Went to doc. Advice please!!!!

Mental health
1

Went to doc 2 weeks ago (first time seeing this guy, he's a GP)... anyway, he gave me a low dose SSRi (will help over time apparently) and klonopin (lowest dose) to take for my panic attacks, it did nothing.... told him when I'm panicking the klonopin doesn't help so he gave me the lowest dose xanax then and said take once a day as needed, I told him it helped a little but not to calm my thoughts. Still irrational thoughts and panic. It helped ease the naseua tho.

So then he says he would suggest trying Atarax. Which I've read about and I told him I'm not interested, as it sedates and makes you super tired and I can't do that.

Let me remind you this is all within 2 weeks. 

Now he says to come in for a visit since meds aren't working and we can discuss our options....

Should I schedule with a psychiatrist? I feel like this doc is not taking my anxiety and panic seriously (I can put on a fake face pretty good I guess idk)... bc it is ruining my life. Having to wait between visits with no relief from my attacks.. ugh. Maybe I should have said yes to atarax. 

Suggestions? Are psychiatrists better off to help me? I just didn't want to have to wait even longer for a new visit with someone. 

I'm not depressed, my levels of stress are just very high this year... it's been a bad year and it's causing me to panic and it's really starting to interfere with my relationships. I know I need a long term plan to help me overcome this but I need relief sooner than any of that can give me. 

2

Hi, it sounds like your GP is being super cautious with the meds, you need low doses at the start with SSRI,s due to possible side effects, klonipin isn't the best for panic as it takes around 30-45 mins to get full effect but last for hours whereas Xanax is a lot quicker but has a short life.

I suggest getting on a higher dose of your anti depressant and see how you go maybe the OK to take a higher dose of Xanax to see you through a few weeks whilst ADs kick in. 

A psychiatrist is a good move as they are mental health professionals but tend only to be referred when GP feels it's better to be treated by one ie not improving after a few weeks but you will have to wait unless GP does an urgent referral.

Neil 

3

Hi l think your doctor is doing as much as he can to help you.l know you want something that will take all your anxiety away however there are no magic pills and those that do have quick effects like benzos are highly addictive and should not be taken long term.See what your doctor suggests and l would recommend therapy.Also give the antidepressant time to work.

4

I think you need to trust your GP. He seems to be trying his best to help you. You will probably be referred to a psychiatrist anyway.

A small dose of atarax may well help you to calm down - give it a go. You can always stop if you don't like it.