I'm having panic attacks (A serious post)

[bigwillq]

Now, I am not asking for medical advice, I know a lot of these "I'm having a heart attack" posts are getting locked.

Ok, so for about a week, I've been having what I think are panic or anxiety attacks. My heart feels like it's popping out of my chest, I get really hot and dizzy, I feel really stressed, like I feel like I'm dying and I just want to scream. During this time, I also feel really on edge like I'm waiting for something to happen.

When I keep my mind busy, I'm fine. But when I have some down time, that's when it happens and I don't know what to do with myself.

So, last night I went to the ED and they also thought I was having a panic attack. They gave me pills "Alprazolam", which I haven't taken any of yet.

Today I feel o.k. I'm at work and busy.

Has anyone else ever experienced panic attacks? Any suggestions?
The doctor said to cut down on caffeine and to stop smoking.


Thanks for any thoughts and/or suggestions!

:hi:

[progmom]

1. you need a doc who takes this more seriously

But you should prolly take his/her advice about the caffeine and nicotine.

Have you ever been on anti-depressants?

My brother goes through this a lot, and he's convinced it's a side effect of something he's on right now.

Are you under a lot of stress right now?

[bigwillq]

2. I suppose to go see my GP this week

Never been on anti-depressents
and
Not really under a lot of stress

It's puzzling me as to why this is happening but for like the last week I feel really on edge.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

6. In this world,

if you're not on edge, there's probably something seriously wrong with you.

Face it - caffeine and nicotine are just not good for us. So, quit smoking and cut back on the caffeine. That's a great start. Did you know that your brain will wake you up during the night - just enough to disrupt your sleep pattern - when it's searching for nicotine? That could be contributing to your problem.

But, mostly, it sounds to me like you're probably out of shape, not getting proper rest, and, since it only happens when you're on "down" time, you might need to find something constructive - like volunteer work - to channel that misdirected energy.

Truly, though, Walker Percy wrote a great book - "Lost In The Cosmos" - about how despair is a solid and healthy response to the madness of this world. I offer you that bit of trivia as comfort, to let you know that you are not alone.

Watch your sugar intake, too. That shit - especially in the hidden form of "high fructose corn syrup" - will kill you.

And, good luck. Let us know how it goes, please?

[bigwillq]

9. Thanks for your thoughts

Alot of what you said is true.

What struck me most is when you said-"Out of shape" Because from looking at me, one may not think that I am out of shape.

I only way 125 pounds, not a lot of body fat, but I do smoke and drink way too much and hardly ever get exercise except when I am on the dance floor.


I am trying to quit smoking, only had one today and left the pack I had at home. I am now at work.

Thanks again for your advice.
:hi:

[Gogi]

3. I feel for you.

When I was sixteen and under a great deal of emotional stress I became severely depressed and had a panic attack. One was enough. As an adult I worked as a medical record tech and, when I coded records on people with chronic panic attacks, I often wondered how they managed to cope. Glad the pills seem to be working.

[bigwillq]

4. Well, I haven't taken the pills yet

So far today, I feel slightly better and not as much on edge.
:hi:

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

5. Well I'm no doctor or what have you...

I have had them and they are a pain in the ass. The last time I had one was in September, and figured after that I should probably take the medicine they had given me (Celexa). Some people leave panic disorders untreated and develop phobias of going outside in public, for fear that they'll get all panicked again.

Your doctor has prescribed you the drug Alprazolam, but as a brand name I think most are familiar with it as Xanax (correct me if I'm wrong). There are side effects, but I think it's a risk that you probably need to take if you don't want these to happen again. You could go weeks with feeling alright, but then burst into panic mode again without warning.

hope this helps

Oh and, quitting smoking would be excellent in so many many ways. My aunt felt less anxiety when she quit smoking. Oddly enough, she started to curb her anxiety... but it ended up making her more irritable/anxious while smoking than when she wasn't.

[bigwillq]

10. Thanks, Maggie!

Stopping smoking is a priority.

I think I now how your aunt feels. Sometimes after I smoke, that's when I feel all on edge, like I want to go out and have another one.

:hi:

[Nikia]

24. It does work after the fact too

Depending on a variety of factors, it might take more than several minutes to kick in, but it works. If it doesn't, you might want to ask your doctor about taking a larger dose. It is a minor tranquilizer. In large enough doses, it will knock anyone out. In smaller doses, it makes people relax and less able to feel anxious.

