HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Severe Panic Attacks, Not Socially Active, Major Weight Loss. On Alprzalam. Help

Hello I have been having severe panic attacks for the past 5 years im only 32 yearsold I Feel like I don't know what to do Im so tired of alprzalam what else can I do? I have tried exercise I have lost 40 pounds I'm not very Social it stops me from being with my loved ones if I only have like 5 pills left I FREAK OUT please help
nevermind I thought you would help for FREE
Fri, 12 Jul 2013
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hi,

Panic disorder is an anxiety related disorder which is characterized by panic attacks that are very distressing, and occur without any specific reason. The mainstay of treatment is antidepressants or benzodiazepines (like alprazolam) depending on the patient profile.

Your doubt is- what you can do to get rid of the pills? For patients who want to manage without drugs and are ready to invest their time into psychotherapy weekly sessions and also ready to follow follow in-between session practices then 'Cognitive behavior therapy' is a good option for them. Other options are 'panic focused psychodynamic psychotherapy' in selected cases.

Talk to your psychiatrist regarding this. A qualified clinical psychologist can administer this.

Hope this helps,
Dr A Rao
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Anesthesiologist Dr. Naveen Kumar's  Response
hello thanks for the query
i understand you...when you know what you are and what you are losing of your behaviour...and you sincerely want to be normal and enjoy regular life..
i suggest you to give up fear and talk to your family and loved ones..
believe in your self be confident..
iam sure that your loved ones will definitely understand you and support you and love as ever...mingle with people,talk to them ,do regular exercise.yoga and dhyana
consult your your doctor,discuss and continue treatment on his advice
iam sure you will be fine very soon...bye take care
I find this answer helpful
  User's Response
Alprazolam may not be an appropriate drug for your condition (panic attacks). Definitely it must not be taken for 5 years continuously. Alprazolam is short-acting and works for only a few hours. After that the panic and anxiety come back with greater force. Gradually you find that you have to use alprazolam again without which you feel the panic coming again. You might probably started to use more tablets than before. It becomes addictive.

Consult a psychiatrist close to you and discuss the issue with him.
There are many other drugs that are very useful for panic attacks. Panic disorder resolves within 4 to 6 weeks with these drugs. These drugs are not addictive in nature. Moreover your psychiatrist will replace alprazolam with another drug, which will be easier to taper and stop at a later date.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Benzodiazepine


Loading Online Doctors....
Severe Panic Attacks, Not Socially Active, Major Weight Loss. On Alprzalam. Help

Hi, Panic disorder is an anxiety related disorder which is characterized by panic attacks that are very distressing, and occur without any specific reason. The mainstay of treatment is antidepressants or benzodiazepines (like alprazolam) depending on the patient profile. Your doubt is- what you can do to get rid of the pills? For patients who want to manage without drugs and are ready to invest their time into psychotherapy weekly sessions and also ready to follow follow in-between session practices then Cognitive behavior therapy is a good option for them. Other options are panic focused psychodynamic psychotherapy in selected cases. Talk to your psychiatrist regarding this. A qualified clinical psychologist can administer this. Hope this helps, Dr A Rao