feel like I'm spiraling

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
feel like I'm spiraling
3
Tue, 12-27-2005 - 12:09pm

My panic attacks used to only happen rarely (every few months, if that), but now it seems like it's all the time. I've had several just in the past few weeks. And it seems like more and more things trigger them. It's not good. I've spoken with my p-doc and will be seeing him in January. We're going to discuss whether I need to stop the Wellbutrin-XL altogether and start over with something else or add something on top of it. I'm hoping I can get him to give me something like Ativan or Xanax to help me get through the attacks as they happen. I cannot cope with them. No matter how hard I try to calm myself down, nothing seems to work.


Laura

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-28-2003
Tue, 12-27-2005 - 1:04pm

You are not alone in this. I've been going through the same thing for the past few weeks as well. Just when I thought I had things under control and was doing rather well, the attacks were coming almost daily and I couldn't control them. I started psychotherapy and it's already seeming to help. Have you tried that? I did get my doc to give me Xanax as well and it totally helps me through the attacks that I cannot control. I've had the Rx now for about a week and a half and have only had to use the Xanax three times. It seems that just knowing I have them on hand gives me some sense of security...as odd as that sounds. Plus the psychotherapy seems to be helping me out too. I haven't had an actual panic attack in nine days now! However I still have periods of heightened anxiety which can be almost as scary cuz you never know where that'll take you.

I sure hope your pdoc gives you Xanax and if you aren't already in therapy, definitely look into it. The combination seems to really help!

Good luck!

Jennifer

"Oh, that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evi

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 12-27-2005 - 1:11pm

Thanks. Yes, I'm doing both therapy and medication. Therapy definitely helps. I think part of why I'm so edgy these days is that because of the holidays and stuff, we have skipped two sessions. I'm going back this week, though.


I do know what you mean about just knowing the medication is there can help. A couple of years ago, my primary care doctor gave me a prescription for Ativan because I was getting bad attacks (I had never had them before then). I was very careful to take one only when needed, and it was a great help.


Laura

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 12-27-2005 - 4:28pm
(((Laura))) Sorry to hear about the panic attacks. You seem to have a good plan in place. Definitely make it to your appointment. Discuss your med options. If you're under extra stress during the holidays which seems to be a trigger for many of us, then make sure you're getting some relaxation in. Do what you like best. Get out & have some fun. In spite of the PA's there are small treats like a coffee with friends or a movie to help you refocus. Please let us know how it goes. Take a look in our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. There maybe just the ticket you can add to your life. Good luck & GBU! jan