[blondeatlast]

30. A;prazolam/Xanax can be a wonderful tool. I'm no longer on it,

although I have an open scrip for it.

I took it only when necessary, and it really helped me through. This is a case where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of what comes without it.

Be sensible with it, and you'll be okay.

You might look into discussing this with your doctor, too, panic disorders cann be triggered by physical problems and/or depression. Both were true for me, though I am blissfully off of Celexa almost a year now.

[Floogeldy]

33. Just be careful

Xanax is horribly addictive. My doc wouldn't let me take very much of it.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

34. Yeah

I guess you can take it as needed, but not constantly

[LynzM]

7. Me too, dude

Had another one last night. I've found that the combination of coffee and diet coke will exacerbate them or bring them on, not sure which. You're very accurate on the fact that while you're distracted or your mind is working, it's much less likely. It's when you have time to perseverate on things (at least for me?) that they seem to happen. Is there something in your recent past that you are thinking a lot or worried about? Something in the future? I'd recommend cutting the caffeine and nicotine, and if that doesn't seem to help, meditation, counseling, etc. I tend to think of medication as a last resort, but there are some homeopathic things I've tried that seem to help, and there are plenty of mainstream meds that help a lot of people. PM me if you want more info on that.

I feel for you, it sucks. I spent a good chunk of last night curled up on the couch, shaking, feeling like shit, ready to throw up. And the rest of the time I'm fine. Suckola. Hang in there :hug:

[bigwillq]

15. ((Hug))

Maybe that's what we both need right now.

Thanks for your thoughts/suggestions.

I haven't taken the pills just yet. I'm trying to cut down on nicotine and caffeine.

There's nothing I can pin point at this time as to why I might be having the attacks.

I heard that yoga, meditation are good to help your body relax, because a lot of times, I feel like I just can't calm myself down. That I'm really on edge and nothing helps calm me.
I don't know if that's what it's like for you.


:hug:

[LynzM]

36. Back at ya!

:hug:

I know part of what triggers mine, now, but sometimes have ones that aren't related to a specific emotional issue or stress (I had them a LOT more in college, though I didn't really identify them as such). Good luck with figuring out what works for you, and avoiding them as much as you can. You can always drop me a message if you ever want to talk about it in the future!

[Bluebear]

8. bigwillq, take the medicine!

If you first experience the symptoms of a panic attack again, TAKE your alprazolam (Xanax)...get ahead of the anxiety. Better living through chemistry...they'll get you through the hump until you figure out what's triggering the P.A. and you can get on solid footing again.

[rfranklin]

16. Also keep telling yourself that your are going to be okay....

Learn to talk to yourself and calm yourself down. Realize that you will weather the panic attack. You will not die. You know what it is and you can ride it out.

I was never given a medication for panic attacks. I had to grow out of them. I had a lot of them in my twenties. Then I stopped smoking and got more exercise and I seemed to have the attacks less and less.

[bigwillq]

18. I do say that to myself and it does help a bit

Thanks for your advice!:hug:

[bigwillq]

17. Thanks! Yes, I am waiting to actually have an attack

I know that sounds weird but I just don't wanna take the pill for no reason but the next time I do feel like one's starting I am going to take the pill.:hug:

[RevolutionaryActs]

11. Awww I don't know what to tell you, just that I hope you feel better soon.

:hug: :loveya: :hug:

[bigwillq]

20. Thanks sweetie!

:hug: :loveya:

[caledesi]

12. I hear you loud and clear. One word Xanax! Go to your doc. nt

[Swede]

13. My nephew gets them.

He now can tell a few hours before they hit, so he takes a traquiliser, so he hasn't had a bad one for awhile. I guess you can only use your own experience to recognize them....

[Arkana]

14. I've had them

The quickest, non-MD remedy is just to drink a lot of water and take deep breaths. I found that it worked quite effectively during my first year of college.

[bigwillq]

21. Hmm, water..

Thanks for the tip.:hi:

[Nikia]

28. Deep breathing helps

I can stop panic attacks this way for myself if I can be in a quiet non threatening place. When I am in a place around people or in a stressful situation though, I have a hard time doing this.

[Nikia]

19. I was under stress when I had my first panic attack

It happened less than a couple weeks after moving to a new town and Sept 11. It also happened between failing my drivers test and taking the next one. I was also scheduled to have my wisdom teeth out later that weeek. Evidently some people do have their first panic attack for no apparent reason and feel anxiety about it and keep on having more. I would go to the doctor though to make sure that you aren't having other medical problems. Also some medicines, even OTC medicines, can induce anxiety or even panic attacks. One of my worst panic attacks was induced by an OTC decongestent containing pseudephedrine. Caffeine and smoking do speed up your heart so quitting them might help, but sometimes quitting an addiction might cause more anxiety for a while.
It might help you to get some kind of mental therapy, especially if this anxiety isn't caused by another medical problem or drug. Doctors who work for HMOs tend towards medication because it is cheaper, but therapy is often better in the long run and won't cause weird side effects. Alprazalam can be useful to take in case of a panic attack or more often in the short term while you go through therapy. In the long term, it is an addictive substance, which most responsible doctors won't prescribe for regular use for long periods of time.

[bigwillq]

22. Thanks for your thoughts.

It's nice to hear that I am not going crzy!:hug:

[hyphenate]

23. When I went to the hospital

on having my first heart attack, I drove myself to the hospital. I stumbled into the ER and a nurse told me to stop hyperventilating, that I was having a panic attack. Nope--it was a heart attack. Another time I went with an acute case of angina (I had taken nearly 20 nitroglycerine tablets that day), they gave me a shot of Lorazapam (aka Ativan, a tranq) and sent me home. About two weeks later, I was back in the hospital having a third angioplasty, and there was damage to the heart muscle from a previous heart attack (the night they sent me home with tranqs). The reason my concerns were dismissed is because I was only 43 and a woman.

If you have significant pain in your left arm, a dull throbbing in the upper chest, nearly smack dab in the middle, pain in your left jaw, or the feeling that the alien is going to bust throw your abdomen any second now, it could very well be a heart problem. A panic attack would probably not have the same kind of intense pain, and a panic attack would also not likely affect your arm or your jaw, though it might work through fear.

I would definitely talk to a regular doctor. He would be able to run blood tests to determine whether you have had a heart attack. One blood test is to see if certain enzymes are in your bloodstream which signal a heart attack. Another test is for troponin, which will, if elevated, also test to see if you have had one.

You should also consider finding out what your cholesterol level is, because that is one consistent factor for clogged arteries. Anything above 200 is a risk factor.

The proper terminology for a heart attack is a myocardial infarction. This is caused by a lack of oxygen to the muscles surrounding the heart. (An "ischemic" attack, ischemic indicating a loss of oxygen) Not all, but most people can survive a minor heart attack. When your heart goes into cardiac arrest, however, this changes the rhythm of the heart and can result in death. It is usually for cardiac arrest that a defibrillator is used, to get the heart back into a consistent and steady beat.

[Me.]

25. Some Tips

Mind you, this advice is not in place of professional advice, however there are a few things you can do to help yourself out. One is counting, get up (if you're sitting) and count your steps, and focus on the counting for that is key. Another is to wear a rubber band on your wrist and once you start to panic keep snapping it until you are on the other side of the attack. The 3rd is a challenge to yourself. "If I can get past this next few seconds I'll be okay", so start counting, or give yourself a task, "by the time I finish making this sandwich I will be ok". You mentioned a doctor in your post some I'm assuming other medical problems have been ruled out. If not be sure to get a good check-up first. But if these are panic attacks, then "tricking" the mind by placing your focus elsewhere will help.

[bigwillq]

39. Some of those tips-like the counting and the rubber band-seem like

they could be useful to me.

I don't think they have totally ruled out anything more serious. As soon as I said "Panic attack" they said ok, take these.

My blood pressure was like 183/98 with a heart rate of 110 when I first got looked at in triage.

After 2 1/2 hours of waiting, they took my BP again and it was 142/69 with a heart rate of 75.


When I go to the GP I am going to ask him about high blood pressure and anything else relating to that.

Thanks for the tips!:hi:

[Me.]

58. You're Welcome

and good luck to you, you can get through this.

[Lex]

26. THYROID. I've been reading that panic attacks

could be related to the thyroid releasing those "fight or flight" hormones at the wrong time.

Suggestion was to have a "full" thyroid panel work up by your doctor to see if your thyroid is out of whack.

