I cant take ssri's either and am currently on xanax. Klonapin works well too but I seem to be able to panic through them if I have to go somewhere that is going to set me off. I also have major anxiety and panic. My new pdoc has started me on an older tricyclic anti-depressant called Elavil or Amitriptyline. He started me on a very low dose of 10 mgs at night before bed. It takes 4 weeks to start to work and I am only starting week 3 today. Also 10 mgs. is a tiny dose but I am hyper-sensitive to meds. My family says I am a little bit better. I don't see it yet but Im told that that is how it goes...the people around you notice the little improvements first. I can keep you updated on progress/side effects as I go along. So far this is the only med (that was not a benzo) that I have not had a bad reaction from I tried Zoloft, lexapro and prozac and all three made me have MAJOR panic and anxiety. Hope this helps!

I was given Elavil also but didn't take it due to all the bad reactions I've had with all the other meds that were non benzo. I hope it works for you :) How long have you been on xanax ? And what's your dose ? I have always been responceable when taking Xanax , I'm just scared of all the horror story of hearing ppl taking it for years and years then it hurting more than it helped.

Ive only been on xanax at this level for 6 weeks. I take 5 mgs. spread throughout the day. I am also scared of this amount. But my doc has assured me that I will not need it soon when the elavil is at the right dose. I will say that I am less anxious while on it but I feel like sh*t in general from all the xanax. I was taking klonapin but switched during this acute phase that I am still in. Im not sure all this steady medication was the right road to go down. I seem to have done better with the occasional need to pop a benzo and a few rough days. But I had a bad reaction to prednisone and it set off constant panic anxiety that was not stopping so I didn't feel I had any choice but try to stop the panic with medication. I just want my life back!

I have been on klonopin for several years now, and I have found that it is the only medication that knocked-out the panic attacks completely (and mine were very severe, and constant.) I take it three times a day, like clockwork. I know a lot of people take it as needed, but I seem to require it consistently, on a daily basis.

I know it is addictive, but I plan to be on it forever. I suffered a very long time with panic attacks, so I am actually very grateful that this medication exists.

I have also not experienced any side effects with klonopin. Antidepressants did not do anything for me, either for depression or panic. Valium took the edge off the panic, but did not eliminate the attacks.

I hope you find the right medication for you -

Janet

Sorry to hear about your struggle with anxiety. I don't have any med recommendations, but I hope you find something that works - like Janet did.

Klonopin has worked extremely well to control my panic attacks for the last 4 years. I still have the attacks but the frequency and usually the intensity has decreased immensely. The only problem I had is that the Klonopin made me sleepy and unable to think as clearly as usual. In time, these side effects got much better. Good luck to you!

Does anyone take ativan ? I tried half a 0.5 ( half the lowest dose ) available at home (safe environment ) & feel somewhat calmer. I still would like a cognitive technique to help stop a panic attack. Positive thoughts help a little but not enough. I know there's a good tip out there somewhere.

Thanks y'all for all your input. Ativan is so weak compaired to Xanax , they gave me Ativan in the ER and it did nothing. I'm just looking for a long-term benzo so to speak. Kolonopin is the best so I'm told, as long as you stay under 2mgs a day.

What have you heard about the dangers of staying under 2 mg. a day of Klonopin? I take more than 2 mg. a day, and have for several years, so I am concerned. Are you thinking of the addiction factor?

Janet

I have read and heard from several doctors that exceeding over 2mgs daily with any benzo, puts you at serious risk of addiction and dependency to the drug. Also when you exceed 2mgs of a benzo your more likely to succumb to the more serious/deadly withdrawal symptoms. I wouldn't worry Janet as long as your taking it responsibly, and if and when you ever want to get off the benzo you have to taper really slowly as I said your more prone to the more serious withdrawal symptoms; seizures,hypertensive emergency ect.... Thats why I only take real small amounts of Xanax to not fall into those problems. But im at the point I need potency ya know' . As long as you have a good stable doctor who cares and a planned out exit strategy when getting of the meds youll be fine. I have heard of people who have ran out of there meds and come to find out the doctor has moved and fell of the face of the earth lol . We all know we cant quit any benzo after taking consistently for more than 3 weeks. But all and all please do not worry we are all in this together. Hope this helps, feel free to ask and share your thought or concerns :)

Thanks - what you wrote was helpful -

I have to see my MD once a month, because with Klonopin, you have to be seen by a doctor every four weeks before you can get a refill of this medication - and she is very responsible, so I would know if she were folding up her practice. So there is very little danger of running out of medication and going into withdrawal.

I really do plan on staying on Klonopin for the rest of my life. That may sound extreme, but I suffered so much with severe panic for almost two decades of my life before I found Klonopin, which seems to be the only medication that stops the attacks. So for me, the elimination of the attacks far outweighs the addiction factor.

Thanks again,

Janet

I was on xanax and switched to Klonopin with little issues. I'm also hyper sensitive to meds and have not been able to take the antidepressants. The only thing I can say is where the xanax kicked in about 1/2 hour after taking Klonopin takes a little longer. If you take it to sleep take it about an hour before you need it to work. I take it first thing in the morning so that by the time I'm ready to leave for work it's doing its job. Wish you the best I realize any change can create some anxiety, but I truly felt little change.