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Is Effexor Safe To Take For Panic Attacks?
Brief Answer:
Effexor is preferred choice
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving me an opportunity to address your query.
Xanax(Alprazolam) is used for short term control of panic attacks/anxiety.
However when the attacks are more frequent I were to prefer Effexor(Venlafaxine) as the initial/firtst therapy of choice in the background of anxiety or depression which is the cause of panic attacks.Thus it not only has a better control over the episodes but is relatively safe(low risk of side effects) and proven to be effective in most of my patients.
I would like to know to if you have been having any specific reason for not liking effexor?
Awaiting your reply.
Effexor is preferred choice
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for giving me an opportunity to address your query.
Xanax(Alprazolam) is used for short term control of panic attacks/anxiety.
However when the attacks are more frequent I were to prefer Effexor(Venlafaxine) as the initial/firtst therapy of choice in the background of anxiety or depression which is the cause of panic attacks.Thus it not only has a better control over the episodes but is relatively safe(low risk of side effects) and proven to be effective in most of my patients.
I would like to know to if you have been having any specific reason for not liking effexor?
Awaiting your reply.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I have tried several anti depressants before and had bad reactions: celexa, lexapro and zoloft, which was the worst. I was not able to take more than one dose of any of these. I am also concerned about how hard it is to get off the drug when yo no longer need it. Would something like Paxil or Buspar be easier and have fewer withdrawal issues? Are there any non-prescriptive choices? After my previous experiences, i am anxious :) about trying any anxiety meds. Xanax is the only one that doesn't make me feel worse before I feel better and 3 or 4 days taking .25 3x per day is usually all it takes to get me back on track. To me this is preferable to the other alternatives.
Brief Answer:
Suggest Venlafaxine extended release
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.
I were to choose an Venlafaxine extended release preparation (rather than conventional one).Experience and evidence has showed that Effexor is more effective than Paxil/Buspar with similar side effect profile.More importantly the extended release preparation has minimized the dosing frequency and helped to achieve constant and adequate drug levels.
Withdrawal reactions are common among all anti-depressants when they are stopped abruptly.When the drug is used more than a week I were to gradually taper over next 7 to 10 days to prevent withdrawal syndrome.
Non-prescriptive choices that I would suggest are cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, exercise and hypnosis.
Hope this answers your query.
Suggest Venlafaxine extended release
Detailed Answer:
Hi dear.Thanks for writing me back.
I were to choose an Venlafaxine extended release preparation (rather than conventional one).Experience and evidence has showed that Effexor is more effective than Paxil/Buspar with similar side effect profile.More importantly the extended release preparation has minimized the dosing frequency and helped to achieve constant and adequate drug levels.
Withdrawal reactions are common among all anti-depressants when they are stopped abruptly.When the drug is used more than a week I were to gradually taper over next 7 to 10 days to prevent withdrawal syndrome.
Non-prescriptive choices that I would suggest are cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, exercise and hypnosis.
Hope this answers your query.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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