Panic Attacks Support Group

Yes, any M.D. can prescribe them and will if they see you need it.

yes but some wont prescribe valium type meds at all and insist on an antidepressant only

I saw your profile and you dont need a psychiatrist, most ordinary docs will prescribe what you need, it helps to take old prescriptions or pill bottles with you

What makes you think I don't need a psychiatrist?

in my long experience, they are almost useless at helping panic attack and anxiety sufferers, especially those who dont give advice

I would have to disagree with that statement. CBT treatment has helped me the most with my panic attacks. Although klonopin did wonders for me in the beginning, you will become physically addicted to them and coming off of them is quite tedious.

Hi,

Of course, doctors can prescribe anxiety medication but you also need to ask them about the side effects so, that you would be aware of them too.

Regards,
atvsamala

I have found that, while regular MDs can prescribe SSRI's etc., they aren't as knowledgeable about dosing and issues that might arise. It took me a while, but I found a GREAT psychiatrist who is smart, sensible, and honest. When I'm making a med change, we talk every week. When I'm stable, I see her twice a year for a "check in". She has NEVER charged me for the phone calls either. She can give me advice on the medication aspect, so I have a therapist to talk stuff out with and do Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

My medical doctor won't prescribe anxiety medication because I see a psychiatrist. I guess I'm out of luck with the anxiety medication then.

I've found a psychiatrist can "tweak" your doses and add anxiety meds to the antidepressants as needed. A lot of regular MDs do not want to prescribe the anxiety meds as they are addictive. What they don't understand is that panic disorder is most likely genetic and you may need medicines for a long period of time.

Kaysey57, you said that panic disorder might be genetic. Do you have any info on that? As I am getting rather tired of trying to explain my panics to everyone as you will from a new thread I just posted. Thanks