Medication stopped working?

[Tasguy]

Hi all I've had anxiety panic attack for years but managed by meds successful for years. But recently panic attack has come back so does that mean my meds have stopped working? My doc upped my dose but it's been a month and a half to no affect. When should the extra dose start to kick in?

[blondguy]

Hi Tasguy

I understand the pain with anxiety attacks as they are a bad set of symptoms to have and can take time to heal.....unfortunately. I also take meds.....antidepressants and a small benzo when required as I used to have chronic anxiety for a long time

If you are on AD's they can take many weeks to have an effect....Just from my experience..up to 6-8 weeks.

The meds are never a fix all yet they do provide us with a solid foundation on which we can heal more effectively using frequent ongoing counseling. I still see my GP every 4 weeks for a 'fine tune' which is a bonus.

Can I ask if anything has happened in your life that may have resulted in the recent panic/anxiety attack?

The forums are a safe and non judgemental place for you to post Tasguy!

your well being and privacy are always paramount here

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

[geoff]

Hello Tasguy, thanks for posting your comment.

Panic attacks often strike out of the blue, without any warning, and sometimes with no clear trigger and may even occur when you’re relaxed or asleep I'm sorry to say.

Normally we are told that AD's take 4 to 6 weeks as Paul has said, so they can begin to kick in, sometimes it maybe quicker, but this depends on the situation and circumstances.

As you were taking the same AD the increase would be quicker as it's in your system, however, if something has suddenly happened and you were not prepared for it, then this may cause to not be well.

When I've had a relapse my AD was increased to the max and the doctor told me if I still wasn't feeling well that another type of AD I could start, fortunately, that didn't happen.

Please let us know how you are goingh.

Geoff.

[Tasguy]

Thanks Paul. On ad but my doc won't give me benzos. There has been a lot of stress with my sister's health but the lastest trigger was a panic attack at the gym thinking my heart wouldn't slow down. I have a psychologist appointment and Skype with a psychiatrist to maybe change meds

[Tasguy]

Geoff have U tried new ads? I'm hoping that will help

[White_Rose]

Hello Tasguy

Medication is a thorny issue these days with those who say it loses its effectiveness after a while and those who believe it helps them to find some peace and balance. Ads do take a few weeks for the full effect to kick in, generally speaking, but there is a gradual build up. They don't suddenly take effect in one moment.

Panic attacks are the pits as I know from my own experience. I often woke up with a panic attack for no reason I could determine. For me the key has been to learn what happens in my body when a panic attack happens. I think no amount of medication will totally stop these things happening and managing them is the only successful way to go. I had to learn when I was having a panic attack. Strange as it may seem I did not always recognise it for what it was but like you thought it a symptom of a physical condition such as a heart attack. Just as scary because I was also convinced I was going to die.

So knowing when you have over exercised and when you have panic is important. Then how do you manage it? This is crucial as it gives control back to you. That alone helps to feel better. I had a quick self-inventory to understand where everything was at and then put my learning to use. I know that sounds easy and straight forward and it definitely is not so. It was something I eventually learned and it saved me many hours of fear.

I believe this is something your psychologist or psychiatrist can help you with. What works for you. Deep breathing is one action. Getting to a phone and talking is another. Moving around. At times I'm not sure what I did but I felt better knowing what was happening and that I had ways of coping. This is so important.

What have you done in the past? Perhaps you can discuss this with your mental health people.

Mary

[geoff]

Hi Tasguy, no I've been on these AD's for over 20 years and taking the max dose.

I seem to react when I have to change AD's whether it's my OCD causing this, as before this one I'm taking, I've tried half a dozen which gave me side-effects.

I had no problem increasing to the max.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Tasguy]

Mary I reacted well to ads in the past I went on and off them over the years. The last time I went back on them they started off ok but still feel nervousness. I've built up to 40 mg i think 80 is the max. My doc doesn't want me to go too high because she still wanted me to have feelings. I've started to understand when a panic attack is coming on but bringing the heart rate down takes long and deep breath doesn't help. My hr reaches 126 only time seems to bring it down

[White_Rose]

I just finished writing a reply then I hit the wrong button and lost it. Aaarrrggh!

ADs are tricky things. I have never done well on SSRI and had horrendous side effects from them. My GP switched me to an AD from the TCA group and it has been great. Only one quite minor side effect I am happy to say. I was taking the same SSRI as a work colleague of mine. I had all the bad stuff and she had no problems. Body chemistry?

Having a high hr is a worry if it does not return to normal fairly soon. Have you discussed this with your GP? Deep breathing is good but does not work that quickly. How long does it take to return to normal? It may be related to the adrenalin running riot in your body after the panic attack. This is of course a left over reaction from the days of fight or flight when we were in danger. Not so good when we freeze or have no way of working off the adrenalin. I think a chat with your GP may help here.

It's good you are recognising the onset of a panic attack. It may also help reduce your hr more quickly as you learn to manage the symptoms as well. How is this going? As I mentioned above, for me engaging in some physical activity was always good. Having reminded myself of this I realise it was also part of the process of reducing the adrenalin. Sometimes we do the right thing without realising it.

Mary