[Q] Medication Benefits

[markslater88]

I've been suffering from very severe debilitating panic attacks since I turned 20. I'm having a very difficult time trying to overcome them. The most concerning symptom to me are the very fast heart rates that come with a panic attack. I've tried different methods to dealing with them from biofeedback to exposure therapy, but have had very little progress. I am very against taking medications as I've heard about so many awful things that come with psychiatric medications. I'm not able to function normally right now, and I'm pretty sure that having Panic attacks on a daily basis can't possibly be good for your body. So I'm thinking about giving just giving it a try. Being able to function in life is a priority for me. I have to be able to overcome this eventually. My cardiologist suggested that I take a very low dose of Atenolol to help with the anxiety attacks since my main complaint is my fast heart rates. Is this a wise choice for anxiety, or is there another medication or method to help me get better?

[pamela]

hello Mark,

It is difficult to give any kind of advice, much less without having more information on your specific case. First of all, why are you seeing a cardiologist? was it specifically for the increased heart rate, or do you have an additional problem? Secondly, are there any specific triggers that bring on the attack? are you taking any medications currently? A brief background would give a better indication of how to go forward in trying to help you. Be advised, we can lead you in a course of action, but cannot recommend a specific medication or give a diagnosis:)

[joestalin88]

Before I respond to your question about your panic attacks, I was wondering if you could tell me a little more about your treatment history. How long were you in biofeedback and exposure therapy? And as far as the panic attacks are concerned: how often do you experience them? Are you aware of any particular event or situation that precedes them?

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[Michaelangelica]

i have the exact same symptoms when I get a dose of MSG or an overload of things I am allergic to.

It/they stress the adrenals and I am pumped full of adrenaline (Fight or flight).

Most people have to pay big money for street-'speed'. I just have to eat Japanese food laced with the stuff.

Do you have any tummy /digestive/defecation problems?

 

There is a medication that helps "Nalcom" dissolved in hot water and taken before you eat.-30mins or so? - it is an asthma medication that seems to stop the stomach mast cells? from going haywire.

[Dianenoleen]

Hi, have you tried meditation ?

 

i recently started classes with my friend and am really enjoying them. They may help with your panic attacks and they may not but its gotta be worth a try. A meditation practise usually consists of mental exercises which allow the mind to reach a state of relaxed concentration. Which is basically what you want :)

 

try this site if your interested

 

Meditation for beginners

 

and you could maybe try and find out a bit about aromatherapy, its long been proved that different smells effect our brain chemistry in different ways.

 

So with a bit of luck you could be posting a cure for panic attacks in a few weeks

 

Good luck finding an holistic cure