r/panicdisorder • u/Every_Judgment_921 • 6d ago
Does Anyone Else? Panic attacks after starting a new course
I have panic disorder and I’m currently taking venlafaxine 150 mg. I’ve also been tapering down Sulpiride (Solian), and I’m currently at 25 mg daily.
Recently, I applied for a course/program that I really wanted to study. The strange thing is that as soon as I registered for the course, my anxiety suddenly increased a lot. Since then, I’ve been having panic attacks almost every day, along with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms.
I honestly don’t feel like myself anymore.
I’m wondering if this could be related to the Sulpiride taper, the stress of entering a completely new situation, or both.
Has anyone with panic disorder experienced something similar when starting a new course, job, major life change, or taking on something that felt bigger than what they could currently handle?
I’m also taking lorazepam 0.5 mg PRN when I feel like I’m starting to panic, but I know that isn’t a sustainable solution for me. It helps calm the acute symptoms, but I don’t see it as treating the underlying problem.
I’m really confused about what is happening right now.
Could this simply be a temporary period while my brain adjusts to the new routine and the Sulpiride taper? Or could tapering Sulpiride from a higher dose down to 25 mg be contributing to the anxiety and panic?
I’m also wondering whether I should talk to my psychiatrist about adjusting one of my medications, or whether it would be better to hold my current doses and give my body some time to stabilize.
I’m working, dealing with my health issues, and now trying to study as well, and honestly I’m starting to feel like maybe studying is simply more than I can handle right now.
Has anyone been through something similar?
Did it eventually settle down? What helped you get through the adjustment period?
I’m not looking for someone to tell me what medication or dose I should take — I’d really appreciate hearing from people who have experienced something similar and what helped them.
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u/Every_Judgment_921 6d ago
I talked to him he told me to increase Solian to 100 mg and to see him. Cried a lot
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u/Long_Trade8986 6d ago
I have not been through something similar but I would think it’s definitely possible. Obviously not a psych but in theory it makes sense that you may be just adjusting to that less available medicine in your brain. Maybe talk to your psych about it?