New here - Panic Disorders Message Board

tiffairy · 07-31-2006, 08:09 PM

Hey everyone, I'm new here. I've come because I've just recently having problems with panic again. Although, I have constantly has anxiety for the last 7 years at least. I had panic real bad 2000-2002 and then I was ok for awhile but had my first attack again the other night. I was recently diagnoses with a superficial blood clot in my arm and it's made my EXTREME fear of blood clots come out really really badly. My arm still hurts and I am having trouble not having panic 24/7 but I'm doing okay staying occupied for now. However, I am still very fearful they've missed something or that it will become worse. My doctors say it was a one time occurence and do not worry anymore but I can't help it, it's what I do.

Anyway, I just wanted to here from those who have the same sort of trouble. Ya know, no one in my life can really understand this part of me.

I'd also really like to know experience with Lexapro, I have some heart probs ... SVT and non sustained runs of V-tach and am on no medication for it as they don't even know what it is wrong with me. I read that these type drugs can cause heart rhythm probs. Any advice??? MY doc wants me on it but I am scared to try it.

CannonBall75 · 07-31-2006, 11:14 PM

I've definately heard of the old antidepressants like the Tricyclic's speeding up heart rate and causing abnormal heart rythums. I dont believe this to be true with the SSRI's. The same goes for the old MAOI antidpressants. They can cause a hypertensive crises (especially in overdose). This is a major reason why Lexapro and the other SSRI's are prescribed much, much more than these older antidepressants. They are much safer in overdose as well as on the heart and have fewer annoying side effects.

ItWontGiveUp · 08-03-2006, 07:27 PM

I agree, the SSRIs are quite a bit easier to deal with compared to many MAOIs or tricyclics. Of course some people still do have luck w/ the older drugs so I'm not knocking them too harshly.

Have you talked to your doctor about a drug like Xanax or Klonopin to help you through on a short-term basis, and in the meantime try out a long-term med like Zoloft or Lexapro. Usually the short-term drug will make life a little easier while the other med has time to start working (many can take up to a month, it varies though of course).

Hopefully by then you will have a good idea as to whether the SSRI is helping out or not, and possibly stop and try again with another med.

Mvhrt · 08-15-2006, 09:57 PM

Hi, I'm sure your DR wouldn't presribe a med for you that is possibly dangerous for your heart if your DR knows your prexsisting conditions. lol you sound just like me.... questioning the dr! If you don't feel safe in anything you have been told you can always get a second opinion which may help ease your mind.
You say that you haven't had very bad panic for a couple of years now and to me lexapro is more of a long term drug rather than a drug that should be used to "get you over the hump" so as itwontgiveup suggested maybe you should ask about benzo's but ONLY FOR SHORT TERM USE. They are very addictive and i am speaking from personal experiance so they shouldn't be used for very long but they are helpful when you are just having a small stint with panic and need some help along the way.
Best of luck to ya!