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Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Flavia7 asks

Q: What can I take if I experience a panic attack while on Lexapro?

I have benefitted significantly from my Lexapro, but I occasionally still have an acute panic attack. Usually I can feel if one is coming on and do something to stop it, but if I do have one they hit with the same intensity as before I took Lexapro. Is there anything I can take only when I need to in conjunction with Lexapro?

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Answers (4)
Dr. Diana L Walcutt, Health Guide
7/30/08 7:49pm

Hi Flavia7:

You know, the answer may not lie entirely in drug therapy. Have you worked with a counselor or psychologist to deal with your anxiety and panic attacks? If panic attacks are driven only by a chemical problem, then drugs may completely answer the issue. 

On the other hand, you may benefit from a CD that my colleague and I produce that will teach you how to breathe properly and to master your anxiety.

I would strongly recommend that you speak with a therapist about learning how to deal with panic and you can find one in your area on the Psychology Today website.

 

Dr. Diana Walcutt

The Stress Masters

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7/30/08 1:34pm

I am on Lexapro at 10mgs a day, My doctor has me on busbar for everyday anxiety maitenance, and Antivan ( generic Lorazepam ) for panic/anxiety attacts. I take .o5mgs if needed 2Xs a day. It also comes in 1 and 2 mgs tablets. You can get more information on medications that go with Lexapro at www.drugs.com .

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7/30/08 10:12pm

Flavia - It's great that the Lexapro has helped but I can understand why you might want a little extra help. Diana W.'s suggestion about getting some behavioral treatment to augment the medication's effects should be seriously considered. Check out the links she offered.

 

You may also need to have the Lexapro dose increased if your physician believes it is safe to do so. Otherwise, there are quite a few other medications that could be added in small doses that may give you the extra relief you need. If your physician is not familiar with these you may want to consider seeing a psychiatrist.

 

Rick Wirtz

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12/14/08 12:16am

Ask your doctor to put you on Buspar. I take a combo of Lexapro and Buspar. It works well. Good LuckWink

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By Flavia7— Last Modified: 12/24/10, First Published: 07/29/08