I've been given first Xanax for two years and now Klonopin to treat my panic and anxiety. I don't feel that they have gotten to the root of my problem. In fact I am now addicted. My doctor wants to try imipramine. Could you tell me if this would finally help me? I can't get answers anywhere else.

Joanna

Xanax (alprazolam) and Klonopin (clonazepam) are both members of the class of antianxiety drugs called benzodiazepines -- and yes, they are addictive. The imipramine you say your doctor wants you to try is an antidepressant sometimes sold under the brand name Tofranil. It's in a class of antidepressants called "tricyclics," which act differently on the brain than newer antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft.

Will the imipramine help you? I really can't say without conducting a thorough evaluation of you and your situation, but I'll mention some possible things to consider. Please keep in mind, however, that as a clinical psychologist, my training and expertise is in psychological and behavioral, rather than biological, interventions. You might get a different response from psychiatrists, who are the mental health specialists of medicine and are trained primarily in biological aspects of mental or emotional disorders. Psychiatrists' training tends to emphasize biological interventions such as pharmacotherapy (medication). Some psychiatrists are trained in psychotherapy, while many are not.

That said, I am curious as to whether you have received any type of psychological or behavioral treatment for panic or anxiety. While medications can often help alleviate the symptoms of panic and anxiety, they don't "cure" it in the way that, for instance, penicillin can cure a bacterial infection. So, yes, the root cause of the anxiety or panic is not addressed. (The reason for panic or anxiety can vary from one individual to another.)

There are several types of psychological therapies that can help. You might want to check into the book An End to Panic: Breakthrough Techniques for Overcoming Panic Disorder, by Elke Zuercher-White. If you aren't already seeing a therapist (I'm not sure from your question whether the doctor you refer to is trained to provide psychotherapy), please consider doing so. Your doctor should be able to help you with a referral if one is warranted.