Is my GP right?

[sam100]

Went to my GP after panic attack seeking professional advice on how to understand what happens to me to have attack. I have them when making big steps in my life which makes me think they are something to do with commitment. Although I have told him I have lived with them without medication for 8 years (ive only had 4 in this time) he prescribed me citaopram hydrobromide 10mg. I told him I drink wine to steady myself during and after the attack which previous GP said was ok. The whole visit to the doctor was hurried on his part and missed my need for finding out more about whats happening to me in terms of speaking to a specialist etc. I dont feel I really need to take this medication but still have no real idea whats happening to me, any thoughts. Many thanks

[chrislot]

Research pyroluria. It can cause lifelong anxiety and change can be really stressful for those afflicted. The cure is easy .

[Hel_is_heaven]

Hi there,
If you want to know the symptoms of panic attacks etc a good place would be to read the literature on this website under panic attacks and anxiety.
Citalopram is a widely prescribed medication for anxiety and many of us on here are on it, myself included.
I would recommend attempting to not have wine as your safety crux. This is a bad route that a lot of people find themselves going down and it never makes the problem go away, in fact it will end up making things worse as you wont be able to do anything without the wine.
I dont know what kind of specialist you are after, but these things unfortunately take a lot of time. If you want to go on the NHS list for something like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy then the wiating list is up to a year - I should know, I went on it in June. I am now with a private therapist instead.
To be honest if you have only had 4 panic attacks in 8 years it sounds like you are dealing with them pretty well. Most of us find that if we have panic attack, we avoid that situation as we keep having panic attacks again. This is how you become agoraphobic.
Read up about the panic attacks and maybe understanding them will help you understand them a little better.
I hope this helps somewhat - any questions feel free to ask more here.

[sam100]

Thanks... sound advice will read up!

[Brunette]

Hi Sam,

In short no, your GP was not right. We trust them to fix us and think they know everything but in fact very few of them are clued-up on anxiety and don't know what do to other than push pills.

Firstly, if you have only had 4 panic attacks in 8 years then you do not need medication. Would you take ibuprofen every day for a headache one every two years? Of course you wouldn't.

With the wine, most people actually find driniking makes then feel much worse so it is probaby best avoided.

Your instincts tell you that understanding panic attacks will help you cope with them better - trust them. There is a lot of stuff on here or try Amazon - they have plenty of books on panic attacks and anxiety.

Good luck!