If the antidepressant isn't working, tell the doctor. If he won't give you the benzodiazepines, then find another doctor who will. Some doctors feel that they are too addictive and try to get people off them. But there are few GOOD alternatives for some people, and you need to stress this fact to your doctor. Tell him you are functional on these drugs and a basket case without them. If he doesn't have any better ideas on how to "cure" panic, then let him refer you to somebody who can.

what is your AD and dose? often dose can be upped, a common doctors mistake is to forget to later up the too small starting dose

unless you were seriously addicted to benzos, maybe you need another doc, ask pharmacist for names of doce who are helpful for panic attacks and anxiety, sadly your doc seems unable or unwilling to help you

Meditation and breathing techniques might help, along with identifying triggers.

Also, I have realized that anxiety and panic attacks can be symptoms of other health conditions, from nutritional deficiencies to heavy metal exposure. Chronic stress can eventually wear down your resistance and cause an anxiety disorder, but sometimes there are physical triggers for the condition.

Try to get some magnesium taurinate and zinc gluconate. 2 good supplements to calm the brain & body. Take small amounts at a time while tapering down on benzos.

i feel your pain .. i have same exact prob.. tryd a anti dep for a while i am actaully weeining off now bc it dident agree with me .. i still take zanex though bc i cant do without it!! i am a anxious mess cant get in the car .. i know the feeling .. you have to stay strong and i know it is easier said than done .. but it can be done .. i still have attacks and m anxious all the time but i started a new book called embrassing the fear learning to cope with anxiety/panic disorder by judith bemis n it is helping u can get it on amazon for 10 bux and it is w0rth your while ..

It sounds like you need to discuss strongly with your doctor that the medication your on is not working or not working on that dosage.

Also, ask if you can be referred to a pdoc.

My family doctor was dicking around with meds until I had to be referred to the urgent psych department, and they were actually pissed off and said "why is your doctor pussyfooting" around meds.

You need meds to kick in better for your anxiety before you can get a handle on working on therapy, or reading, relaxation.

Also I also take Seroquel and Buspar for my anxiety. The Seroquel works really well for relaxation and agitation.

it would be nice if smr replied

IS THE DOCTOR WILLING TO CHANGE THE ANTI ANIXIETY MEDICATION? CAN YOU GET UP IN THE MORNING, TAKE YOUR ANXIETY MEDICATION AN THEN GO FOR A WALK? MAYBE THAT WILL HELP. LET US KNOW HOW YOU ARE DOING.