panic attacks & depression

[petpuppy]

For the past two weeks I'm having a difficult time with panic attacks and depression. I dread coming to work encountering and interacting with people. Health wise my MS is pretty much under control. I am taking effexor (37.5) but obviously it's not helping. I just want to hide. Work is a bit stressful because of cognitive issues and that does cause a good amount of anxiety but then I go home I watch tv so I assume that could be causing depression?

[SKL]

petpuppy,

I have dealt with this for years. Depression is a common side effect of MS, not just a result of stress that comes from knowing we have this disease but also from MS neurological damage. And panic attacks often accompany depression. A research article that studies depression and MS can be found at:

www.psycom.net/depression.central.ms.html

Sandy

[MS America]

Hiya,

When you say "health wise" it gets confusing to me. Your depression is part of your overall health, right?

With MS you can't really differentiate the emotions from the physical. Actually, you can't really do that in a healthy person either!

So, for what it's worth, I think you should ask your neuro for some anti-depression meds and start feeling better. I sense that you feel ashamed or something that you need to take these meds? Why? Depression is a part of MS, a part of all humans, and an unfortunate reality.

I hope you get treatment soon and feel better.

Cindy

[Howie]

Panic attacks are the pits. As is depression, but I'm one of those that doesn't seem to be able to take anti-depressants. I've tried several.

The good news is, the depession seems to have stopped years ago. But I have no idea why.

I have no Neuro, but had my GP prescribe Ativan for the panic attacks. Perhaps because I knew I had a med to stop them in the event I felt one coming on, they also stopped. Again, I have no idea why.

So about the only benefit of me posting is to show that both conditions may pass on their own.

I wish you well.

[cricket52]

PP:

Depression is a symptom of MS. The panic attacks make sense too, but it's a horrible feeling. I got lost driving a few weeks ago and had my first panic attack in years.

Sorry you are going through such a tough time. I hope you can get the support medically and pharmacologically you need. Better yet - a nice long vacation somewhere safe and quiet.

Take care of yourself.

[lady_express_44]

Perhaps you just need a new drug.

I've never had panic or anxiety attacks, but I felt considerable stress during the last two years I worked. Combined with fatigue, these two symptoms are what took me out of the workforce (even though I worked from home much of the time).

Do you happen to find this is happening more as the day wears on, or at certain times of the month? Could you consider a change in duties?

Cherie

[SalpalSally]

I recommend Buspar...It saved my life..:D ....And when that stopped working, as all do, Paxil was great. Ask your Doc.

Thinking about you and knowing what you are suffering....(((((((petpuppy)))))))