Hi Cathy,
How are you feeling today?
Dealing with anxiety and panic is tiring. It is maybe difficult to find that little extra in many occassions - such as smiling at a joke (good, silly or just incredibly lame) or taking part of the fun along with the kids. To stop the anxiety seems impossible, and it does affect moods.
Some antidepressants have also got an anti-anxiety effect, maybe that is the core idea of the prescription? Medicines are prescribed on background of your core ailment, family history and other information the physician has about you. Either how, you don't know exactly how they'll work in you if you don't try them.
What other coping techniques have you got for the anxiety/panic? Have you tried to exercise? One of the greatest things about exercising is that you notice your body works better - you sweat out those things that make your skin unclean, you rid yourself of muscle tensions and you get more alert and "fit for fight". It is also a great opportunity to let stress be stress and chill out. Maybe it had been something for you? It doesn't have to be something that you do for hours every day, but half an hour 3 days a week is enough to notice a good difference. One would really think that one would get more exhausted but it actually gives more energy and a great sense of accomplishment.
Here is a little bit more:
http://www.medhelp.org/user_journals/show/8457
Good luck and let us know how your'e doing!
Florena