RND2011
02-03-12, 21:39
Hi all
I haven't posted for a while and if you read any of my previous posts you will see that I have struggled with panic attacks for some time particularly relating to driving. I was also suffering from depression.
SSRIs definitely do not agree with me so my GP suggested I might want to see a psychiatrist to consider other options, particularly to help with the anxiety that was fuelling the depression. This inevitably meant a private appointment at a cost of £240. After a lengthy session the psychiatrist suggested that I try pregabalin (Lyrica) initially on a low dose but raised by my GP after a couple of weeks. I was advised to continue taking the anti-depressant Lofepramine.
As I understand it, this is actually an anti-epileptic drug which is licensed for the treatment of anxiety. I believe this is why only specialists can prescribe it for anxiety.
Whilst I accept that not all medication is for everyone I urge any sufferers of anxiety and panic to at least explore this option. Although I would not say I find driving entirely comfortable I am now back to making longer journeys and everyday driving is no issue at all. If I do feel anxious the feelings somehow do not go anyway - almost as if the drug dampens them down.
I have experienced virtually no side effects with occasional mild dizziness being the most noticeable.
Anyway, I hope that you will at least consider discussing this with your GP. I am sure that panic attacks and anxiety can be reduced by other means but I also felt at the time that I just could not beat it and the fear of an attack was just too much. To think that two pills a day could bring about such a change is remarkable and I wish I had discovered pergabalin earlier.
I haven't posted for a while and if you read any of my previous posts you will see that I have struggled with panic attacks for some time particularly relating to driving. I was also suffering from depression.
SSRIs definitely do not agree with me so my GP suggested I might want to see a psychiatrist to consider other options, particularly to help with the anxiety that was fuelling the depression. This inevitably meant a private appointment at a cost of £240. After a lengthy session the psychiatrist suggested that I try pregabalin (Lyrica) initially on a low dose but raised by my GP after a couple of weeks. I was advised to continue taking the anti-depressant Lofepramine.
As I understand it, this is actually an anti-epileptic drug which is licensed for the treatment of anxiety. I believe this is why only specialists can prescribe it for anxiety.
Whilst I accept that not all medication is for everyone I urge any sufferers of anxiety and panic to at least explore this option. Although I would not say I find driving entirely comfortable I am now back to making longer journeys and everyday driving is no issue at all. If I do feel anxious the feelings somehow do not go anyway - almost as if the drug dampens them down.
I have experienced virtually no side effects with occasional mild dizziness being the most noticeable.
Anyway, I hope that you will at least consider discussing this with your GP. I am sure that panic attacks and anxiety can be reduced by other means but I also felt at the time that I just could not beat it and the fear of an attack was just too much. To think that two pills a day could bring about such a change is remarkable and I wish I had discovered pergabalin earlier.