Question:
Hi I’m new to both the support group and to the world of depression. I have recently been diagnosed as having a chemical depression with panic attacks. The depression is new the panic attacks are old. (6 years) I was hoping someone could give me a heads up I don’t have a clue what comes next. What’s the general view on meds? I understand they are not for everyone and I was hoping some insight would help me make an informed opinion. —Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.—
Response:
Hi I’m new to both the support group and to the world of depression. I have recently been diagnosed as having a chemical depression with panic attacks. The depression is new the panic attacks are old. (6 years) I was hoping someone could give me a heads up I don’t have a clue what comes next. What’s the general view on meds? I understand they are not for everyone and I was hoping some insight would help me make an informed opinion.
Hi Blue5037, Welcome to ASAP! When you say chemical depression, are you talking manic depression? If you are, this disorder is almost always treated with medications. You usually need a mood stabilizer and a anti-depressant. Anti-depressants are quite effective in treating Panic disorder, however…..if you have manic-depression, you have to watch how much of the anti-depressant you take, it is usually a low dose. You could throw in a benzo for the Panic attacks. If you have regular depression, than a anti-depressant can work on both the Panic and the depression. SSRI and TCA anti-depressants are quite effective for these disorders. For some people, just the anti-depressant is good enough to treat the panic, for others they need a benzo such as Xanax or Klonopin for either "as needed" or "regular" use. About going on meds, that is a personnal decision. Most of us wish we didn`t have to be on meds. Meds have helped so many of us get our lives back. I think you need to discuss this with some kind of Psych doctor and make a decison. Therapy might be a good combo with the meds. Take care!! Jackie
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