Q: Hi,I have been diagnosed with general anxiety two years ago. I’ve been prescribed benzodiazepines in low doses such as 2 mg. of Diazepam a day. As time went by I started taking higher and higher doses of diazepam. The last time I took it I was at 20 mg daily dose, so I couldn’t physically bear it and I cut it.It’s been 9 days with no single mg of Diazepam and I feel awful. The dizziness and the panic attacks I had previously have gone at least 3 times worse.Can you suggest how to cope with this?
– Jane N.
A: I’m afraid it is not possible for me to make a clear recommendation for someone I have not seen. Sometimes panic attacks respond to anti-depressants. Just because you have not responded to one or another does not mean you will not respond to still another, or, more commonly, a combination. Panic attacks in some cases can be treated with cognitive-behavioral treatment. I do not usually recommend benzodiazepines for this condition, although they are commonly prescribed.
– Dr. Neuman