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GAD and Panic Disorder - new meds?

Posted by mamalaw on March 25, 2008, at 14:09:36

I'm feeling like my medications are not really effectively controlling my panic attacks and general anxiety. I'm not sure what options there might be for me to get relief, and was hoping some of you could give me some suggestions. I'll describe the situation below. Thanks.

I've always had GAD, I think, but after the birth of my child it became intolerable and I also developed panic disorder (about 3-4 major, and several minor, attacks weekly). Initially my primary care doc was just addressing the GAD and muscle tension, so I started on 20mg lexapro with 5mg Valium at night and it was great. Then I stopped the Valium (was in physical therapy for my back) and the Lexapro was OK, but I was still anxious, still had panic attacks, and was very sleepy. We tried to switch to Effexor, but within a week I thought I was going to lose my mind I was so anxious, angry, irritable - it was dreadful. I felt better when I stopped taking it. Then we tried Cymbalta, but that didn't seem to do anything. I was still anxious, still having panic attacks. She referred me to a psychiatrist.

The psychiatrist raised me to 30mg Lexapro daily. I was on that for about a month, and then he added .5mg Klonopin in the AM and PM.

So now I am on 30mg Lexapro in the AM and .5 Klonopin 2x/day. While the severity of the panic attacks seems to have diminished some (the physical symptoms are not as severe, and I can function through them, although it is very hard and I feel disconnected), I am almost as anxious now as I was on nothing. The GAD has definitely worsened in the past week or so, and the panic attacks have also gotten some of the edge back.

I am wondering what has helped others with anxiety and/or panic disorder. Do the meds I am on now sound like they should be helping? Are there alternatives I should ask about? Thanks for any help.


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poster:mamalaw thread:819833
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080316/msgs/819833.html