Panic Attacks and Medication
 

I've been having panic attacks for years now...they're nothing new to me. However, I've had two or three over just these past few days, which is abnormal for me--especially since the triggers for them were tiny, things that usually wouldn't upset me.

The first one happened on Friday, during school. I was in line to get a drink from the vending machine between classes, and the jerks in front of me were taking a REALLY long time. The bell rang, and I had to sprint to my next class without my drink. Now, my teacher for that class is very kind and understanding, and almost always turns a blind eye to tardies (unless you're very very late). So nothing to worry about, right?

Apparently, I didn't think so. XD I was hypervenilating, sweating, shivering, the whole deal. It was rediculous. I couldn't seem to shake it for nearly an hour--I had to go sit in the hall, away from the chatter just so I could study. =P I absolutely could not regain my focus.

Then today, I was at the mall with Scott. We were running short on time, so I told him to go ahead of me to our next destination while I bought my things from the current store. Again, I was in line and it began to take quite a while...and, again, the sweating, shivering, and heavy breathing started up. My voice trembled when I tried to speak with the store clerk about the purchase. Then, once I got out of there, I couldn't find Scott. So I ended up very very upset, and it didn't entirely go away until I had found him and sat down for a few minutes.

Sorry, I know this is long...now to my actual question. I was taking Lexapro for anxiety/depression, but it didn't seem to work very well. On Thursday, my psychiatrist had me stop taking the Lexapro and switch to Prozac. Is it possible that the increase in these episodes could be a temporary affect of stoping the Lexapro? I am aware that only my doctor can tell me for sure, I'd just like to know if this is common or if anyone has any relative experiences.

Thanks. <3

Re: Panic Attacks and Medication
 

Re: Panic Attacks and Medication
 

Lizzie is right about the Xanax. I take that whenever I feel unstable. It really helps with the panic attacks and begins working within five minutes. Then again, I'm no doctor. Maybe ask your doctor about it? Just a suggestion.

Re: Panic Attacks and Medication
 

Re: Panic Attacks and Medication
 

If you have not had many panic attacks whilst on Lexapro, then it could be possible that it's related, however, by my knowledge the lexapro is an antidepressant and therefore it should still be in your system as it has quite a long half life compared to other drugs (though I can not be sure of this). However, I don't know how long the half life of lexapro is, so it could be wearing off now. If you're becoming very worried about this then you may consider making another appointment with your doctor though you must remember it will take time for prozac to work. I know that when I had panic attacks, I got prescribed BETA blockers, is there any medication you take specifically for your anxiety? I think i'd be more concerned about that medication if you take it.

Stephanie

Re: Panic Attacks and Medication
 

A relative of mine was taking Lexapro for anxiety but had to stop as it was giving her horrible migraines, once she stopped the Lexapro she found that the following week she had an increase in her anxiety, only a few panic attacks but she said that she felt overwhelmingly anxious and stayed off of work a few days that week to avoid any attacks. So, it is quite possibly from coming of Lexapro but you should talk to your doctor just to make sure.