Re: Drug Question, for controlling asthma associated panic attacks

[Guest guest]

It's been years since I've taken Xanax for panic attacks, so I'm not as

familiar with it as I used to be. But I'm guessing if it's not

working, it's because you're not taking a big enough dose. It should

work in single dose (at least for a while; you have to repeat with

these drugs if more attacks come on, as long as you don't exceed the

maximum prescribed dose). You should talk to your doctor about whether

you need a higher prescribed single dose. Or consider another

medication. The fact that some medications are abused shouldn't keep us

from using them for legitimate conditions when we have to. We just need

to work with our health care providers, try many different options, and

of course always work towards taking as few medications and as small

doses as we can, while still controlling our health problems.

I take clonazepam (Klonipin) for the same reason, panic attacks caused

by respiratory signs. I was told it was less addictive than Xanax, but

of course eventually I hope to get my respiratory signs more controlled

so I won't need it. There are times when the rescue inhaler

(Albuterol) is just not enough to control signs and ensuing immediate

panic. After ending up in ER once, I learned how to control the panic

attacks myself with the clonazepam. Like any oral med, it takes about

a half hour before you start feeling any effects as it absorbs from the

stomach. So I use all my cognitive therapy training for panic disorder

to keep myself semi-in control until then. Trying to relax in front of

a TV or doing something else distracting, getting off the road as soon

as possible if driving, drinking water, sucking on cough control

lozenges, imagining the clonazepam dissolving in my stomch and getting

into my blood stream. I find it extremely effective for stopping the

panic attack, I just need to have it with me always like the inhaler,

and have to get through the rough half hour until it starts to kick

in. I take 1/4 mg, and if the panic attack is really bad and hasn't

subsided fully (only partly) within an hour, I'll take another 1/4 mg

(but I don't have to do that often). Only side effect is it makes you

a bit sleepy, although I can still drive and work o.k., just feeling a

bit tired (so it works great at night!). I don't take it at night if

I'm taking anything else that might make me sleepy too (Singulair)

because I want to make sure I wake up in the morning! If the panic is

predominating at night, I'll take the Clonazepam and skip the

Singulair. Hopefully not a long term solution, but the panic disorders

associated with asthma only started at Christmas, and we still have not

sorted out the best drug regimen for controlling my asthma. Millie

Eidson

>

> I was put on Xanax to stop me from panicking when an asthma attack is

coming on, but I am not sure it does anything for me. Does this med

take time to build up in your system, or should it do something

immediately? I do not want to take it if I do not see any benefit,

especially since my hubby (a deputy sheriff) says it is an addictive,

abused drug on the streets.

>