Also, on the 'net there are website about hypo- and hyper- thyroidism, and sometimes an alteration in diet can help regulate your thyroid back to normal levels.

Just passing along some info I recently read (not an MD!).

[bigwillq]

40. Thanks for your advice!

:hi:

[davsand]

27. I developed them when taking Ambian.

I was having problems sleeping and they gave me a scrip for Ambian (a sleeping pill.) After a couple of days I developed panic attacks. Wave after WAVE of panic attacks hit me over the course of a weekend. I was a mess.

I stopped the Ambian and went back to the Doc who was a bit taken aback by my problems. They gave me Valium and that worked great for a few days, but I could feel it beginning to lose its impact on me. I went back and they gave me Xanax (the stuff they gave you for your panic attacks.)

I don't take anything regularly now, but when I was taking stuff to sleep, the Xanax worked great for that. I'd be wary of taking it and driving, however. It makes you feel sleepy.

Frankly, I'm not sure I'd urge you to take Xanax for very long at one time. It is addictive, and can require increased doses with continued use. Do be sure to talk to your Doc about it, and what you will need to do it you decide to stop taking it (if you are on it for more than a couple of weeks be aware that it might be difficult to quit taking it--ok?)

If the Doc thinks it is a transitory thing and you will not need Xanax for long--then I'd say take it and be mellow--just let someone else drive!

If the Doc wants to talk about anti-depressants, be sure and read up on line before you agree to anything--those little beasties can be hell to go off of too! I hope things calm down soon!


Laura

[bigwillq]

41. Thanks for your input, Laura!

I have yet to take the pills. So far, so good today!

[Monkie]

29. your body is giving you the answer?

"I feel really stressed, like I feel like I'm dying and I just want to scream. During this time, I also feel really on edge like I'm waiting for something to happen.

When I keep my mind busy, I'm fine. But when I have some down time, that's when it happens and I don't know what to do with myself."

it only happens when your mind isnt busy and whats bothering your mind is intense enough to affect your body..

i dont know you so cant see what is causing this but have you close friends you can call/visit when you have downtime?
talking about the things on your mind with a good friend can do wonders.
also the fact that you yourself act,by calling the friend and talking when this happens, can in itself help (even if talking doesnt solve anything,you are no longer passive)
if you dont know the cause just talking in general to a friend when you feel this coming on may give clues to what the cause is.

its good to take it seriously but beware of getting wrapped up in worry about it.
my personal experience is:
therapy is a poor replacement for good friends (and the love they give)
medication is a poor replacement for therapy

i am not a doctor! ;)
take care

[Floogeldy]

31. My advice

I had a terrible problem with panic attacks years ago. I know many will disagree with me, but you doctor gave good initial advice. It took me a long time to discover that stress + nicotine was a huge contributor to my problem. I was also in poor physical health from eating a horrible diet and frequent beer drinking. My problems started with my body not being able to physically handle stress. But then there is the next stage . . . .

After I had a few panic attacks, I started to fear them, which can create the onset. A vicious circle can arise. I eventually went on Prozac and small doses of Xanax, which may have helped.

The weird thing is I discovered that if I didn't smoke after awakening from a night's sleep (or chew Nicorette, which is just as bad or worse), my body didn't pump adrenaline or react to whatever stressful situation I was scheduled to face that day.

Good health to you and, in any event, this will eventually pass for you to.

[bigwillq]

42. Thanks for your thoughts-I agree that I should make some

lifestyle changes. I too, smoke too much, drink too much and don't really exercise. I am not overweight but I think any step in the right direction will be a positive one.

[blondeatlast]

32. Another idea--when it fells like it's coming on, take a walk outside

if possible. When I was having them, I'd do that and it always made me calm down a bit. It was too soon after the Xanax for it to be completely the drug, either.

[Frogtutor]

35. I've never had panic attacks, but I do have an anxiety disorder...

And in my opinion, the ONLY kind of doctor to see for these kinds of problems is a psychiatrist. They are the only ones with the expertise and experience to diagnose and effectively treat such disorders. I've heard about so many general practitioners who just throw prescriptions at these problems without really knowing about them, and it scares me.

It has taken a while, but through a psychiatrist I am finally on the right meds, at the right doses, and they're really working for me.

