Panic attacks are back! after almost 10 years help it's horrible?

Question

Hi as of yesterday I had a horrible panic attack that came out of nowhere, my chest hurt horrible felt like someone was standing on it, I couldnt catch my breath my heart was racing my hands and feet went tingling I started sweating but I was cold and clammy, I thought my heart was going to explode! I have had tachecardia (sp?) and irrelgular heat beats when I was like 12 or so but I wasnt put on any meds and it eventually cleared up but with the attacks now coming on so quick and lasting for about 10-15 min. I go to the doc later this afternoon to see whats going on, I have had 3 of these attacks in less that 15 hours and there HORRIBLE! I am currently taking 40 mg. celexa once a day what do you recommend I should do (ie meds/ heart monitor/EKG) I am also haveing bad heart bad heart pain after an attack

Answer 1

It all sounds like a normal panic attack to me, I get them too. You can get an EKG just to be sure you're heart is ok, but it probably won't show anything. Right now, I would avoid any stimulants such as caffeine, sugars and energy drinks. Try to keep your mind busy, but relax. Watch a good movie or something. You can ask you're doc for an anti-anxiety such as Xanax or Klonopin for when you feel an attack coming on. these are meds that can be taken as needed and should prevent an attack without wiping you out. You can also ask if Lexapro would be better everyday instead of Celexa. good luck

Answer 2

I can relate to how you ar efeeling. I have had chronic anxiety for over 16 years. It comes and goes. Always seems worse after you have gone for a while without having an attack. I think we forget how bad it feels, and how scary it can be. I suggest going to the doctor and having your heart checked just to be on the safe side. After any problems have been ruled out, maybe you could ask for a med (in addition to your regular one) to take on an as-needed basis to get you through the hard times. I take xanax as needed and it has really been a life saver for me. I dont know how I could work or anything without it. Remember to stay calm, breathe slowly and deeply and relax as much as possible during the attacks. Good luck to you.

Answer 3

I'm surprised 40mg Celexa is not working for you. It seems like a medication change/adjustment is in order. If you have an appointment today, your doctor should address this appropriately. Don't worry, there are tons of different meds out there for panic disorder. You just need to be on the right one/dosage.

All your symptoms sound related to anxiety, so don't worry. Hope things improve for you after today's visit.

Answer 4

Definitely go to the doc. I had someone explain to me that we get panic attacks because of a buildup of chemicals in the body as a reaction to stress. The buildup gets so high in your body that out of nowhere it goes into 'panic' mode and thus causes the panic attack. The Fight or Flight syndrome, adrenelin rush. You have to exercise/walk each day to keep the chemicals down and keep your body calm. You will find this info on web sites if you google 'panic attacks'. You just need to understand the reason people get panic attacks and then you can deal with them. Best of luck.

Answer 5

Hi,
There is this guide by anxiety expert Joe Barry , he has taught thousands of people to be panic free without any medication using a revolutionary new technique, http://www.panicaway.co.nr , its really a great guide , it should help you get rid of panic attacks forever in a few days

Answer 6

you're doing the right thing going to the doctor. Just keep pursuing with specialists if necessary. I assume you've had a monitor on? That's the first thing most docs will do.