Worried about panic and being on meds -

Mental health
1

Hi everyone! I am new here, I hope I can jump on in and get some feedback.

I have a history of anxiety. I have been diagnosed with GAD and PTSD. Back in 2011, I was prescribed Paxil and Xanax to get me through an overseas move. It was the first time I was put on any meds for my anxiety. Everything went fine - I was on it for several months and I got off it okay. Since then, I have tried several other meds, but Paxil worked the best for me. In December 2015, I decided that I wanted to get back on Paxil - I had the prescription already, so I started taking it. I was halfing the pills at first, and then on day three I took a half and then a few hours later, I decided to take the other half. I woke up at around 5 am the next morning in full blown panic. I had never experienced panic before. I was shakey, I felt like my upper body was burning, and I felt really weird in my head. I went to the ER, they gave me Ativan - I was fine and went home. I didn't take a Paxil that day. I woke up the next morning, again in full blown panic. Another Ativan was given and I was fine. I saw my doctor and was prescribed Klonopin. I was fine for about 2 weeks and then the panic came back. I dropped 20 pounds in 2 months, I was really nauseous, had rebound anxiety after taking anti anxiety meds, and just experience high anxiety and panic every day for about a month and a half. During that time, I was being switched to different meds to try to find something that would help. Then, I was finally able to get into a psychiatrist at the end of December. She put on Seroquel. I was super, super scared because nothing was working and I have never been on an antipsychotic before. Seroquel worked WONDERS. Saved my life. I have been pretty stable for almost a year now - anxiety, yes, panic, nothing like it was prior. I am pretty much fearful of reliving those two months again. I have gained 40 pounds, so far, and I really just want my life back to what it was before I took that double dosage of Paxil. My psychiatrist told me that once I'm stable for a year, we will discuss getting off of Seroquel. I'm on the lowest dosage (50 mg, Seroquel XR), so I'm told I could just stop taking it but I've been reading withdrawal stories on the internet that have me terrified. Question 1.) Did the Paxil start the panic? Opinions appreciated. 2.) Has anyone been given Seroquel XR for anxiety and weaned off of it without huge issues?

2

We are all different when it comes to medications so your GP should be able to address that for you.

One problem I saw with your Post was splitting drugs and not taking them regular. It is important you take your medications as directed or the side effects may cause more problems.

Good Luck

Bob

3

Thank you for the response, Bob.

I deeply regret taking Paxil on my own accord last November (I just realized that I said December in my post, but it was in November). I believe it started all of this mess as I have never experienced panic attacks prior. Now I am traumatized and I'm afraid that the panic will come back. I have improved greatly over the past year, though, so my next hurdle is to wean off of Seroquel. I will not start this process until I speak with my psychiatrist at my next appointment, of course, but I am interested in other experiences similar to mine (if possible), i.e. being on 50mg of Seroquel XR for 12 months due to anxiety/panic. 

And yes, my doctors put me on a variety of meds in a short period, I didn't even mention it all - klonopin, lexapro, ativan, xanax, valium, another anti anxiety med that I can't think the name of, and then back to Paxil and eventually on Seroquel and Paxil. I'm sure the switching didn't help my case, at all. I weaned successfully off of Paxil earlier this year so I have just been on the Seroquel for a little over 11 months.

Again, I appreciate your response. I have a psychologist that I see weekly and a psychiatrist, as well as a primary doctor - I'm good there, I'm just looking for some outside feedback from people who may be able to relate to my experience.

4

Hello JH

I n my case it took two years to get me on my medications and I take Amytryptalene and Citalopram, I also have to take Opiates so my pathway to yours is very different and I have been told the drugs I take now I will be on until they carry me out in a box.

In your case you have people keeping an eye on you and that is great as they have your interests at heart.

If you need to chat we are here

BOB