And yes, both caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that probably will make a person more prone to anxiety attacks, so that advice is good. Believe me, I know how hard it is to quit smoking; it will be 2 years for me in April.

Other than that, the right medication and learning some relaxation techniques will work wonders for you!

[bigwillq]

43. Congrats on the upcoming 2 yrs.!

Thanks for your advice as well.:hi:

[H2O Man]

37. Consider all of your options.

You need to consider a number of factors, then decide what is best for you. Are these symptoms new? Do you know if relatives have/had similar experiences? Are they entirely situational?

Cutting out things like smoking are obviously a good idea. Consider other things, such as if you have recently increased the amount of coffee you drink? Are you per chance taking any over-the-counter allergy/cold medications? Painic/anxiety has a high comorbidity with these in many people; synergism is another thing to consider. Do you consume alcohol? Smoke pot? Etc?

Many people benefit from medications. However, many people can learn other equally successful ways to deal with things like anxiety and depression. I am retired from work in the mental health field, and I believe that far, far too many people are given Rx's for medication that they should not take.

Obviously, your life is too complex to fully explore all of these areas on a discussion forum such as DU. But it's never a bad idea to consider seeing a therapist. Ask questions to see if the therapist you are seeing has views similar to yours on issues such as medication; some are more likely to recommend medication, others tend to take a different approach.

[bigwillq]

44. I will keep an open mind to this situation

Thanks for your input.:hi:

[Parche]

38. panic attacks

I had one in Anchorage Alaska
we went on that tram up to the restaurant, and i am scared
sh*tless of heights (butt i love flying)
it goes up over 1000 ft i think, and i was on the floor
with the worst panic attack i have ever had....people laughing at me..............it sucks

[NashVegas]

45. Put Some Yoga In Your Life, If You Can

ie, as long as you are relatively medically fit.

A great place to start is the AM/PM Yoga for Beginners video. The most challenging stuff (1 or two poses) on there is doable within 3 sessions, once you've got the easier stuff down.

I can recommend nothing better for stress management. It beats the pants off of any pill you can take. And except for instruction - which ever road you choose to take - it's free.

One other thing: whatever it is you've got to deal with, that's at the root of your stress, get it done and dealt with.

on edit - FYI, I had what I call a "Xanax Winter" 11 years ago. It was nasty. First attack came in the middle of the night, but receded quickly. Second attack was relentless with palpitations. I wound up in the emergency ward.

For another two-three weeks, I was a mess. I hated, HATED the Xanax (I'm a firm believer that psycho-active drugs should be used for recreational purposes only) and only took it on weekdays, half-doses. When I was on it, everything was okay, but it was *just* okay. Nothing much could upset me, but nothing could get me in a *good* mood, either.

Eventually I figured out that if an attack did come on, I could go outside for some strenuous walking and that would give the energy an outlet. As of now, I've not had an attack in some 9 years *knocks on wood*.

Think of the stress effect on your body, like a pressure cooker. If you don't give the stress an outlet, it's going to blow by manifesting physically. You can work with it, or you can take the pills.

[bigwillq]

46. My mom went out and looked for a Yoga video and book

She has high blood pressure and they said Yoga could help her too.

:hi:

[NashVegas]

49. You Should Do It

the video I mentioned about has mostly really, really easy stuff on it, and it's wonderfully relaxing.

The hardest time I had when I was having the attacks was accepting that it was anxiety/stress/what have you and not a heart condition, and that it wasn't damaging my heart. Once I accepted the attacks for what they were, they became much easier to manage. It sounds like you've already done that.

Do you like to swim? Join the Y or whatever. The main thing is to give the stress an outlet while you look around and try to find the root of the stress and get rid of it.

[Groggy]

47. I've had them before too....

and they suck. I started having them after my mom died, a year and a half ago. We were very close. Anyway, I think half the battle is knowing what it is when it comes and telling yourself..okay..I know what this is that's happening and it will pass. Try to just take long slow breaths. I also went off the caffeine, well cut wayyy down anyway. My doc gave me a very low dose of Lorazapam and only 10 pills to use only when I need it. You know, just knowing that I have anti-anxiety medicine to use if I need it has helped me alot because I haven't needed it so far and its been a few months. Also...try to figure out what is causing this...in my mind, I believe it was lack of security...not feeling safe..you know, with my mom being gone and all. It seems when I tried to figure out what I was feeling deep down, what was causing me to be afraid, it helped.

