dmarie4301: concerned about panic attacks if I get off paxil

[dmarie4301]

The original reason I got on prozac was cuz id been suffering from panic for years and finally broke down after two babies under my belt. The drug saved my life, I divorced and went out dancing and working.

 

I was told that I had panic disorder and would need a med forever. So I am worried that if I get off (and get off the klonopin too) that I will suffer with those attacks again.

 

But now I have these chestpains and zaps and I HAVE to get off or taper down.

 

I am brand new on this site and to realizing that my meds are killing me, but hiw to not have attacks without meds?

 

Donna

[Petunia]

Hi Donna,

I moved your post here to our introductions section, you can use this as your ongoing journal, adding to it by using the reply button.  Thank you for sharing your story and congratulations for deciding to come off your meds.  Its great that you found us and will be able to do a slow safe taper with our support.

 

There are healthier ways to manage panic and anxiety without using toxic drugs, some of those methods can be found in our symptoms and self care section:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/forum/8-symptoms-and-self-care/

 

While you are slowly tapering, you can be learning how to manage uncomfortable feelings and emotions in less harmful ways.

 

We recommend only tapering one medication at a time, usually the most activating one first, so I agree that you should be tapering the Paxil first.  Here are some tips for safely tapering off Paxil:

 

http://survivingantidepressants.org/index.php?/topic/405-tips-for-tapering-off-paxil-paroxetine/?hl=%2Btips+%2Bfor+%2Btapering+%2Boff+%2Bpaxil

 

How long have you been having the chest pains and zaps?  Did they start after you began tapering?  How long have you been at 32.5mg?  Was that your highest dose?

 

You will find a lot of friendly help and support here.

 

Petu.

[dmarie4301]

32.5 was my highest since december2013. I used to only take 10 for 10 years.

The chest pains have been off and on since last fall.....all body parts were medically examined, so its just the drug...paxil or klonopin or both. Im balancing my klonopin now cuz I wasnt taking it in a regular fadhion, I hope that helps that symptom.

 

Still the deal is, I dont know if my panic will stay gone without medication.

 

thanks,

 

donna

[Altostrata]

Welcome, dmarie.

 

All you can do is carefully reduce and take care of yourself. There are lots of non-drug treatments for panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of them.

[Skyler]

You might also want to read about psychodynamic psychotherapy for panic attacks: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendy-jacobson/what-good-psychodynamic-t_b_461426.html