Hi Mya, I just want to share with you, I tried paxil and I think it took too long to work. I was looking for IMMEDIATE relief and went back to my Doctor. I told him I needed something that worked right away so I could live my day to day life. Anyways, he prescribed me xanax but only 15 pill per month and only to be used as needed. I absolutely have no side effects and they work in like 15 minutes! They totally level me out. I take the .50 mg prescription and break them in half when I need them or take a whole one when my attacks are really bad. Anyways, just thought I would throw this out there for you. Good Luck!

Thanks for the warning..i can't imagine feeling any worse then i do now..i have been shaking all day for weeks..so whatever i feel might be from me not the meds...i just am so ready to get my life back..i know it is not a miracle drug but that with therapy might work...i haven't worked in 6 years from anxiety...was the side effects almost unbearable?

Hi Mya I too take paxil so I hope that it gives you the same results. I do want to tell you though that your body will take some time to adjust and at first I felt quite anxious and a bit sick to my stomach. My doctor explained that it was my body trying to rebalance and find a "level"..so don't be discouraged if you feel a bit "unsettled" the first few weeks.. It takes a bit... and the results are worth it! Way to go Mya!! It's a huge step. PS... lol.. The research just makes me laugh.. I think all of us do that.

Thanks dazed!!! I am starting paxil tomorrow...10 mg..wish me luck,,i am scared to death of the side effects and have done WAY to ,to much research online...but i have to try something!!

Hi Mya Medication has been a positive choice for me and definately the right choice for my family..lol. I had exhausted all other options (alternative, excercise, homeopathics, yoga.. you name it, I tried it.) and I came to the realization that this was bigger than me and I needed help. The medication does NOT cure this, but for me it stopped my mind from racing and enables me to live a full and active life 98% of the time. I have had a few setbacks even with the medication but they have been hormonally related (having babies) or when I was trying to "wean" myself. Currently I am upping my dose as I found stopping nursing really through me into a loop. On the brighter note though, I began having panic attacks when I was 19 (although I was always anxious / ocd thinker) and I am now 34. I'm happily married, I have 2 beautiful babies.. I've had great jobs..and am now in school again. I live a very full and active life... so I am thankful and grateful the medication is available. I'm not sure what you're fears are..but I had a really hard time taking the medication..for fear of side effects etc. so I encourage you NOT to read them or research them... Use your partner / or safe person and doctor to work with you and watch for them. My doctor had me coming in weekly and I was able to call her if anything was "weird".. the pharmacist was great too... and that was a godsend for me... The pills do not work immediately (or at least Paxil like I take did not) and it was about 4 weeks until I was "out of my cloud"... I had battled anxiety / ocd for years and had no idea life could be this much better.. I know there are a lot of naysayers and negative stigma attached to the medication but for most they are a temporary helping hand and for some they are a life long NEEDED lift...just like insulin. I would much rather be happy and enjoy my days than NOT taking anything in fear of being judged. You need to do what is right for you Mya and there is no shame in admitting you need some help... That makes you brave courageous!! and kudos to you for knowing when to ask .... If you do feel you have the strength and will to do it without I think that's always the best choice but it is not always possible. I'm one of those :) I have babbled long enough... Hope this helps you a bit Mya...

Let's hear it members! Danielle, Bilingual Health Educator

I am now considering medication...has anyone had any positive experience with meds...please no negative stories??

Hello Dolphin4me . Glad to hear things are improving slighty for you :) . Me as well , maybe small but they are improving .

Hi Mya! I soooo know how you feel!! .... I have been having my attacks since early Feb. and I have had lots of dizzy spells - or spells of feeling like my head was somewhere else ..... I get feelings of unreality sometimes with it and it really scares me!! ... and I also get the nervous feelings in the mornings - it is like as soon as I wake up it starts - the shaking feeling and the light headedness ... here latley though I have been laying in bed for a few minutes before getting up and tell my self "ok - you know what this is and you know you will be ok!" and then I get up slow and try not to think about it (which does not alawys work) it has helped some - but still have problems with it- especially if my husbands leaves for work before I do - I get a panic feeling being alone with the kids in the morning (afraid I will get dizzy and pass out and worry about them) but all of this is slowly getting better ... .I still have "bad" days but they seem to be getting further apart .... and I know if you stick with this web site and these wonderful supportive people here - you will start feeling a change too!! and as Diva always says "This too shall pass" .... (this is one phrase that helps me daily!) Hang in there Mya!! :)

I will try!!! I get very scared of health problems....i will be ok though!!