I'm not saying I'm totally cured or anything, but I have more of an understanding about why this was happening and I just try to take things slow and not do things that will get me overly stressed. When I talked to my doctor about this she said you cannot die from a panic attack (I was worried about my heart beating so fast), you're not going crazy..its just the adrenaline pumping through you at the wrong time and stuff like that. I don't know if any of this helps, but I guess you can take it for what its worth!

Well take care..I'm sorry you are going through that..I really feel for you, but remember you are not alone, and you WILL get through this!! :hug:

[bigwillq]

48. Thanks!

I really appreciate those kind words and the advice.:hi: :hug:

[Dookus]

50. take the xanax

it works. I had it a few times when having similar problems. Solves the problem, but made me pretty drowsy.

[Frogtutor]

51. I'm no expert, but I was under the impression that Xanax is for

emergency situations and not long-term treatment. When I first started getting treatment for anxiety, my psychiatrist prescribed Celexa for general treatment, and Xanax for me to take if I felt a panic attack coming on, or was in a particularly stressful situation. But, like I said, I'm no expert, and I do not actually have panic disorder. I went from Celexa to Prozac, and then to Paxil. Paxil is working very well for me.

The best advice I can give is PLEASE see a psychiatrist! I hope you find relief soon!

Oh, and thanks for the congrats!

:hi:

[Floogeldy]

57. "PLEASE see a psychiatrist!"

Aren't they great? I would talk to mine for 30 minutes, telling him the way things were from my perspective. Then, he would tell me how they really are from his objective perspective. Once I understood how he saw things, I would realize that I wasn't thinking outside of my own mind, sort of speak, and stop worrying about things.

Panic attacks or no, I highly recommend them.

I always left his office feeling like a million bucks!

[sendero]

52. I've had these..

.... many times a long time ago but lately they are trying to make a comeback.

The ideas suggested earlier to "distract yourself" are very helpful. Xanax is useful, but also as said, a benzo and therefore has major addictive potential. Use them but be careful.

I've been trying to figure out why mine are revving up after 14 years. One possibility is cigarettes. I've gone 7 years smoking one cig every night, but over the last few months I'm up to a pack a week (I know that sounds silly, but that is the max for me, I'm not going to smoke one more than that). I am sorta stressed out so that might be it too.

And one more long shot. Long ago sugar consumption seemed to figure in. If you eat a lot of sweets or expecially if you drink sugary caffienated drinks, try dropping them. They are not helping :)

[Beware the Beast Man]

53. May I suggest a book?

"The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook." It's an excellent book to help you assess your anxieties and get to resolving them. Basically, it offers a holistic approach to dealing with panic (diet, exercise, relaxation, counseling, etc.), with advice on meds only as a last gasp. I highly recommend it. As a person that deals with anxiety on a regular basis, I can definitely identify. Just remember, they pass, and they can be avoided.

Here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/157224223X/qid=1107131402/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/002-4341408-1483238

Best of luck to you!

[proud2BlibKansan]

54. Those pills are Zanax

I had one panic attack five years ago and have carried Zanax with me ever since. It works. Try one.

[NC_Nurse]

55. Xanax works for a lot of people...

and I think the exercise suggestion is a good one. I don't know about quitting smoking, but it's a good thing to do for your body anyway and I know cafeine raises my tension level.

Get some support. Not just from internet friends, but from people you can meet and talk with. That always helps me when I'm stressed out. It's a high stress world these days, don't forget to turn away from the news and relax and enjoy your friends/family/personal life. You are not alone. many people experience high anxiety and stress these days.

I'll be thinking of you.

:-)

[Orsino]

56. Get checked for heart arrythmia...

...mitral valve prolapse, and possible auto-immune disorders (i.e., did you or your siblings or forebears ever have rheumatic fever/arthritis/lupus?). I've learned that these things seem to go together, and it can be hell to get a doctor to take it seriously.

Giving up caffeine and tobacco is probably a good start.

[x-g.o.p.er]

59. How is your vitamin B-12 level?

My wife had been experiencing the same thing, doc thought it was a panic attack, gave her some Xanax. Didn't really work, things detreriorated, she got worse, so they ran a lot more tests.

