Dr.Dev
MD FCCS
Critical Care physician
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Hi Dr Dev
Thnx for the mail, however, I'm not fully satisfied with the answers received..let me start by saying, without the drug, I probably would'nt be sitting here, as I was so close to death, before starting the meds..for 9 years I suffered and 3 nervous breakdowns later, without any proper diagnosis and being passed on from one doc to the next, then trying the alternate route, incl. behavioural therapies....which, nothing helped, until, I was put on medication....I have a pretty stress free life, I dont need to work, my kids are grown, so I have nothing better to do, than see to my own needs generally. I also don't have any known phobias(except flying). This disease started shortly after the birth of my 2nd child, who now is 21, before that, I was the most healthy, care free, fun loving person. I developed an anxiety disorder, which is now rearing its ugly head once again, because I am cutting down on my meds and certainly, dont ever want to go down that road again. All that said, I still feel you have'nt given me a satisfactory explaination, regarding my actual symtoms, after a panic attack and why, I am the exception to the rule, compared to other panic sufferers...I have to stay in bed for 3-4 days, for all symptoms to pass...why is this so??
No, I dont think you understood, what I was trying to say, regarding *being, close to death*..let me say this....after 9 years of suffering and no diagnosis or any form of medication, my body was shutting down, I weighed 42kgs, unable to walk from weakness, totally non-functional, was being fed liquid meals every 3 hours, else I would start shaking uncontrollably, etc, etc.....my attending physician, admitted, that they thought they would loose me...not because, I was having a panic attack and thought I was going to die....
Secondly, I have been on medication, for the past 11 years (Effexor), pls read my original posting....
Thirdly, the only clear answer, I seem to be receiving from you, is that you are anti medication and I stand before you, to tell you, that I am living proof, that from 1x tablet a day, it's a matter of quality of life or misery...which would u choose?
Thank you for your time. Perhaps, a phyciatrist, would be more suitable to answer my question.
Hello XXXXXXXXXXXX,
I am so sorry about the previous poster - he clearly doesn't understand mental health! I am Nancy and am a mental health professional and have been for over 20 years.
I have read your question and understand medication and how it works on both a personal and professional level.
Panic is effected by and in turn effects three neurotransmitter in the brain - serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (abbreviated NE). NE is adreneline. I have worked with people who have described to me what you are experiencing and we have concluded through their experiences that (1) this ia rare reaction and (2) it is NE related.
My best explanation is that it is not common - and not commonly known. It is related to adreneline - as people for a few days after a panic attack feel shaky, their head doesn't feel right - and they feel tingly and almsot as if they are withdrawing from a drug - or had a bad reaction to a drug.
I think you are right that it is based on chemical sensitivity (great insight on your part!) You may find that you do better off medications (less chemcials for the brain to react to).
One of my patients went off all meds and learned biofeedback to control the panic and it never happened again.
I hope my experiences have helped you - or shed some light - if nothing else, I hope you feel more validated than with the last professional.
I wish you all the best - and hope to hear back from you.
Nancy
Psychotherapist
ABD for a PhD in Psychology, Psychotherapist for over 20 years
Hi Nancy
Thank u so much for ur reply... the symptoms, I have after a panic attack, described by urself, are exactly as you have explained... as you can imagine, it's not so much the panic attack I fear, but, the dreaded illness after. Although, you say, it's rare, at least I don't feel so alone anymore, or that I had lost the plot completely....lol.
Thank you once again, I truely appreciate, your caring and understanding.
Hugzzzzzz
Heather
You are very welcome!