I have been taking Paxil for the last ten years or so. I have tried before to ween myself off of it but my panic attacks come right back. I also went through therapy when I was first diagnosed and my therapist used relaxation. meditation, and deep breathing to help me cope and reduce my panic attacks. Unfortunately I think I need my medication to greatly reduce my medication. My doctor and I have talked about trying one more time to stop the medication, however he thinks I would need a couple of months to determine if I can stop taking them for good and I don't know if I can do it for that long.
I have had a great success on my medication and made great progress of the ten years I have been on it. I am on a low dosage so maybe I could do without it. I just know that since I have a chemical imbalance, there is no rhythm or reason as when or why I get my attacks. That is the most scary part!
As Davit mentioned, there really is no certain 'cure' for chemical imbalances in the brain and everyone is unique in how they respond to medications, however CBT has been incredibly helpful for many people working through their anxiety and panic disorders.
Low serotonin is predominantly involved in symptoms of health concerns such as anxiety, depression, panic, phobias etc. It is important to incorporate a healthy diet - be sure to include adequate protein, vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium and B vitamins which all help to maintain serotonin levels.
What approach have you tried (including meds, lifestyle or programs) to manage your panic disorder?
Hi. I'm Davit and I'm using Sunny's side of the computer.
I think so. I think anxiety uses up chemicals faster than we can replace them or produce them. If this is the case then doing CBT would reduce the need for them. I no longer take an SSRI. In fact they make me sick now. I have no need for one. What I do have still is a higher than average need for calcium. Without supplements I get anxiety bordering on panic.
I love coffee but limit its intake also. Distractions and relaxation help a lot. This could just be a case of reducing the need for the limited amount of serotonin I have or produce. I know I never want to take an SSRI again. I do still take a mood stabilizer once in a while but not often.
SSRI's don't cure anything but sometimes are needed to control. CBT does cure but not enough in some people to eliminate the need for an SSRI. This is individual and best discussed with a Doctor.
Now I no longer need an SSRI but I wonder if others have reduced their need with CBT?
I have been told my panic disorder is due to a chemical imbalance. I was wondering if anyone knew what causes the chemical imbalance and if there will ever be a cure for it?