Found out she had a severe vitamin B12 deficiency, which has a lot of symptoms of either/or/and panic attacks/clinical depression. She has taken 4 injections out of 12 or 13, and the change has been pretty dramatic.

She's actually nice and happy again like she used to be, and she no longer wants a divorce. Yippee!!!

[patdem]

60. WHATEVER you do DO NOT TAKE MY ADVICE...but I too suffered

anxiety attacks...and had to leave what ever room I happened to be in at the time in order to calm myself down. I move to the 'Outer Banks' of NC..and felt completely contained. I had an anxiety attack and my roommate was scared to death and all I could do was laugh and say 'hey, it's an anxiety attack, no big deal' and I laughed at her concern. That was the LAST anxiety attack I had.

[cedahlia]

61. Been there

I'm sorry to hear you are going through this, as it sucks. I've experienced two very bad periods in my life of panic attacks and generalized anxiety. Had a few other more mild episodes as well. It used to be hell for me, but now that I know how best to deal with it, the prospect of going through all that again is not so scary.

So, here are my tips (what works for me...don't know if these will work for you, but I hope they may be of some help to you.)

1. Cut out caffeine completely if you can, and avoid sugar! I don't really do caffeine at all anymore, however, I am a sweet tooth and that can't be helped. :-) During the acute episodes of attacks, though, I don't do sugar.

2. Eat lots of veggies and fruits (yes, we should do this all the time anyway, but carrots and strawberries in particular are a couple examples of foods that may help combat anxiety.)

3. Drink a good amount of water.

4. Exercise...even if it's just a walk outside...getting the endorphins going really helps!!

5. Speaking of walks outside, my next tip is to get outside! Even if it's for a drive in the car. This always helps me...it takes the edge off as it reminds me that there's a whole big world out there to enjoy and take in (helps distract the mind from the physical effects of the anxiety, too.)

6. If you have insurance or can otherwise afford it, see a therapist. Talk therapy really helped me get through the bad patches.

7. Take the Xanax if you need it. I am very wary of taking any kind of meds, but I was prescribed Lorazepam (similar to Xanax) and as long as you only take it as needed it can be a real help. These drugs can be highly addictive though, so you need to be careful with them.

8. Now, this last one is a highly personal tip and I have no idea if it works for anyone else, but here it is: For really bad episodes of panic and anxiety, watching silly t.v. shows or listening to happy music (i.e. oldies like the Monkees or The Hermits Hermits, etc.) really helps to calm me down. Yes, "I Love Lucy" and "Three's Company" really helped get me through some rough times! :-)

Well, as I said, this is what has worked for me in the past, so I hope what I've shared here might be of some help to you and others. I know how horrible panic attacks and anxiety can feel, and I like to try to help others who might experience it if I can. I know the Internet was a Godsend to me when I was going through the worst of it, as was the library. Becoming really informed about panic and anxiety disorders really made it all not seem so scary.

I wish you the best of luck. O8)

[2Design]

62. not doc - so go there for sure - years ago had

heart pain - friends finally convinced me to go get it checked out - it was angina is what they said - but I had been drinking more coffee than ever before - they said to cut out caffine

I changed to decaf in coffee and soda - now I hardly have either and just drink water

But when I get what I call 'whirling dervishes' my thoughts chasing each other - where I am scaring myself about something in the future - I find picking up the phone and calling a friend that way to stop the whirling - I don't have to talk about it - because I don't always know what it is - I have one friend if I call and leave a message - having whirling dervishes - she calls back and laughs and says - ok what happened that you are scaring yourself -

usually just talking to someone helps me - I don't know that I have ever had panic attacks - maybe and I call them whirling dervishes - I feel more in control - knowing if I pick up inspirational material and read or call a friend - it stops
Fear just takes over my mind - and I need to use other means to stop it -

a lot of others gave you some good guidelines

but doc is a good place to start
stopping smoking is huge struggle
giving up caffine first would probably be a little easier and help

tackle the smoking afterward

[Left Is Write]

63. Yes, my husband has had them.

They are connected somehow to his metabolic issues, but he does keep medicine on hand for when necessary.

PM me if you'd like details.

:hug:

[bigwillq]

64. Thank you everyone! An update:

i went to my GP today just to see what he had to say.

He took my BP and it was 133/78 pulse rate 75
He said my heart and lungs sounded fine.

He thinks it is just panic attacks. Told me to cut out caffeine, sugar and to stop smoking would be a plus put trying to stop at this minute might add more to the stress so he said to take it easy with smoking.

He suggested exercise and when the attacks happen to breathe and try to do something to take my mind off of it.

I am also going for blood work tomm. Someone mentioned a thyroid problem and he said that could be a reason and the blood work will check for it.


Thanks again for all the advice, suggestion and good thoughts.

You guys are the best!:hug: :loveya: :yourock:

[ScreamingMeemie]

65. Phew! I didn't see this post before, and am kind of glad that I

didn't. I would have been super worried. Please take really, extra special good care of yourself. I am glad that your heart is strong. Those panic attacks can be super scary. I had them when I was pregnant and I thought I was either 1.dying or 2.insane

Take care sweetie! :hug: :loveya:

[bigwillq]

69. Thanks babe!

:hug:

Dying and crazy are two things that go through my mind when I am having one!

Today I feel better. I think going to the GP calmed me a bit, knowing that my BP and heart were o.k.

When I was having on Sat. night it felt like I was having a heart attack. Weird!

thanks again for your support!
:hug:

[flamingyouth]

67. I just posted below and didn't read this first

I'm so glad - sounds like your BP is fine and that you got some good advice. Take care of yourself and keep us posted! :hi:

[bigwillq]

70. Thank you!

:hug:

[flamingyouth]

66. I'm sorry you're going through this

I have panic attacks a lot. I had them as a kid but didn't know what they were until I was in my 20s.

I've tried a mixture of all kinds of stuff, but I've found that (for me) meditation, yoga, regular exercise and some counseling has helped, as has cutting down on caffeine and alcohol. I would *definitely* stop smoking if I were you, if you can right now. But first, try to get them under control.

The Xanax that they gave you in the hospital works wonders. After my husband died, I took an extended-release version of that, so I had 2 mg in my bloodstream throughout the day, and it helped stop them. I went off of it and now just take it if I'm feeling anxious (as I am today).

I'm a naturally high-strung person and it's hard to change one's personality.

All the stuff you said - feeling like your heart is popping out of your chest and that you're dying - ugh, I feel for you. It's the worst feeling. I hope you are feeling much better soon. :hug:

[Piperay]

68. St John's Wort

I have panic attacks and take SJW for them and it has really helped, it doesn't work for everyone but it might be worth a try.

[bigwillq]

72. I use to take SJW and it really helped!

I might go back on it. I don't really want to take the pills they gave me unless I really have to.

[Moloch]

71. I used to have a lot of panic attacks.

They were terrifying, but I think they were mostly a side-effect of all the crystal meth I was using at the time (I'm clean now). The Doctor gave me effexor and it seemed to work ok.

[bigwillq]

73. Hmm, let me PM you

and ask you a question about drugs! OK?

[Ariana Celeste]

74. May not be an option for you-

but for me, the only thing that worked was a complete change in environment. I was getting attacks so often, for numerous reasons. Ok, so I got to the point where I was afraid of the dark. I was scared to death of being mugged/raped/harmed by people. I was afraid of social interaction. I was afraid of being out on my own. I left Tacoma, WA and moved to Plainfield, IN, and now I don't get attacks at all.


Anywho, eating right and maybe taking something like St. Johns Wort should help just fine, along with sleeping regularly. Good luck!

[Ridiculous Bill]

75. panic

i have been afflicted with these too. they're terrible. western medicine i found useless. in severe cases pharmaceuticals may be necessary but generally this is something you can handle yourself thru meditation or yoga or other means. I went on Kava Kava for awhile. That helped. You might also check out Rescue Remedy and/or Dr. Bach's Five-Flower-Formula. also, you might have a check-in period with yourself. clearly something is distressing your subconcious, demanding your attention. oh, and like everyone has mentioned: quit smoking. I quit 2 1/2 yrs ago and miss it terribly but it is empirically bad for you

[bigwillq]

77. Thanks for your tips!

BTW, Welcome to DU!:toast:

[livinginphotographs]

76. I have generalized anxiety.

Besides medication, something my mom taught me that kind of helps.

Count backwards from twenty, as many times as necessary. It helps to take your mind of it. Cutting down on caffeine might help as well, but smoking, I disagree. Quitting smoking or cutting back could only make it worse.