I found out on the internet what the meds are called in NZ. Paxil is called Aropax here which I took a couple of times and wanted to jump off the nearest bridge so I never took it again. Lexapro I think it citalopram, tried this one too once and had a massive panic attack but i had taken the full dose that time - didn't stick with it. I'm on one called Norpress which I think is called Pamelor in the states. I've had no problems with this one so far and have been on it for almost three months now.

Hi Mei, I can definately relate to what you are saying. If I feel nauseous I get really nervous and irritable I hate throwing up and also try to avoid it as much as possible. I get nervous eating some foods in case they make me sick so I just avoid them. I understand what you are saying about the meds, I was exactly the same. I wanted to be able to do it all on my own and not rely on the medication. I found that to try to move forward I needed a bit of help so I went on meds and I'll stay on them till I get to such a place where I can start to come off them. I have a fear of swallowing pills and worry about the side effects, I was very nervous starting them so I went and stayed at my parents house for the first week while I was getting on them so that there were people around all day in case I had side effects. I found having people around calmed me down a bit. As I have said many times here, I started off on a very small dose and increased gradually and that cut out the majority of the side effects. I found that I was only a little queasy starting my meds but I just kept telling myself that it was just the meds and it would pass and I didn't throw up, didn't even come close. If you're already queasy all day then what would the difference be, it might mean that you are just queasy for another week or so and then it will stop because you might become calmer which would be great. I can't advise you on Lexapro because I'm not on it, the meds in NZ have totally different names so I'm not really sure what that one would be called here. Anyway think I've babbled enough!! Just know you're not alone :)

Lynn There are a few reasons why I can't have children. I don't want to go into it too much here as I want this thread to stay on the lexapro topic. But yes morning sickness is something I don't feel I could even risk. But the main problem is looking after a sick child. I couldn't do it nor could I cope with a child exposing me to stomach viruses. Sad but true. I know as much as I'd want to help my child I would run away if he/she vomited and I couldn't cope with doing that to them. Melanie I'm not sure if that's an automated post or not but I have been to see my doctors hundreds of times over the years. Who do you think prescribed the meds. Thanks for the suggestion of the 12 week program but I have tried cognitive therapy with psychologists a few times already but to no avail. It seems I cannot stop panicking when the phobia is the root of the problem. And I haven't been able to cure the phobia with therapy so far. That's why I'm at the end of my tether and hoping to try the meds. Thanks anyway.:)

Good Morning Mei, The questions you are asking today should be first answered by your family doctor. Since you have been suffering with PA's for the past 16 years, you family doctor knows you best and he/she would be the best person to help you at this time. The Panic Center has a free Panic Program to all our members. The Panic Program is a free 12-week Internet-based self-guided educational program based on state-of-the-art research in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. This Panic Program can also be downloaded into a booklet format if you are not able to access the internet at all times. The goal of The Panic Program is to help you overcome panic disorder and agoraphobia. We hope that you find the answers you need today and each day you visit The Panic Center. Take care, Melanie ______________________________ The Panic Center Support Team

Hi mei, sorry I can't help with your question about the meds, but i am just wondering why you feel like you can't have a baby is it just from the fear of morning sickness? Just wondering because not everybody gets it, i have had 2 pregnancies not even a bit of nausea. Just thought that might be a little bit of optimism! Also the one good thing about having a baby is you are just to busy to be worried about yourself.LOL GOOD LUCK Mei Lynn

Hi Everyone. I'm reaching out here hoping that I can find something, anything that will help me. I've suffered with panic attacks for about 16 years. They make me feel extremely nauseous and scared, sweaty and like I need to escape. I've had them for a long time and they haven't responded to many years of therapy because they are linked to a severe phobia. Emetophobia. It's the fear of vomiting. It's actually a very difficult phobia as it's something I cannot escape, doesn't respond to exposure therapy and has a lot of OCD behaviour attached to it. Also when emetophobes experience a vomiting episode it usually makes the phobia worse not better like many others. I'm currently in a very bad place right now. I'm panicking everyday and especially if I try to leave the house. I am in a constant state of anxiousness that keeps me feeling very nauseous for most of the day. I'm feeling ill all day. :( I have never taken meds for many reasons. Some of them being... I didn't want to need them to be happier. I don't like to put chemicals inside my body. And the biggy...side effects! I've tried on numerous occasions to take anti-depressants but to no avail. I just cannot bring myself to swallow them knowing they could make me vomit. Now I've been given Cipralex which is Lexapro in the USA. (I'm in the UK) It's drug name is Escitalopram. 5mg. I know that vomiting isn't listed but it's most common side effect is nausea and that's nearly as frightening for me. I haven't vomited in nearly 17 years because I do everything in my power to avoid it. It rules my life. I obsess about it everyday. I cannot work. I cannot travel. I can barely get out of my house unless someone is with me and I always panic when I do. I am unable to start a family with my wonderful partner. I cannot eat properly. I'm not happy at all. I really cannot continue to be this bad so I feel I want to try these drugs. I dream about being able to go shopping without panicking or feeling sick or even be able to go out for a meal. Or even just to feel less anxious. To feel like I have a life even if it's still restricted. But how can I swallow them? I really would love to hear anything you guys have to say about Lexapro. Please tell me if it made you feel nauseous. How long for?