for anyone who has suffered panic attacks?

Question

i have been getting them a lot lately, especially at night. i'm not on any medicine for it..for those of you who are does it really help you? i get these random out of nowhere attacks and i'm sick of it. but i also don't like medicine..but if it's worth it i'll ask my dr.

i get the horrible "i'm dying" ones that seriously come from nowhere. and they hurt

Answer 1

I to suffer from panic and anxiety attacks with a compulsive disorder to boot. Actually trying to write this makes me feel anxious. I tried to fight them for years. "I don't need medicine, Nothings wrong". And of course failed! I was on Effexor for about 5 years and thought " IM cured" So, I just stopped taking them. (bad idea) Went very well for about 6 months, then I hit bottom! Hit it hard! Tried to fix myself once again. But, after severe dibilitating attacks, thoughts of suicide and complete fear of everything and anything. I tried the psychiatrist method. That only made me think about things that upset me more. And I'd have an attack thinking about what I would tell the psychiatrist. That lasted about a week. I tried reading every book about panic/anxiety. Those made me worse! I decided it was either 'life on meds' to make it a little easier on myself with a few side effects. Or life in my bedroom suffering with this fear and awaiting the next attack. I'm back on the Effexor now and take xanax with me everywhere for emergancies! (im afraid i'll get addicted to xanax, so that's a whole nother issue) I still await the next attack, however I can leave my home now. I think when someone really suffers from serious panic attacks they will try ANYTHING to rid themselves of them. I have been there a few times in my life. It's been about 2 years since I've had a full blown attack. However, I plan my whole life and world around...what if i have an attack? Will my phone work so i can call my mom?will i make an *** out of myself? what if this time its not a panic attack and im actualy dying? The what if's control me! I'm not so sure this is any kind of answer you are looking for as much as a reasurrance that you're not alone! I do wish you luck with whatever method you choose. I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy.

Answer 2

Yes it really does help. It has been shown that medication along with cognitive therapy is the best treatment for panic attacks so you may want to look in to talking with a therapist too if that is an option. I think you should go see a Dr. I have suffered from panic and anxiety attacks and did not want to take medications either but have found it to be the best option for me after many years of suffering. Good luck~

Answer 3

I try to find somebody and talk to them immediately, even if that means calling someone late at night. I also try to get my mind off the subject, go for a walk and I know its not the best thing to do but I smoke a cigarette. It gets my mind off. In terms of preventing, try not to put yourself in situations that may cause harm. For example dont ask a question if you can't stand an answer you don't favor (thats something I do alot!) When it happens, try to have a buddy for these times. Someone you can always call/text and try getting your mind off it. Leaving the place is also a good help, even if it means just changing the room. Remember: panic attacks are a cycle. A mental situation creates a physical condition (e.g. high heartbeat rate) and then it makes the mental situation worse. so you have to cut off the cycle somewhere: Either try to take your mind off and distract yourself, or try taking deep breaths and physically calming yourself down. Thats what those pills are for.

Answer 4

I had panic attacks starting in December, not sure what caused it, they seemed to come from nowhere but they are often a result of heightened stress in your life.

I found a combination of antidepressants (Fluoxetine) and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy worked wonders... within four weeks it all stopped. Obviously it depends on your situation, nobody is the same but if you feel its affecting your life see your doctor.

Just don't rely on drugs alone, you need to make changes in your lifestyle for the effects to last. Panic is easily treated so hang in there.

Answer 5

You can take steps to lessen the chance of attacks and learn to manage them better. Learn to recognize a panic attack. When you sense the first symptoms, know that other symptoms may follow. You have survived them before and can do so again. Try slow, deep breaths.

Take your time. It's important not to hope for a quick cure. Therapy takes time, and improvement comes in small steps.

Go easy on yourself. People who feel panic tend to be overly critical of themselves.

Learn to lower your level of everyday anxiety through a variety of techniques, including meditation and exercise.

Avoid stimulants, such as nicotine and caffeine, which can be found not only in coffee, but many teas, colas and chocolate.

Answer 6

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

Hope this helps you and wish you the best of health

Answer 7

You should go see your Doctor. Only they can ask the questions and do the neccessary tests to give you the correct medication. Often times panic attacks are caused by stress. I myself used to get attacks all the time when I did public speaking, so I'd always have to have my inhaler handy. I rarely have attacks now because a friend of mine helped me look at exactly what was the cause of that stress.

Answer 8

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 9

My son gets panic attacks, and initially he wanted medication to feel "normal". I wanted to try a different approach as I beleive the medication does not fix it, it just masks teh symptons. My son saw a psychologist and had a series of EMDR therapy which helped him ALOT, he also learnt techniques to use when he felt an attack coming on and these techniques can stop them. After a while he was fine, he doesnt have the attacks anymore, and he never had to take drugs.

Answer 10

I had panic attacks frequently when my husband was in Iraq. And the only thing that helped me was medication. I was on Valium ( which I became addicted to) and Clonazapam which is non habit forming.. I would recommen that one you deffinately don't want an addiction.. Good luck and I hope you get better soon.