MariaS

Soar, I think I understand just how you feel. As you probably know, I too started Celexa at about the same time as you. Although I haven't really had any side effects other than dry mouth, I can really understand the frustration. I am still anxious a lot of the time, even though I haven't had an actual full-blown panic attack since I started on Celexa.

BUT, I think that other things have helped me more than the meds. I've probably read everything there is to read about panic on the net, and I've found some really helpful sites that I visit whenever I get particularly anxious. Do you have a list of encouraging sites that you can go to when you're feeling down? I find it helps me a lot. Also, I have a little notebook with encouraging phrases and facts about panic attacks, such as "this is just a feeling, and even though it may be uncomforable, it cannot harm me and will soon dissapear..." I carry that thing with me wherever I go. It's gotten me through a lot of tough times.

Also, I've spent a lot of time analyzing the things that trigger my panic, and found that a lot of them are just things like hunger, constipation, and tiredness. Once I figured this out, I started analyzing my pre-attack feelings, and now I'm much better at ignoring harmless sensations in my body.

Oh, and as far you thinking that you can conquer your panic and you can do things...yes, that's very true. If you take a strong (but very calm, and relaxed) attitute about this whole thing, you may find that you *will* become stronger. I believe the main thing with this is believing in yourself. I mean, really, really believing that you can be panic-free.

Hope that helps some.

And don't worry, you WILL be fine.