Anonymous
Post 08/24/2015 12:33     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
I think you need to explore other drugs. I too have the issues you describe and the only ones that ever worked for me were Paxil and Celexa (NOT Lexapro, which also aggravated my symptoms, as did Zoloft - and those are supposedly to be the 'lighter' ones). I have had no luck with CBT. Good luck - I know how scary it is.
Anonymous
Post 08/24/2015 12:27     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
Pranayama (breathing exercises) and mindfulness meditation certainly help with anxiety.
Anonymous
Post 08/24/2015 12:11     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
PP here--Magnesium. During pregnancy your magnesium is just stripped away from you. And with a normal, even good diet, it is very hard to get those stores back. And now in another pregnancy, more magnesium is being used.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry/201106/magnesium-and-the-brain-the-original-chill-pill
Anonymous
Post 08/24/2015 09:15     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
Op again. In case this is hormonal, has anyone tried using supplements like Vitex or progesterone cream in addition to anti anxiety drugs?
Anonymous
Post 08/24/2015 09:14     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
Op again. I have not been screened for POTS. I have been to two different cardiologists, and assume they would have considered that.

Maybe I will look into clonadine and celexa. I am nervous about celexa since I have such a bad track record with antidepressants. I am extremely sensitive to medications and hormonal changes. Right now I am taking a beta blocker 2x a day but it's at 1/4 the lowest starting dose. The doctors are shocked that this little medication seems to help since it's not even at a homeopathic level.

I just feel so hopeless and thr anxiety Attacks are awful. They can come in waves for hours.
Anonymous
Post 08/23/2015 23:06     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
Celexa works well for me (after a few other meds that didn't). I had similar panic attack symptoms that put me in hospital twice to rule out heart issues. The medication and learning breathing techniques have helped.
Anonymous
Post 08/23/2015 22:21     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
Have any of your doctors screened you or thought of POTS? It appears that you may have many of the symptoms but not all doctors are familiar with it.
Anonymous
Post 08/23/2015 22:20     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thank you everyone who wrote in and offered advice. I think maybe clonadine is worth asking my GP about. I did see a psych for a while, but she didn't take my insurance and basically prescribed the same stuff the GP prescribes. I didn't find it helpful for the cost.

I am nervous about benzos because of the dependency risk. But these anxiety attacks are so extreme that it might be worth trying temporarily. I have been warned to not even attempt wellbutrin, as uppers are the last thing I need. I had bad reactions to some of the more calming ssris, which ramped up my panic. Wellbutrin would probably put me in the ER for days!

Would like any further thoughts on clonadine or Someone mentioned gabapentin. Anyone have experience with those?

I am still sure this is somehow hormonal. But just odd that it came on during/after my third child. Had nothing like this prior with the other two. The BP spikes and pounding heart are thr worst. I have tried meditation, hypnotherapy, talk therapy, and even tapping. No luck.


Given that you have uncontrolled mental illness you really should be seeing a specialist that take your insurance. Don't meds around OP, get yourself a good doctor.
Anonymous
Post 08/23/2015 22:15     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
OP here. Thank you everyone who wrote in and offered advice. I think maybe clonadine is worth asking my GP about. I did see a psych for a while, but she didn't take my insurance and basically prescribed the same stuff the GP prescribes. I didn't find it helpful for the cost.

I am nervous about benzos because of the dependency risk. But these anxiety attacks are so extreme that it might be worth trying temporarily. I have been warned to not even attempt wellbutrin, as uppers are the last thing I need. I had bad reactions to some of the more calming ssris, which ramped up my panic. Wellbutrin would probably put me in the ER for days!

Would like any further thoughts on clonadine or Someone mentioned gabapentin. Anyone have experience with those?

I am still sure this is somehow hormonal. But just odd that it came on during/after my third child. Had nothing like this prior with the other two. The BP spikes and pounding heart are thr worst. I have tried meditation, hypnotherapy, talk therapy, and even tapping. No luck.
Anonymous
Post 08/23/2015 20:48     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
Wellbutrin is good for depression but in my experience not for anxiety. I take klonopin on an as-needed basis and found it more effective than xanax, for me. Is there a reason you haven't tried benzos?
Anonymous
Post 08/23/2015 20:45     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
I suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety, and chose not to medicate because I was breastfeeding. (Though I know some people do choose to medicate and BF, and I support that for them!) Meditation, cognitive behavior therapy (through a counselor) and acupuncture worked for me.

God bless you, and good luck! I hope you feel better and find peace very soon.
Anonymous
Post 08/23/2015 20:42     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
Celexa 20mg daily, and GABA. And mediation every night. I'm sorry you're feeling this way. CBT- progressive relaxation helps
Anonymous
Post 08/23/2015 20:37     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Do some research on Magnesium Deficiency. Most of us are deficient in magnesium and pregnancy can make it even worse. It's hard to get enough from our food, so take a supplement (I take Jarrow Magnesium Optimizer 2-4/day) and get it through my skin with Magnesium Oil spray (also have lotions). I do 5-10 sprays on my legs and arms before going to bed. You can also take an Epsom Salt bath.

Also look into GABA. They have ones you can put under your tongue that can help with panic attacks. Or you can take a supplement 2-3 times per day.

I found using the Amen Clinic in Reston was great when I was having severe Depression. Their docs have a great understanding of all available meds, but also use non-traditional supplements like GABA.


+1. Trying magnesium is great advice.


Very true. Plus you'll sleep great.

Have you tried fish oil? That helps me tremendously
Anonymous
Post 08/23/2015 20:25     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
I would recommend that you research these supplements and consider: rhodiola which had been found to be as effective as SSRIs, L theanine, and GABA.

Do some reading on them first and decide what's best for you. Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 08/23/2015 18:04     Subject: Crippling Anxiety and Panic but can't tolerate SSRIs - need advice.
Anonymous wrote:Do some research on Magnesium Deficiency. Most of us are deficient in magnesium and pregnancy can make it even worse. It's hard to get enough from our food, so take a supplement (I take Jarrow Magnesium Optimizer 2-4/day) and get it through my skin with Magnesium Oil spray (also have lotions). I do 5-10 sprays on my legs and arms before going to bed. You can also take an Epsom Salt bath.

Also look into GABA. They have ones you can put under your tongue that can help with panic attacks. Or you can take a supplement 2-3 times per day.

I found using the Amen Clinic in Reston was great when I was having severe Depression. Their docs have a great understanding of all available meds, but also use non-traditional supplements like GABA.


+1. Trying magnesium is great advice.