People with panic attacks. I have a question please!?

Question

Ok, so i have panic attacks, but they have always been very small and during the day. I took my 1st dose of zoloft 2 days ago, it caused insomnia BAD and i started getting hot flashes, sweats/chills, and shaking......

i stopped taking the pill (so i onyl took the 1 dose) and then when i went to bed last night, it was the same thing, the dizzy hot flashes and nervousness.....why did it happen 2 nights in a row??? is that normal for panic attacks??? is my mind like thinking its gonna happen so it does because it happend in the same situation the night before? thanks....

p.s. are there any, 'take as needed' pills for anxiety that help you relax? someone mentions like, valume? or valium?

Answer 1

I had a panic attack in the shower. After my first very small attack I became extremely worried that it was going to happen again. I had a major one while driving and felt as if I was going to pass out or worse. I had to pull over. I went to the hospital and was diagnosed with panic attacks.

I have not had one sense then but I have suffered with anxiety. The thing that works for me is I have a phone buddy who I can call and talk to. I need to be distracted. If I am not distracted then I will not stop worrying about what is going on.

Also I figured out why this was going on. What was stressing me out to the point of having these attacks. For me, it the worry of my smoking habbit. I suffer with a stuffy nose and drainage in my throat caused from smoking. I then begin to worry that I can't breathe.

I don't take medicine because I believe I can beat this mentally sense it is a psychological problem. For some people this will not work and medicine is needed.

There is some over the counter stuff you can buy in the health stores for anxiety. My doctor recomened to me before going to a prescription.

I bought Natural Care Anxiety Relief. I used it in the begining and it seemed to help. I stopped using it because I want to beat this on my own. I do still have the bottle just incase though.

Panic attacks will seem horrible and will last up to 10 min. If you find yourself in this state or on the way to that state then try to convince yourself what is going on with you is only psychological and there is no danger.

For me coffee will make me feel as if I am going to have a panic attack. Coffee doesn't cause panic attacks but too much caffine can have a toxic effect on the body that is simiular to panic attacks.

Eat well, avoid caffine that alone may help you.

If you have not had a physical have one done. This will reasure you that physically you are fine. After the hospital did an EKG and breathing tests on me and told me I was fine that has helped me stay calmer.

Good luck with you

Answer 2

Valium will work as a take as needed pill, but, they will make you very sleepy. I take Lexapro for my panic attacks. It took about 2 weeks to get through the side effects you are describing, but I am great now. I have not had an attack in close to a year. I was having them 2-3 times a day. You have to give the medicine time to start working, about 2 weeks. You will feel dizzy and out of sorts for about 1-2 weeks. Insomnia is another side effect, but it will go away.

Answer 3

What you described sounded like side effects from the Zoloft in your system but also just like a panic attack. I don't know why you also had it the day you didn't take the pill unless it's just a panic attack and you haven't given the Zoloft enough time to 'kick in' which could take weeks.

There are 'take as needed' meds for anxiety but they can be highly addictive. Ativan is a fast acting one but I was addicted within a few weeks. I was popping pills all day long and I'd have anxiety attacks if I didn't take a pill. Xanax is another one. I now take Klonopin which is longer lasting. I take 1mg in the morning and 0.5mg at night. I no longer have panic attacks and my anxiety is MUCH lower. Klonopin is still addictive but it hasn't been for me (yet) and I've been taking it for months now.

I take Lexapro for depression. It can help some people with anxiety but it's not enough for me. That's why I need the Klonopin as well. Zoloft never helped me but it works wonders for some people. Talk to your doctor more about it.

Answer 4

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling bad. Yes, the fear or anticipation of having a panic attack (or any of the symptoms) can in fact make you have a panic attack.

Believe it or not, you're in complete control of whether or not you have a panic attack - recognising that is the first step to overcoming it. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com It has been funded by NHS Scotland and has had great results thus far.

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/minipax.cfm?mini_ID=23

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Answer 5

taking an antidepressant relieves the depression which has been masking the anxiety disorder, so obviously when you take an effective antidepressant, you risk increased and more powerful anxiety attacks. There are meds you can take to control this, talk to your doctor, and get back on the zoloft, or your depression will mask the anxiety again. You also need to be seeing a therapist to find out what the root of the issue is that is causing your anxiety response and consequent depression. Otherwise, all the meds in the world aren't going to do much good.

Answer 6

i think you're right about thinking it's gonna happen so it's happening. Yes they can be symptoms of a panic attack. Zoloft is more for general anxiety/depression than actual panick attacks. You do need to take it for at least a week to see if it can help though. Xanax can also be given along with the Zolft for an actual attack. Xanex WILL make you tired though, maybe not the best choice for during the day.

Answer 7

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 8

My dad is taking the same medication. He had the symptoms of insomnia, loss of appitite, sweats, chills, etc. Within a couple weeks, he was back to normal.
If your anxiety was bad enough for you to go on medication, you need to continue taking it. Yes, you will have some side effects at first but it will be well worth it. Any medication used for anxiety/depression will have side effects like this one.

Answer 9

Valium is addictive... and Zoloft can cause some sever side effects... I recommend (from personal experience) using Lexapro if you can... I didn't have any side effects, it works within a few days instead of weeks or months like many such as Prozac and it helps me sleep and keeps me feeling calm.... I love it.

Answer 10

Panic doesnt attack you, you have anxiety disorder. you may have been anxious about taking the pill or it was a side effect if you are prescribed it to take daily then take it daily it will help more than if you take like a xanax only when you think you need it.