How long should someone take an SSRI for panic disorder? Can they be taken indefinitely? Any idea of the percentage of people that lose efficacy using any SSRI long term?
Thanks, Joe
SSRI's Long Term for Panic Disorder
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Guest
Hi Joe,
I dont really know the answer to your question but I had panic disorder for 12 years prior to starting an SSRI (effexor xr 75 mg) 3 years ago. I was completely panic free for 2 years thereafter. Then I had a panic attack about a year ago. Doc said maybe maybe my body got used to the dosage and it would take more to keep working. I added a 37.5 mg dose to my 75 mg for 3 months. I did not find any benefit from that, no panic, but nothing earth shatteringly positive either! So I decided to go back to 75 mg and have maintained that dose to this day. When I asked the doc about getting off it, he said it was up to me if I wanted to try weaning but since I had it for 12 years, I could stay on it longer if I wanted to. That is what I am doing. I dont have any ill effects from the meds and it seems to help me with the obsessive thoughts and worry (pretty much gone now) which is what caused the panic, so I am feeling pretty "normal" these days. I know everyone is different, I just thought you might like to hear my story. Good luck.
I dont really know the answer to your question but I had panic disorder for 12 years prior to starting an SSRI (effexor xr 75 mg) 3 years ago. I was completely panic free for 2 years thereafter. Then I had a panic attack about a year ago. Doc said maybe maybe my body got used to the dosage and it would take more to keep working. I added a 37.5 mg dose to my 75 mg for 3 months. I did not find any benefit from that, no panic, but nothing earth shatteringly positive either! So I decided to go back to 75 mg and have maintained that dose to this day. When I asked the doc about getting off it, he said it was up to me if I wanted to try weaning but since I had it for 12 years, I could stay on it longer if I wanted to. That is what I am doing. I dont have any ill effects from the meds and it seems to help me with the obsessive thoughts and worry (pretty much gone now) which is what caused the panic, so I am feeling pretty "normal" these days. I know everyone is different, I just thought you might like to hear my story. Good luck.
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Guest
Def. check with your doctor first.
Personally, for me, I did not see a decrease in my panic attacks from using a SSRI {in my case it was Zoloft}. I still needed to take an anti-anxiety med. When I went off the Zoloft, the withdrawal was a bit rough, but nothing else changed.
It's different for everybody, as I know of some people who used SSRI's to battle panic disorder successfully. Speak with your doctor and Good Luck!
Personally, for me, I did not see a decrease in my panic attacks from using a SSRI {in my case it was Zoloft}. I still needed to take an anti-anxiety med. When I went off the Zoloft, the withdrawal was a bit rough, but nothing else changed.
It's different for everybody, as I know of some people who used SSRI's to battle panic disorder successfully. Speak with your doctor and Good Luck!
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Guest
I think you should speak w/ your DR about this -he/she is much better informed on WHAT'S GOING ON W/ YOU SPECIFICALLY & can utilize their medical expertise to help/guide/advise you.
Everyone is different. There are folks that don't need SSRI'S for extended periods of time. There are others who do. The reasons are too infinite to possibly explain why.
I was diagnosed in MAY 2005 w/ anxiety disorder + panic attacks + PTSD(fr 3 different things) . I couldn't work, became totally dependant on my husband, emotinally dependant on anyone willing to give me the time of day, was on CLONAZAPAN 3x's per day, and 2 SLEEP AIDS(anxiety med & 1 sleep aid was not enough): I was only averaging 1-2 hrs of sleep per every 24 hrs. FAST FORWARD: - I am now recovered fr anxiety disorder + I am no longer taking any anxiety meds(haven't for 18 mths + no sleep aids(haven't for apprx almost 2 yrs)+ after having been home for the past 3 1/2 yrs, <span class="ev_code_RED">I have returned to WORKING AMERICA - yep, I have been working successfully for the past 3 mths.</span>
The people on here are some of the BEST/NICEST/MOST HELPFULLY SINCERE people I have truly ever met. However, none of them/me/us are MEDICAL EXPERTS or DR'S. In addition, while people can share their experiences, to a person just beginning the journey & new to these medications - that info can be intimidating or frightening - cause then we begin to compare ourselves w/ them. Go to your DR OR THERAPIST - ask those questions. Heck, ask as many questions as you'd like or need. They are there to help you. In my opinion, esp w/ my own journey & recovery, it is always best (esp when it comes to meds & you) to go directly to the experts/dr's/therapists.
Best of Luck
LENORE
Everyone is different. There are folks that don't need SSRI'S for extended periods of time. There are others who do. The reasons are too infinite to possibly explain why.
I was diagnosed in MAY 2005 w/ anxiety disorder + panic attacks + PTSD(fr 3 different things) . I couldn't work, became totally dependant on my husband, emotinally dependant on anyone willing to give me the time of day, was on CLONAZAPAN 3x's per day, and 2 SLEEP AIDS(anxiety med & 1 sleep aid was not enough): I was only averaging 1-2 hrs of sleep per every 24 hrs. FAST FORWARD: - I am now recovered fr anxiety disorder + I am no longer taking any anxiety meds(haven't for 18 mths + no sleep aids(haven't for apprx almost 2 yrs)+ after having been home for the past 3 1/2 yrs, <span class="ev_code_RED">I have returned to WORKING AMERICA - yep, I have been working successfully for the past 3 mths.</span>
The people on here are some of the BEST/NICEST/MOST HELPFULLY SINCERE people I have truly ever met. However, none of them/me/us are MEDICAL EXPERTS or DR'S. In addition, while people can share their experiences, to a person just beginning the journey & new to these medications - that info can be intimidating or frightening - cause then we begin to compare ourselves w/ them. Go to your DR OR THERAPIST - ask those questions. Heck, ask as many questions as you'd like or need. They are there to help you. In my opinion, esp w/ my own journey & recovery, it is always best (esp when it comes to meds & you) to go directly to the experts/dr's/therapists.
