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Suggest Medicines For Panic Attacks
Question: I have had panic attacks for years and recently moved from Calif to XXXXXXX and I need to get my Valium refilled but the MD's in XXXXXXX do not want to give me this medication. I have been to a cognitive behavioral specialist in California and also a psychiatrist. I do not abuse my medication but it helps me from feeling like I am having a heart attack. I would like to get this refilled can you help me?
Brief Answer:
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress.
Important aspects of your query are:
• 54 year old female
• Known case of Panic attacks
• Currently on CBT and treatment with psychiatrist.
• Complaints of: difficulty in getting refill of valium.
In drug treatment of panic disorder two types of medicine used.
*For immediate relief of anxiety benzodiazepines group of medicines (like valium, alprazolam and clonazepam) are used for short duration (due to risk of dependence).
*For long term relief most commonly SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline and escitalopram) are used. SSRIs bring better control on panic attacks without risk of dependance but take 3-4 weeks to show its effect, till that time benzodiazepines control the anxiety symptoms. CBT is also effective to control anxiety.
According to government guidelines it is necessary to get prescription from doctor personally. Online prescription will not work to get valium. In such cases following steps will you:
-You can ask your MD other anti-anxiety (similar to valium) medicines prescription to control anxiety. Following medicines are equally or better in controlling panic symptoms or anxiety (equivalent to 5mg Diazepam): Clonazepam 0.5mg or Alprazolam 0.25mg. Perhaps the doctors at XXXXXXX can write this prescription.
-Request for SSRIs or some other non-dependance producing medicine for better control of panic attacks.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Hi
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress.
Important aspects of your query are:
• 54 year old female
• Known case of Panic attacks
• Currently on CBT and treatment with psychiatrist.
• Complaints of: difficulty in getting refill of valium.
In drug treatment of panic disorder two types of medicine used.
*For immediate relief of anxiety benzodiazepines group of medicines (like valium, alprazolam and clonazepam) are used for short duration (due to risk of dependence).
*For long term relief most commonly SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline and escitalopram) are used. SSRIs bring better control on panic attacks without risk of dependance but take 3-4 weeks to show its effect, till that time benzodiazepines control the anxiety symptoms. CBT is also effective to control anxiety.
According to government guidelines it is necessary to get prescription from doctor personally. Online prescription will not work to get valium. In such cases following steps will you:
-You can ask your MD other anti-anxiety (similar to valium) medicines prescription to control anxiety. Following medicines are equally or better in controlling panic symptoms or anxiety (equivalent to 5mg Diazepam): Clonazepam 0.5mg or Alprazolam 0.25mg. Perhaps the doctors at XXXXXXX can write this prescription.
-Request for SSRIs or some other non-dependance producing medicine for better control of panic attacks.
I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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