Freaking out. Really really bad

wen do u get these panic attacks..are u always doind anything particular when this happens?!

Thanks for the advice.  It helped as much as it could, and the breathing definitely helped subside the anxiety a little.  I'm not exactly sure what spurned this sudden panic, but I ended up getting severely sick for a while and couldn't move for an hour or so.  I'm really afraid that this is being caused by my medicine- I've never had such a physical response to anxiety, and if I do it's usually just minor? And my pdoc is on vacation, and I know you aren't supposed to stop taking medication.. But seriously, I've felt sick since I began treatment, and this is the worst it has been so far, even though we're further into treatment and all the side effects should be gone.. Urgh, I still feel incredibly ill, but I know it isn't a virus, because I've had a milder form ever since I've started treatment.  Any thoughts?

Oh, and I also attribute the panic to not getting enough sleep last night.  Sometimes that happens, even if it is to a lesser extent.  Thanks for the concern.

NeverBetter...

Sounds like you aren't doing so better right now.  Yes, breathing is good.  Never forget to breathe.  Remind yourself that even though you feel like you won't survive the panic attack, people do not die from panic attacks.  Most doctors have another doc cover for them when they go on vacation....does your doc have some doc who can help out??  And as big a pain this is if things get really bad. there is always ER, especially if you think it could be a med reaction.  A month ago I accidently put myself in the hospital when I mixed lithium with ibuprophen (not suppose to be mixed) and my lithium went toxic.  Have you taken any over the counter meds around the time of getting sick that could interact with your meds??

Let us know how you are doing.....hang in there.

Hi Neverbetter, I think you have been given some good advice. I think it would be important to see another dr. