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I have been having what I think are panic attacks for over ...


Sent to Health Experts October 17, 2006 8:24 p.m.

I have been having what I think are panic attacks for over a year. I've been taking Xanax 1mg (the long-acting type) per day. These "attacks" began during a very long period of extreme stress, the long illnesses and eventual death of both parents.
Also, I am on synthroid and I'm wondering if my thyroid problem and panic disorder could be related. My current physician has not been much help...He will write an Rx for 30 to 60 days for the xanax, and insist that I come in for an office visit to get another refill, but he spends approx 2 -3 minutes with me, and I feel like I'm just going through the motions, so he can bill for an office visit, with nothing being done to alleviate my problem.
When a "panic attack" occurs, it can be very severe...it's getting more and more difficult to cope with my business and is beginning to cause problems in all aspects of my life... I would appreciate advice, or a referral to a physician who can really help.
I live in Arlington, Texas

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 53

Already Tried:
Just the1mg Xanax daily (long acting) along with exercise and meditation. Also, periodic testing of my thryoid levels
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $15   
Answer
October 17, 2006 8:55 p.m. (31 minutes and 15 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Hi

I am sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble.

With panic disorder, at least 4 of the following symptoms suddenly occur within ort period of time:

Shortness of breath, Dizziness, Pounding heart, Tremling, chills or hot flashes, Feeling of choking, Nausea or upset stomach, Numbness or tingling, Chest pain or discomfort, fear of dying, Fear of losing control, Feelings of unreality.

Xanax is on of the medications used to treat panic attack, however this medication is associated with dependence and addiction, therefore its always recommended that is used for short period of time. Other medications are also used, such as an antidepressant called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

Behavioral therapies such as relaxation techniques, pleasant mental imagery may be found very helpful in patients with panic attacks. I would recommend seeing a specialist being that you Primary care physician has not been so helpful.

The following link is of a website that has pretty much everything you need to know about physicians in Texas.

http://reg.tsbme.state.tx.us/OnLineVerif/Phys_NoticeVerif.asp?

I hope this helps. If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to ask.
DoctorL

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