Hi,

I've always been a hyperactive person who has anxiety in certain situations. I've also exhibited textbook ADHD symptoms since childhood (now I'm 31), but I don't think that anyone in school thought to diagnose me b/c 1) I'm a girl, and grew up in a time that girls were not diagnosed and 2) I did and have always done well in school, though my condition has always made me a severe procrastinator. I have engaged in "self-therapy" to combat my ADHD ways, I realize, the more I read about the topic, but I know that I could really benefit from taking something, both personally and professionally. Last but not least, I was diagnosed with delayed sleep phase syndrome recently (I HATE GETTING UP EARLY AND ALWAYS HAVE!)

I've had a pretty rough family life and about a year ago, my mother committed suicide. Ever since then, my anxiety has skyrocketed and I started getting panic attacks. My doctor prescribed Xanax for a few months, and then told me that she would have to cut me off b/c she didn't think Xanax was good for the long run unless a psychiatrist recommended it. She recommended that I take an anti-depressant, but I am hesitant to do so b/c of the commitment factor of taking them (also, I get situationally depressed, and am not chronically depressed). After talking with her about my ADHD, she's agreed that I probably have it and wants me to go to a psychiatrist to address my ADHD and anxiety. My experience with Xanax is a whole 'nother story and I won't get into it here. Let's just say that I now know what's it like to be a drug addict going through severe withdrawal. Not fun.

After weaning off Xanax, I've had panic attacks on and off. My doctor prescribed me some "emergency" Xanax to take as needed, but not everyday so that I don't get dependent on them again. I've noticed that my tendency to get panic attacks increases if I am hungover from a night of heavy drinking and if I drink coffee on an empty stomach (or at all, really). I've avoided coffee altogether but I am addicted to coca cola, which doesn't seem to trigger my panic attacks. Has anyone who has panic attacks ever experienced this? Thanks in advance for the replies!