Popular Posts

Search This Blog

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Anxiety and Panic Relief

Question: I've had anxiety and panic attacks for 20 years now. But seems to be centered around things I can't control...kids having issues that live thousands of miles away...my own medical issues...a spouse with medical issues. Talking it out with therapists helps a bit. Xanax, taken as needed...5 or 6 times a year works to get my head straight and get productive again. The daily anti-depression meds make be flush and sweat a lot. What am I to do?

Click on comments to see Laura's advice.

1 comments:

Eleventh Hour LLC said...

Dear Mark,
I'm glad to here the therapy is helping. I think you can feel better. Here is my opinion and how I would treat you. It is my belief that your anxiety is partly from your genes and partly from your environment. While the therapy is helpful to cope with life events as they come your way, your reaction to stress...your anxiety...is a response that is generated from your genes. The only way to attempt to compensate for your genes short-falls is with medications. It sounds like your medication has been inadequate at alleviating your symptoms. I recommend you speak with your clinician about the side effects from your antidepressant. It may be that switching to a different one would help. Sometimes changing the dose helps. I also think you may need to be on the xanax on a regular basis. Often people do quite well with a combination of anti-anxiety and anti-depressant. It would be helpful if you let me know what antidepressant and what dose you are on. I think you need a dose adjustment at the very least. Your clinician should be open to hearing your thoughts about how the medications are working or not working...and to make changes. For you, I think it's all about the medications. With the right combination and dosing, you can feel better. As I said, if you want to send me the name and dose of your medications, I'd be happy to give you my opinion on the medication and the dose. One final note, as I tell everyone, I recommend a full physical exam and lab work. There always exists the possibility that your symptoms may be from a medical condition. Send me the name of your medication and dose for follow up.

Eleventh Hour Moments