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Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Question: i need therapy for severe anxiety disorder and panic attacks.I would prefer something shorter acting like xanax
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Treatment of anxiety and panic attacks is most effective in the long term with dual treatment with an SSRI antidepressant and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. It appears you are on the XXXXXXX dose of Zoloft, so I would talk with your prescribing doctor about switching to a different antidepressant such as Lexapro. I would also seek out a therapist in your area for cognitive behavioral therapy. Medications like Xanax and Ativan are not effective here because they are too short-acting and cause rebound anxiety when they leave the system, creating worse anxiety and resulting in tolerance and addiction.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Treatment of anxiety and panic attacks is most effective in the long term with dual treatment with an SSRI antidepressant and cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. It appears you are on the XXXXXXX dose of Zoloft, so I would talk with your prescribing doctor about switching to a different antidepressant such as Lexapro. I would also seek out a therapist in your area for cognitive behavioral therapy. Medications like Xanax and Ativan are not effective here because they are too short-acting and cause rebound anxiety when they leave the system, creating worse anxiety and resulting in tolerance and addiction.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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