Posted by Amy on February 27, 2000 at 02:28:40:

In Reply to: Re: Addiction and panikdisorder posted by maggi on February 25, 2000 at 19:48:38:

I suffered from panic attacks for years. Xanax is the only medication I found that worked. My brother also suffers from Xanax. Again, Xanax is the only med that allowed him to live a normal life. Panic disorder is a physical disease. Someone suggested info about AA/NA. I honestly don't think those groups could help you with the problem you are experiencing. Please be aware that there is a big difference between addiction and physical dependence. Just because you are physically dependent on Xanaz does not necessarily mean you are 'addicted'. If that were the case, then those that take heart medicaton could be said to be 'addicted to their medication, and those that take insulin could be said to be 'addicted' to insulin. In my opinion, if Xanax allows you to live a normal life, then by all means take it. By the way, I have not experienced panic attacks in several years. It is said that many people 'outgrow' these attacks. It seems that women in their early to late 20's are most suspectible to them, and many do stop having them by their 30's. Oh yes....some of my Drs. also tried giving me SSRI's, such as Paxil and Zoloft. They made me feel absolutely horrible! In my situation, they were of no use. Good luck. You have a chemical inbalance. In my opinion, no amount of psychological counseling will change that fact.