I began having panic attacks back in November. At first, I didn't know what it was and it freaked me out completely! To make a long story as short as possible, I started to see all these doctors...even a neurologist. They quickly said that I was having panic attacks. But, mine last about 45 minutes from beginning to end. I was prescribed .25 of Xanax and instructed to take it once a day. I was under a tremendous amount of stress at the time and the Xanax did help for a while. But, once my traumatic experience ended (student teaching), I figured that it would get much better. Boy, was I WRONG! My anxiety took a turn for the worst in December and my doctor told me to try Effexor. Bad mistake. Day 1: Felt cracked out. So, got off of that medication. I tried Celexa (20 mg.) Day 1: Seriously almost died from seratonin syndrome. I had hallucinations, psychotic thoughts, burning sensations, chills, panic, nausea, etc. It was horrifying!!
So, I was then prescribed Zoloft, Ambien CR, and .25 of Xanax. I should mention that my anxiety has interfered with my ability to sleep at night...which always seems to be when my anxiety surfaces the most. Anyway, I was on Zoloft for 11 weeks. I felt some relief, but noticed that I was getting extremely dizzy in stores with florescent lighting. Also, this is important: I never was able to get on the minimum dosage of 25 mg. I only got to about 18. My doctor had me increasing slowly because of what happened with Celexa. She said I was hyper-sensitive to the medications (lucky me).
OK, so went back to the neurologist and had an EEG to make sure that I wasn't having partial-seizures which can mimic a panic attack. The result was negative...had to be the Zoloft. Quit Zoloft and moved on to 5 mg. of Prozac. Was on Prozac and got up to 10 mg after 4 weeks, but had the WORST muscle tension, anxiety, nervousness, etc.
Therefore, my doctor told me that Lexapro was out of the question (combination between Celexa and Prozac) and that Paxil was DEFINITELY not an option because of the more serious side effects.
Now, I'm still taking Ambien CR, .25 Xanax, and 10 mg. of BuSpar (which seems to be helping slowly). But, here is my question:
Have any of you guys experienced this kind of difficulty getting onto anti-depressants?! I wonder if they aren't working because I don't need them and I simply need an anti-anxiety medication such as BuSpar and Xanax. Depression has only been a secondary emotion as a result from being frustrated about my anxiety. But, I still feel very hopeful.
I should note that I do see a counselor every week, try to meditate, relax, walk, etc. But, I just don't know how to get over this!! Any suggestions?
|
