Anxiety problems

[Tom]

Dear Hope,

I am sorry to hear you are having these problems. I know that each anti-depressant class drug effects each person in a different way for the most part. You may have to try more than a few before you find the one that works for you. Depression and anxiety are closely tied. I can tell you that years ago I suffered from severe depression and anxiety attacks after the death of my Father. After some crazy experiences with other neurotransmitter modifiers, I found the drug Effexor (venlafaxine) to be the one that worked for me. It has the unusual property of affecting not only seratonin levels in the brain, but norepinepherine as well. It is not well understood why, but Effexor has the ability to inhibit panic attacks. I know how bad a panic attack can be, so I sympathize with you. I eventually learned to cope with them "manually" by recognizing the symptoms of an oncoming attack, and "thinking" my way out of it. It's no picnic.

There may be an added benefit to you taking the clonazepam (Klonopin) I believe. It is also used as a seizure preventative. I don't know the current state of your brain mets, but it might not be a bad thing to have an seizure-inhibitor on board just in case.

I believe you may do fine on the Xeloda, as much of what I have read on it is promising. The best news is that you are pursuing lapatinib (Tykerb). It seems to me that it is the best hope for those whose Herceptin therapy has ceased to work. Please keep us informed as to how you are making out. Best wishes for improvement.

Sincerely,
Tom

[Berta]

Hope: I have been taking Klonopin for a while for restless leg syndrome. I only take 0.25 mg at bedtime but it is enough to help me relax and get to sleep without my legs moving around all night. It also helps with the fear of recurrance that was keeping me awake at night. From what I know about Klonipin (32 years working in the mental health field but not an expert on meds) I doubt that the Klonipin will PREVENT a panic attack. It may help you come out of one but I have always known patients who had panic disorder to be helped more by anti-depressants, whether they had depressive symptoms or not, the anti-depressants helped reduce the frequency of panic attacks. I have to agree that Effexor or Paxil would be a good choice. Good Luck, BERTA

[michele u]

Hope,
I'm an RN. I think you should be on Effexor and something like Xanax for the panic attacks. Effexor is something you will take every day and the Xanax would be for when you need it. Klonopin is kinda like Xanax but i'm more familiar with Xanax. We use it alot for panic attacks. You also need to learn biofeedback when you are having the attacks. A sleeping pill is not a bad choice either, but they are expensive and i take tylenol pm and it works better. If you have any questions i will answer them for you.

[Sherryg683]

I can relate to the panic attacks. I've been taking Xanax and it helps tremendously. I take it everyday (only one pill) , didn't know it was only for when you were having an attack ..oops... I hope I'm not overdosing on it. I've been on Prozac forever but it doesn't seem to be helping with this cancer thing. For the life of me, no matter how tired I am at night I can't seem to fall asleep without something, I will lay there for hours. I started taking Ambien CR and it works great...it's timed released and helps keep you asleep. I have so many freaking hot flashes at night that if I don't knock myself out, I dont' get any sleep. I hate taking pills but I feel if I have to do it to get me through this, then so be it...sherryg683

[chrislmelb]

My husband takes Xanax 4 times a day for panic disorder/agrophobia. He also takes anti depressant. There are certain anti-depressants out there that have an added anti-anxiety affect too. if you are stressed about your situation(understandably) i would consider a low dose of anti-depressant anyhow. Xanax does make you sleepy but if you take it only at night that wouldn't be a problem. My hubby started off on clonazepam many years ago but when he started with his guru shrink, he changed him to Xanax. I think the former drug may be a bit 'old fashioned' for anxiety now.
So, i'd try for Xanax or a sleeping tablet if it just to get you through the night. I have had my fair share of anxiety induced insomnia and it oisn't pleasant. I took Valium for it. Ativan is in the same family i think.
Good luck.
Christine

Hope, I had major panic attacks way before I was dx with BC. I took paxil and within two weeks, was panic free, it literally saved my life. I have been on it for gosh 12 years now and would never go off it.

We all react differently to drugs, so I'm not saying it will work for you this is just what worked for me.

I would not wish panic attacks on anyone, they are hell.

I wish you luck in finding what works for you.

Randi

[mom22girlz]

I, too have had panic attacks for years. I used xanax but it became ineffective and I switched to klonopin. That worked well for years. I was on various anti depressants at the same time. Then, I tried cymbalta and I have been able to quit my "panic attack" meds all together. I no longer have panic attacks. Different meds work different for each person, but thought I'd share this in case it would work for you. I sincerely hope you find quick relief. My very best to you. sincerely, susan

[Barbara H.]

Hi Hope,
I am also wondering if the plural effusions are making it harder for you to breathe and that is also contributing to the anxiety. I certainly feel for you and hope that you can get it under control. Lapatinip will be a good option for you because it will also deal with the brain. I hope it will be the drug that works for you. You deserve a break. You might also consider seeing a therapist that can teach you some techniques to deal with the anxiety and give you some tricks to try to diffuse it when you wake up in that state. I don't think that medications can always do it alone. I would really look for good therapist.
Good luck, and keep us informed. It is always good to hear from you.
Best wishes,
Barbara H.