My brother...anxiety in public - Anxiety Message Board

ASDGRMama · 05-11-2006, 11:51 AM

Hello! My brother (he's almost 27) has anxiety attacks when he's around people (my dad had the same problem but was never treated...his sister has agoraphobia and is being treated).

What is the typical protocol for this? He can't stand it and made an appt today to see the dr tomorrow morning (I'll be driving him there). He was adamant about doing something by Monday (he's hoping to go home tomorrow with a prescription).

I know they'll most likely do tests but what tests do they usually do (I'm assuming they'll check his thyroid...my mom's entire family has thyroid disease including myself and my twin brother).

Is it likely he'll get treatment tomorrow? What meds are usually prescribed for this type of anxiety disorder (assuming that's what it is)?

Thanks for any help!

Kelly

Graciecat · 05-11-2006, 12:26 PM

Hi,

I was diagnosed many moons ago...I was just a kid and I'm now in my late 30's...but I do remember a few of the tests they did.
Thyroid was one, they also checked for high or low blood sugar...I also had some heart tests, but for the life of me I can't remember which ones!!!

They SHOULD run a number of tests before they tell him that he suffers from Anxiety...since there is no test for Anxiety the only way they can really tell is to rule out everything else.
If he walks in and tells them his problem and they tell him he has Anxiety without any testing, then he needs to find a different Doctor!

As for medication, that varies from Doctor to Doctor.

I wish you and your Brother good luck.

SRMom · 05-11-2006, 12:44 PM

Ditto everything Graciecat said.

The doctor may also decide to go ahead and start your brother on a prescription for either an antidepressant (i.e. Zoloft, Paxil, etc.) or an antianxiety medication (i.e. Xanax, Klonopin, etc.), or a combination of both. The antianxiety medication should give some immediate relief, but will probably make him sleepy until he gets adjusted to the dose. I take Xanax .5 mg. (generic name is alprazolam) and I usually cut them in half if I take them during the day, so I don't get too sleepy.

I also recommend that your brother buy or check out some books on anxiety, panic and agoraphobia. They help to understand the illness and several books give great relaxation techniques that are helpful whether he takes medication or not.

Good luck

hry33 · 05-11-2006, 01:23 PM

self help books or tapes on panic disorder have much helpful advice, also see the panic disorders board here
this type of anxiety is often inherited, so your brother shouldnt feel guilty about it

ASDGRMama · 05-12-2006, 12:42 PM

Well, he went to the dr today and they prescribed Effexor. He's starting at 32.5mg and by next week he'll be on 75mg. He has an appt two weeks from now for follow up.

They didn't order any bloodwork because he's not having symptoms outside of the anxiety attacks (he's having 2-3 or more per day).

How do you all feel about Effexor? She initially prescibed Xanax and I expressed concern because we've had family members who literally couldn't function while taking Xanax due to the side effects. I asked about Paxil CR or Zoloft. She was going to prescribe Zoloft (had samples) but came back with a script for Effexor

. I've heard so many good things about Paxil and Paxil Cr that I had hoped she'd try that first.

I was also shocked at the cost of the Effexor

!

Hopefully it'll be helpful for him though. She suggested he see a counselor or psychologist but he told me later that he's not interested in seeing "a shrink".

Thank you for your help!

Kelly