Any success with Lexapro for panic disorder?!
Question:
Any success with Lexapro for panic disorder?
Hello all! I have been suffering with panic attacks that started 4 years ago. I have been able to deal with them until lately. I've been having severe panic attacks several times a day along with horrible depersonalization throughout the day. I was on Effexor before but stopped because of the side effects. My doctor prescribed Lexapro.....anyone had great success with it?
Answers:
Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling bad. I don't know about Lexapro, but the following steps got rid of my panic attacks permanantly (something which meds were unable to do for me):
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads in you put "progressive muscle relaxation" into Google (e.g. lots of universities have them as free downloads)
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!