reply to Re: PANIC ATTACKS, Klonopin, Pdoc resistant!, posted by Ritch on November 16, 2004, at 9:54:53
I have an appt. with my pdoc tomorrow afternoon.
I have been on Adderall for over 2 years total--with a few month break in which i tried Ritalin.
Never before had anxiety been a problem in relation to the Adderall. Ritalin, however, was a completely different story. I suffered from severe anxiety while I was on it. It was not as effective as the Adderall had been, either, so my pdoc got me back on the Adderall.
I have taken purposeful med 'holidays' (on weekends) to see if the anxiety might be related to the Adderall, but my anxiety levels seemed to be worse off of it. My pdoc seemed to acknowledge how that could be and was understanding (b/c of link b/t ADHD & anxiety). The problem is, Adderall works really well for my ADHD with (seemingly) little-no side effects.
I cannot be on any TCA's because I have a past history of anorexia/bulimia. I am even reluctant to take an SSRI b/c of the potential of weight gain, but I finally broke through that (mental) barrier...so there is really not a lot of alternatives out there, it seems.
I highly appreciate your advice, and the panic DOES need to be under control at least until I can pay for a psychotherapist to help me deal with the panic attacks so we can eventually titrate the dosage down etc. I have way too much to deal with, I cannot afford to not be able to function due to disabling panic attacks!
With gratitude,
L.
You need to schedule an appt. with your pdoc asap. AFter you get in there, you need to explain that you have got to get the panic attacks under control. I've had a similar panic spinout in the past and it was related to stimulants. You may need to discuss using something other than Adderall for your ADHD. Bring up the possibility of stim-induced panic, and what to do about it. Perhaps you would be better off on a TCA for your ADHD, which also would have an antianxiety and antipanic benefit. Also, ask your doc about doing some blood tests to check your thyroid function, electrolytes, etc., to rule out a medical cause for the panic spells. Willingness to explore and solve the problem will make it easier for them to prescribe enough benzo to get you through the immediate panic states you are in. I don't know in what order your meds got added and what time-frame, etc., but you may be looking at stimulant induced panic-if so you may need to reduce the dose or get off them onto something else. Hope this helps.
>> > Hi,
> > I have ADHD (w/anxiety) and SAD for which I take a combo of Lexapro and Adderall. I have recently developed SEVERE panic attacks besides chronic anxiety. I have HAD to take more than rx'ed (.5 @ bedtime) because it's effects aren't lasting all the way thru my days (I have a highly stressful full time job and many probs at home, too). Now I'm prettymuch out but have run out faster than was expected.
> > My pdoc was extremely reluctant to rx me any of this med in the first place--i even had to have others advocate for me. I have been with him for years and don't know what to do--they had even rx'ed me this med once in the past with no problem--but docs in this area got a scare recently with a "benzo-liberal" (illegit.) doc who was "penalized" shall we say.
> > Now I'm suffering. and badly. I'm giving a call to my pdoc today and going to try to plead my case, but i'm a wreck about it. What can I do??
> > The Klonopin helps me sooo much, allows me to feel 'normal'. I know I need at least 1 mg total/day to be able to function normally. I am having bad panic right now and need some support, please. Anyone else been in this sort of predicament??
> > L.
> >
> >
> >
>
> You need to schedule an appt. with your pdoc asap. AFter you get in there, you need to explain that you have got to get the panic attacks under control. I've had a similar panic spinout in the past and it was related to stimulants. You may need to discuss using something other than Adderall for your ADHD. Bring up the possibility of stim-induced panic, and what to do about it. Perhaps you would be better off on a TCA for your ADHD, which also would have an antianxiety and antipanic benefit. Also, ask your doc about doing some blood tests to check your thyroid function, electrolytes, etc., to rule out a medical cause for the panic spells. Willingness to explore and solve the problem will make it easier for them to prescribe enough benzo to get you through the immediate panic states you are in. I don't know in what order your meds got added and what time-frame, etc., but you may be looking at stimulant induced panic-if so you may need to reduce the dose or get off them onto something else. Hope this helps.
>
poster:Laree
thread:416624
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041113/msgs/416784.html