Topic Title: Agorophobia
| |  "Agorophobia"
, Fri 3 Jun 06:18
After having suffered with panic attacks and agorophobia (where I don't want to leave my house unless I have to, which proves difficult when I have a full time job to go to and every day is a day of panic!!) for three years my doctor has decided I should go on antidepressants which I feel a bit scared and reluctant to do. I am considering giving SJW a try first. Has anyone used SJW for agorophobia/panic attacks and found it useful? I would really like to hear from you.
Posts: 0 | | Registered: Fri 3 Jun 2005 5:57 |
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| |  "Re(1):Agorophobia"
, Fri 3 Jun 16:36
Hi - sorry this isn't an answer to your question, but have you ever been prescribed beta blockers by your doctor?
If you feel panicky, you can take one and they slow your heart rate down...
Posts: 13 | | Registered: Mon 9 Dec 2002 10:41 |
| | | "Re(2):Agorophobia" , Fri 3 Jun 16:47
Hi Buzz
I take one beta blocker each night but the doctor seems to think my anxiety attacks may have caused some form of depression because my life has become so restricted and the beta blocker doesn't seem to help that much.
Thanks anyway
Posts: 1 | | Registered: Fri 3 Jun 2005 5:57 |
| | | "Re(3):Agorophobia" , Sat 4 Jun 06:00:
QUOTE: "the doctor seems to think my anxiety attacks may have caused some form of depression because my life has become so restricted"
I know exactly what you mean...
If you did want to try SJW, there is an inexpensive brand called ValuPak which someone on the forum said cost 99p for 40. Though I don't know how effective they are...
I wonder if your doctor knows any local community groups or charitable befriending programmes?
My local community centre has a charity based in it which is aimed at those who have become isolated. You meet up with a trained person each week to go out to different places, such as cafes, cinemas, museums etc etc. And then later on in group outings, but only if you feel up to it.
My GP referred me to the programme based in the local community centre, so it's completely free. Now that I've just written this, I've just realised that you mightn't even be in the UK, so it mightn't be an option!
But if you are, it might be worth enquiring about...?
[this message was edited by Buzz on Sat 4 Jun 06:06]
Posts: 15 | | Registered: Mon 9 Dec 2002 10:41 |
| | |  "Re(4):Agorophobia"
, Sat 4 Jun 13:20
Thanks for that suggestion I will look into it. It sounds like a great idea to meet people who are in the same situation. Not many people understand what it is like to go through this on a daily basis!!
Posts: 2 | | Registered: Fri 3 Jun 2005 5:57 |
| | | "Re(5):Agorophobia" , Sun 19 Jun 19:08
Hi,
I went & have gone through Panic and anxiety since I was 16 and I am now 32. Over the years I have done Paxil, buspar,prozac.. Paxil helped me several years ago but side effects and Withdral are horrible so I dont recommend it anymore. I tried back last Novemmber I was on no meds and I started becomming VERY agoraphobic and Panic attacks happening daily to use natural methods I tried for 2 weeks along with zanax to help calm me. Unfortunatly it wasnt enough for me and I would get very groggy from the zanax. I initally thought I felt some relief with the Mind soothe & becalm products but time also was not on my side as I am a mom of 3 and needed to be able to function sooner. I ended up on Lexapro and that along with KLonopin (love that stuff helps like zanax with sleep and calms you without the groggy after effect i didnt even need but 1/2 a pill at night and 1/4 of a pill in the am.& 1/4 lunch and bedtime 1/2)& a therapist that I found that comes to my house helped me so much. I was so bad I couldnt even get to a Dr or therapist. Now I am 360 better. I still have some things I get anxious about doing but the meds are working so wonderful. I cant remember the last real panic attack. I hope you find what works for you but this after so many years has really helped me. I had to take baby steps to get me back out of the home, small trips out to get milk or bread short errands and gradually back to reg grocery shopping & errands. Good luck to you, Lisa
Posts: 20 | | Registered: Tue 30 Nov 2004 16:35 |
| | | "Re(5):Agorophobia" , Sat 4 Jun 16:24
Yeah, I've found it to be a great help.
And then there's the whole counselling route. Don't know if you've tried that. It may or may not be appropriate. Just depends on your situation...
Oh, if you do try SJW remember that it can interfere with other medications, so if you're taking other medications(s) it might be a good idea to ask your GP. Or it may state something on the medication packaging about SJW.
Sorry I haven't been able to answer your original question!!
Posts: 15 | | Registered: Mon 9 Dec 2002 10:41 |
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