Stress Center Peer Support

I went to the Dr today after months of sleepless nights and daily panic attacks. After reading thru some of these forums and others I noticed a lot of people that were saying that Xanax really helped them calm down when getting an attack. I have never been to the Dr where they actually give you what you want. Instead the wanted me to try 2 other meds first. Has anyone had success with panic attacks using either clonazepam or buspirone. He claims Buspirone can stop anxiety attacks on it's own but claims it is a 50/50 chance as to if it would work so he added the clonazepam also. I took both after lunch and have been ok this afternoon but I was very busy today and rarely get anxious when I am distracted by something else. Any suggestions or comments about these two meds?

Thanks,
GoColts

First off, both Xanax and Clonazepam are from the same family of medications, the benzodiazepines. They all tend to have similar properties and effects, although there is definitely variations between them. Also, some work better than other depending on the person. Of course I say all this with the caveat that I am not a doctor, only a patient and I can only tell you things from my own experience and what I've learned along the way.

I take Clonazepam and have for several years. Overall I find it to be a very helpful medication. It helps to cut down my general anxiety levels and to reduce the severity and duration of panic attacks. But remember that it's just a band-aid to the real problem. As you learn we learn to deal with our anxiety using the tools in this program, our dependency on medications can be reduced or eliminated.

Not to add to your worry, but there are a few things to know about the benzodiazepines. First, they have the potential to be both physically and psychologically addictive, so watch out how much you take. Also, you can build up a tolerance to them (meaning your body get used to the medication and it takes higher dosages to get the same effect). Both of these issues can be dealt with if you and your doctor manage your medications well.

I don't have any experience with Buspirone so I can't give you much advice with it.

Good luck,
Jamie

Thanks Jamie,
The Dr said it was from the same family of meds but I hadn't read much info on it so I wasn't sure. Today is the 2nd day I have been taking these meds and I finally feel like these may help more than meds I have been on in the past. I have been mainly on SSRI and they made me so sick from side effects that I couldn't take it. I haven't noticed any side effects yet except it makes me a little sleepy which to me is actually a benefit since I haven't been able to sleep. Now that I am calmed a bit I plan on following this program.

That's great news! I hope things continue to go well for you. This program has a lot to offer and gives you many tools and skills that you can use to manage your anxiety and depression. The key is to make sure you start using them out in the real world. As you begin learning the coping skills and other methods to deal with other aspects of our thinking and emotions, it's so important to push yourself a bit at a time so you can regain what you've lost. Remember that you can't fly the plane just by reading the manual!

Jamie