Best of Luck
LENORE
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Guest
Here's my two cents: In researching my own SSRI use for panic/anxiety I have come to this conclusion:
Take the SSRI for 4 to 6 months; work this program/get therapy/read books; and go off and try to fly without. Reason I say this is that:
a.) it's possible with faith and dedication; b.) doctors can't say definatively how SSRI's work or the consequences of long term use;
c.) there has been discussion that over time, you lose the ability to regulate serotinin on your own.
There is presedence for that with other chemicals that affect hormones, such as with steroids. I notice on this website that the longer a person has taken SSRI's, the side effects of going off seem to be more severe, and the more likely they are to up the dose or switch to yet another SSRI.
Of course, if you are debilitated by your panic disorder, you should do what you need to live life to the fullest. Only you and your doctor can determine the best course of action. Still, many doctors will prescribe medications very readily, even when there are other options so do your homework (which you are obviously doing). Good luck.
P.S. After dealing with panic disorder off and on for 20 years and anxiety for my entire existence, I have a level of well being and happiness that I never though I would. It's not perfect, and there are bad days, but I'm able to ride out the uncertainties of life much better now. I attribute that to my getting this program.
Take the SSRI for 4 to 6 months; work this program/get therapy/read books; and go off and try to fly without. Reason I say this is that:
a.) it's possible with faith and dedication; b.) doctors can't say definatively how SSRI's work or the consequences of long term use;
c.) there has been discussion that over time, you lose the ability to regulate serotinin on your own.
There is presedence for that with other chemicals that affect hormones, such as with steroids. I notice on this website that the longer a person has taken SSRI's, the side effects of going off seem to be more severe, and the more likely they are to up the dose or switch to yet another SSRI.
Of course, if you are debilitated by your panic disorder, you should do what you need to live life to the fullest. Only you and your doctor can determine the best course of action. Still, many doctors will prescribe medications very readily, even when there are other options so do your homework (which you are obviously doing). Good luck.
P.S. After dealing with panic disorder off and on for 20 years and anxiety for my entire existence, I have a level of well being and happiness that I never though I would. It's not perfect, and there are bad days, but I'm able to ride out the uncertainties of life much better now. I attribute that to my getting this program.
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Guest
Hi,
I'm new to this program and will need some help figuring out how to use these forums. I haveconcerns over Zoloft that I'm taking. The Dr. increased dosage to 100mg, cuz 50 wasn't helping. I've been on prozac, paxil & others that gave me side effects. I have been taking 50mg in the AM & 50mg after dinner. I have side effects with AM dose: just don't feel well. I'm afraid to take 100 at night, because I don't know if it will make me sleepy or jittery. My Dr. has no advice for me. For the anxiety, I take ativan,as needed. I try to not take it unless I'm extremely stressed. Is there anyone taking 100mg of zoloft b4 bed & if so, what reaction does it have on you?
Thak you, Angel 307
I'm new to this program and will need some help figuring out how to use these forums. I haveconcerns over Zoloft that I'm taking. The Dr. increased dosage to 100mg, cuz 50 wasn't helping. I've been on prozac, paxil & others that gave me side effects. I have been taking 50mg in the AM & 50mg after dinner. I have side effects with AM dose: just don't feel well. I'm afraid to take 100 at night, because I don't know if it will make me sleepy or jittery. My Dr. has no advice for me. For the anxiety, I take ativan,as needed. I try to not take it unless I'm extremely stressed. Is there anyone taking 100mg of zoloft b4 bed & if so, what reaction does it have on you?
Thak you, Angel 307
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Guest
Hi i just joined this site in hopes of finding other people like me. i feel like no one i know is going through what i am. i have also ptsd for 2 reasons and have felt anxiety my whole life and my depression is really bad again. i keep trying to get off my meds but it always ends of the same i end up to scared to leave the house and a basket case. How did you get through this??
Originally posted by Lenore:
I think you should speak w/ your DR about this -he/she is much better informed on WHAT'S GOING ON W/ YOU SPECIFICALLY & can utilize their medical expertise to help/guide/advise you.
Everyone is different. There are folks that don't need SSRI'S for extended periods of time. There are others who do. The reasons are too infinite to possibly explain why.
I was diagnosed in MAY 2005 w/ anxiety disorder + panic attacks + PTSD(fr 3 different things) . I couldn't work, became totally dependant on my husband, emotinally dependant on anyone willing to give me the time of day, was on CLONAZAPAN 3x's per day, and 2 SLEEP AIDS(anxiety med & 1 sleep aid was not enough): I was only averaging 1-2 hrs of sleep per every 24 hrs. FAST FORWARD: - I am now recovered fr anxiety disorder + I am no longer taking any anxiety meds(haven't for 18 mths + no sleep aids(haven't for apprx almost 2 yrs)+ after having been home for the past 3 1/2 yrs, <span class="ev_code_RED">I have returned to WORKING AMERICA - yep, I have been working successfully for the past 3 mths.</span>
The people on here are some of the BEST/NICEST/MOST HELPFULLY SINCERE people I have truly ever met. However, none of them/me/us are MEDICAL EXPERTS or DR'S. In addition, while people can share their experiences, to a person just beginning the journey & new to these medications - that info can be intimidating or frightening - cause then we begin to compare ourselves w/ them. Go to your DR OR THERAPIST - ask those questions. Heck, ask as many questions as you'd like or need. They are there to help you. In my opinion, esp w/ my own journey & recovery, it is always best (esp when it comes to meds & you) to go directly to the experts/dr's/therapists.
Best of Luck
LENORE