My first round of meds were buspar. They didn't help one bit. The second round was with imipramine and Lorazepam (yes I know I'm dating myself by saying imipramine, lol). The Lorazepam was great stuff, and helped bring the anxiety levels way down. At that point, I too was agoraphobic, couldn't get out to work, church, the stores, etc. Trouble was when I came off the Lorazepam, teh imipramine did absoultely nothing, I think back now it made me worse. That was when the doctor switched me over to Paxil, which helped for many years. The idea of a quick acting anti-anxiety med is to really help with the panic attacks themselves, to help you gain confidence again. The one I keep around for that (no longer taking it daily, just 'as needed' which hasn't been for 6 months now) is Xanax. It helps, but I have to say the Lorazepam helped me the most. There were many times I wanted to go to a facility, either inpatient or outpatient. Problem was the cost, and i had 3 people relying on me at that time, to 'pull myself together' and keep on working. We made it through, but i had to put counciling on hold for many years. If you can get the help now, through therapy, medication, whatever you have at your disposal... do it:) Remember, anxiety/Panic disorders are the most treatable form of mental disorder!

Heya sweets,

I've been to both. I recently did an out patient program that I really liked. Although at times, I just wanted to run for the door. I did eventually get used to it, but like anything the unknown, is simply that.. "unknown."
I give you a big WTG! For taking such a big step. Let us know how it goes for ya.
As for the meds, I already gave you advice on those.
Again, IMHO I don't feel with your level of anxiety/agrophobia these meds are *all* you need. I suppose what I am most cioncerned with is the SSRI giving you the *pre* anxiety jitters, as you said you just started it. Buspar is... well yanno how I feel about that. I really encourage you to see a Doctor as soon as poosible. Hopefully tomorrow during your intake, they will discuss your options.
Usually on an out patient basis, you will be assigned a Doctor (other than your normal p-doc) while you are there.
All my best to you!

Ireland

I went to an inpatient facility for a 7 day therepy treatment when i was in holland (a couple of years ago) It was the worst thing that happened to me. Let me tell my story.
I was in therepy and my therepist told me i should go this treatment for panic/anxiety disorders. Im sure that it was a good program but i didnt speak any dutch and nobody there spoke english. I was given paper work and schedules in dutch too. The room where i was supossed to sleep was smaller than a prison cell with cement walls. I had to share a bathroom/shower with other patients. (including men!) My husband was not allowed to stay with me to help me get oriented. The first session that i went to on the first morning was a group. It was hours long and i understood nothing. A young girl totally freaked out and started screaming at everyone. (Of course i didnt understand what she was saying!)That totally freaked me out!!!After the group session i was scheduled for a battery of blood tests and other tests. I have a huge phobia of needles and ran outa the lab. I left all my papers there and got lost in the facility trying to find my room. I had a total breakdown panic attack anc fled to some sort of empty waiting room. After hours there and trying to figure out how i was gonna get out there i asked a young girl in the hall that was a custodian if she spoke english and she gave me directions on how to get to the main hall to use the phone. (a phone in dutch is a hairdryer...i was wondering why i was getting wierd looks from ppl.)
She went with me and told them that i wanted to leave. They INSISTED that i stay but i freaked until someone would let me use the phone. finally i got to call my husband and he drove the 4 hours to pick me up at midnight. It was a day of HELL and i still feel panic just talking about it. I would only recommend that someone leave home and go to a facility if it is a place they trust, they are somewhat stable, and they can leave if they feel scared or freaked out. If all of the above are ok then it will probably be a good or even great experience.

I have been in an inpatient facility. It was no fun. But, they gave me Ativan and I was sent home. I take Xanax now, as needed, for anxiety. It helps!