Suggest Treatment For Anxiety Leading To Panic Attacks

Posted on Tue, 8 Sep 2015

Question: I have been suffering from anxiety and until previously was able to get medication that helped my condition. Due to changes in prescription policy in Australia, I am no longer able to get this medication that help make things manageable. Are you able to provide a prescription for this medication as I am suffering from acute anxiety and shortness of breath which leads to panic attacks. I am just shutting down and dont know how to control this. Alprazolam was helping me manage this. I was on 2mg twice a day for a just under a year , until the recent changes and now have switched to valium which does not provide the same help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
valium is better than alprazolam in my opinion

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

I am sorry that we cannot provide online prescription as it is not valid. And it is better to take medicines after consulting local doctor as any side effect occurs by chance local doctor can provide immediate help.

Alprazolam and valium (Diazapeam) both are benzodiazepine. Alprazolam is relatively more potent but diazepam is longer acting. Use of both is almost same. However alprazolam is more responsible for tolerance and dependence so better to take diazepam.
Alaprazolam 2 mg per twice a day needs to be replaced with 15 mg diazepam daily approximately.

In bigger note I would like to mention that if you are suffering from depression and/or anxiety disorder better to take antidepressant drug from SSRI group (Escitalopram, sertraline, fluoxetine).

Please discuss above aspects with your treating doctor.

Consultation of a psychiatrist would solve your all problems.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar