re: who else here suffers from panic attacks

Ativan and Klonopin> Xanax for panic, but only as needed. The half-life for Xanax is too short, and I see patients all the time taking it like candy and they become dependent on it. A SSRI like Lexapro or Zoloft for the long run, then have you doctor ween you down off the benzodiazepines. May need to stay on the SSRIs for a year or so, sometimes longer until you learn adequate coping skills. Therapy plus meds is better than either of them alone. Good luck.