Panic attacks and alcohol

[CoiledSpring]

Glad to hear you're doing better CoiledSpring!

I've struggled with anxiety/depression/panic attacks for the last 10 years or so. I was prescribed lorazepam to take as needed when feeling super anxious. I was also put on Lexapro at one point to combat anxiety and depression at the same time but it had some wonky side effects. I too reach for alcohol at times when I have random anxiety. I'm into craft beers and drink a few each night but you're not alone in this. Sometimes I'll grab the highest ABV beer I have in the house and down it ASAP when I feel super anxious/a panic attack coming on. Some might look down on that but I don't think it's much different from popping a xanax for the same reason. In fact, it hits faster and allows me to gather my thoughts and relax. I'm certainly no alcoholic - one beer will do the trick most of the time.

I'm not condoning this type of behavior. I don't want anyone to take this as some sort of advice. The reality of it is, we're all different and find different ways of coping with these types of issues. 

I'm actually scheduled to see a new GP this month and I will be looking for other ways to cope with anxiety and stress. Hope all goes well!

That's interesting to hear about mate - 

I was at the stage where I felt panic when I woke in the morning. So without any meds I had a couple of gins... yep sounds sad doesn't it?

Nobody can tell me that a 5 Valium tab a day is worse for me than starting with a couple of large gins or vodkas 

I haven't had a morning drink since my first meds - even on all inclusive when bars are open at 9am

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A new doc will probably try another antidepressant. But another one he might try is Buspar,  it's an anti anxiety med. It is hit or miss. For one person it might be a dream come true others nothing at all. I have that need an honest go and eventually dropped it cuz I didn't notice any changes but to be fair it was a extremely stressful time in my life. It takes a couple of weeks to build up in your sustenance but then it's supposed to prevent the anxiety in the first place. Since people require higher doses so keep an open mind. But you would definitely need another med in the meantime while it builds up in your system. Ironically  my doctor told me to drop it and just stick with the clon cuz it was working and I only took it as needed and she wasn't worried about me getting hooked on it. Go figure. So keep an open mind and above all we're all so different so find what works for you and stick with it. And I won't do ssris because any medication that kills my sex drive is going to make me really depressed. Docs love to push Ad for anxiety but they aren't the same thing. Good luck. Hopefully your doc actually listens

This is what frustrates me

Good or bad Dr advice can make or break us.

I know how I work - I'm 43. I know that a shift from booze to meds to no meds will sort me but my dr says no to meds try meditation.

I mean I get the sentiment but ffs