[luvtiels]

Hi guys and gals. It's been awhile since I posted last. Mainly just checking in, but I have a question. Since my rehab doc put me on Lexipro, I have felt almost "normal", whatever that is. No more freaky head feelings, no more feeling of being disconnected, etc. Reading about the differences between GAD and Panic Disorder, I would say that I have the latter. My worries are not of specific things... they are of having another Panic Attack, especially in public.

With the Lexipro, I still worry, but not as much, and I no longer have the strange feelings that go along with it. I am taking between 15 and 20 total mgs a day, at 5-6 hour intervals. Sometimes 15mgs is enough to get me through, and other days I need 20mgs. I break the 10mg tablets in half and take 5mgs at a time.... 10 is still way too much for me to handle. I tried taking 5 mgs 12 hours apart, and it just was not enough - my head still felt 'funny'. If I go too long between dosages, my head lets me know very quickly. Usually now I can stop the strange feelings before they develop into something really bad.

Twice in the past week I have had mild panic symptoms, but have been able to talk myself down -- telling myself, out loud, that the feelings cannot hurt me, and that I will not let it get to me. I repeat this several times before the feelings go away, but it works. This was when I went too long between pills. I have not had a full out panic attack since the first one in April. I've come close, before the Lexipro, but that was triggered by a specific odor... and I just removed myself from the room for awhile.

[Parker10]

Hi ! Glad your medication seems to be helping you !

Having had Panic Disorder, I have a shelf full of books, and facilitated a Support Group for folks with panic disorder. Typically, Panic Disorder is only diagnosed if a person has had at least 4 panic attacks over a 2 month period with at least 4 of the physical symptoms. (I can give that list if you want it - but sometimes it actually fuels the fire so to speak ). IMHO - you had a "panic attack". Not indicating panic disorder. That is not to say that you do not fear another attack (who wouldnt fear them !), but it sounds like you already have learned how to deal with one as it starts, and since you are not having them often, I truly don't think it is panic disorder. As for whether it is GAD - I dunno, because I really don't know much about your situation, but you are very fortunate to have been put on a medication that will help both of these diagnoses, as well as Depression. Keep using your rational self talk when you start to feel "antsy", use diaphragmatic breathing, etc. Sounds like you got help before things got out of hand and that you are handling things wonderfully ! Keep on keepin on !

If you want more info about the physical symptoms etc, feel free to PM me !

[CompGeek]

I agree with Parker.. I do not believe that you have Panic Disorder, I beilieve that you may have a different anxiety disorder. Generalized Anixiety Disorder (GAD) is classified by a person always kind of feeling like something bad is going to happen. having one panic attack and worrying about having more sounds to me like GAD a little more than Panic Disorder... but as long as you have it under control that is awsome Keep up the good work

[Myzen]

Hi luvtiels,

Truth is, I think that panic disorder and GAD just run into each other, there is so much overlap with anxiety disorders. The common thing is the anxiety and the fear. That always feels the same to me.

I'm really glad that you have a strategy that works for you.

I tell myself that I could take another panic attack if I had to, and that tends to defuse the anxiety 'bully'.

Peaceful thoughts, M