Hi CanadianMel et al,
I'll tell you my story so you can see where I'm coming from ;)
I had been having minor panic attacks on and off for years, since high school, but had never developed full-blown agoraphobia or panic disorder. In 1997 I became really panicky while in college, barely made it home and dropped out of school the next day. I decided I was sick of not knowing how and when these "attacks" would pop up and I finally went to see a doctor (psychiatrist). It took me about 3 months to get adjusted to the Prozac and finally I was feeling well enough to "function", so to speak. The Prozac had initially made me very sick (nausea, dizziness etc), panic-ridden and agoraphobic to the point I couldn't leave my home. I DID get better though; slowly.
I relapsed in 1998 or so and started having to leave work when each attack would start. My boss knew of my condition and was very understanding when I'd take off and call her from home ... I eventually talked to my boss and was given the option to work from home, which I did for a few months. Not everyone can do this, I know.
Sad thing was, I was never in cognitive-behavioral therapy along with my meds and was just sort of "hoping" it would go away, or I would forget how bad it was. Yes, the meds helped, but they are NOT A MAGIC pill (as I had hoped). Most, if not all, people have setbacks.
I never learned coping skills and was not prepared for my relapse last Wednesday, the worst attack I ever had.
Having said all this...
My suggestion to you would be:
1. Get educated about Panic Disorder - web, medical journals, etc. It's a very real condition that has treatment options that are said to be very successful for most people. Just as your learned to be afraid of your symptoms, you can unlean.
2. Consider your sources of information; not every site is there to "help". Some sites have agendas and others are pushing studies that may or may not be legit.
3. Just because a medication doesn't work for Joe Panic, doesn't mean it won't for you. Keep your mind open but be cautious. It may take some time before you find what balances you out, but you will.
4. LEARN COPING TECHNIQUES! I still haven't done this part and start therapy on Wednesday, BUT I tell you this, had I known what to do last