I’ve been dealing with panic disorder for over a month almost 2 months. Slowly starting to be able to do things like go out food shop etc. small steps in the right direction but still feel discouraged. If anyone could give me some words of encouragement right now I would really appreciate it.
Dealing with panic disorder?
Question posted by allthingsme on 8 Feb 2021
Last updated on 7 May 2022
3 Answers
ssg9466
4 May 2022
How are you doing now?? I just increased my lexapro dose about 2 weeks ago after struggling with panic disorder for about 2.5 months now. Starting to lose hope that it will work…
WildcatVet
4 May 2022
Hi, ssg!
It can take time to find the dose that's therapeutic for you. Everybody responds differently... some do well on a lower dose but many people do need to increase. What dose did you start at and what are you taking now? Give the increase at least 3-4 weeks and see how it goes.
Anxiety is much more difficult to treat than depression but the antidepressants are very effective for most people given time.
Don't give up just yet. I know it's discouraging to have to wait but in the end you may find that it's been well worth the time and effort.
ssg9466
4 May 2022
Thanks Wildcat for your encouraging response!
Well, I actually developed panic disorder 12 years ago and started lexapro and went all the way up to 40mg under a psychiatrists supervision. It took probably 4 or 5 months to feel normal again.
I maintained a 20 mg dose for the next 10 years and felt wonderful. (Maybe 3 panic attacks the whole time and no anxiety). I reduced my dose to 10mg almost 3 years ago to hopefully reduce tiredness and did fine on it.
Fast forward to this January, I had a mild Covid case followed by starting a new job and my anxiety starting going through the roof any time I worked. I upped my lexapro to 20mg and the anxiety continued until the panic disorder came back in full force about 3 weeks into the higher dose. My PCP added Wellbutrin (which I did for 4 weeks and felt worse). Then he lowered my lexapro to 10mg and added Buspar. Again I felt worse.
I have been waiting to get into a psychiatrist for forever, but raised back to 20mg of lexapro about 2.5 weeks ago. I see the psychiatrist in a week finally and I guess I’ll see what he thinks. I don’t know if my lexapro “pooped out” on me and I need to try something else? Or if I was on too low of a dose and need to stay at 20mg or higher for a longer period of time. Any thoughts??
WildcatVet
7 May 2022
Sorry that I didn't check my emails for so long. Maybe the Lexapro did "poop out" which happens frequently with long term use. Mine stopped being effective after about 7 years and I wish to this day it hadn't but because of a change in diagnosis I'm finally doing really well with my meds including bupropion (Wellbutrin).
Have you seen the psychiatrist yet? It'll be interesting to see what their opinion may be. Keep us posted, okay?
WildcatVet
8 Feb 2021
Hey, again!
Small steps? No, you're taking giant steps. Every time you do something positive you're letting your emotions know that, yes, you can do things without panicking or even becoming too anxious. You're conditioning yourself and soon you'll be able to face just about anything.
Give yourself a pat on the back and then give your medication a little more time. You're right on course to a better way of living.
Hang in there!
TyreseTl
8 Feb 2021
Hello,
I’m not a professional. But few ways you can try to cope with panic attacks are: Practicing breathing techniques, exercise, picture a happy place, and learn how to relax.
Are you taking any medication?
allthingsme
8 Feb 2021
Yes I’ve been on lexapro for 6 weeks. Just started at highest dose last week!
allthingsme
8 Feb 2021
Yes I’ve been on lexapro for 6 weeks. Just started at highest dose last week!
TyreseTl
8 Feb 2021
You should give the extra dose time. It usually takes several weeks to start seeing improvements. Try not to worry as much. I commented on your post yesterday or day before. Wildcat had said few steps you should take, check it out.
Related topics
lexapro, anxiety, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety and stress, support, disorder
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