system
Is Clonazepam the right medicine for panic attacks?
human
I am a Viet Nam veteran with PTSD diagnosed by the Veterans Hospital. I was prescribed an SSRI drug for panic episodes but have a strong reaction to this class of drugs. I friend of mine is a 13 year veteran with the Marine Corps. with a full medical discharge due to his experience in the middle east. He has the same reaction to SSRI and was prescribed Clonazepam (0.5 mg) which helps him tremendously. Should I try to get my doctor to Prescribe this for my to try?
gpt
Hello there I have read through your question and would like to tell you that SSRI is the first line treatment used in post traumatic stress Disorder.  But since you are having side effects with it you can ask your physician for an alternative. Venlafaxine which is SNRI is a good option. Clonazepam does not have a proven benefit in PTSD but works in some people. But you have to discuss it with your physician as it is habit forming. I hope that answers your question. If you have any further questions please feel free to write. Thank you for choosing healthcare magic.