Panic attacks are no joke. They are absolutely horrible. I choose to take medications to control mine. And I say, to each his own. What works for you, may not work for others. I've had this disorder since 1985. I've learned a lot about it, I've read books on it, and even joined a newsgroup regarding the topic. Man, did we have arguments about whether to take medications or not. I'm sure if you look up ASAP (alt support anxiety panic), that you will find many of my rants and attacks on others about my stance. I'm not going to tell you my nick, but it won't be that hard to figure out.
I've been throught the gauntlet of SSRI's. The only one that I can take is Zoloft. I can take benzodiazepines (Xanax and Klonopin). There are many other kinds of benzodiazepines. I have found that there are doctors who are pro medication and that there are doctors that are against medication. Of course, I go to the doctors that are pro medication.
These groups talk about herbal medications, hypno-therapy, breathing techniques, and what have you. Many of the people who were housebound didn't take medications, but felt that they were controlling their symptoms with the above mentioned therapies. Then there were people who would blast the people that were taking medications. Some of these ones were on Social Security while the ones that took the medications were able to work or, at least, get out of the house and do more with their families.
Definitely, find out what works for you. Don't let others sway you in any way. If it's hypno-therapy, go for it! If it's, the so-called medical guru woman that does infomercials (I can't think of her name.), go for it! If it's staying away from lactic acidosis (Ringer's Lactate), do it! I've gotten over the newsgroup ASAP. I haven't been there in years, but you may find it of help.
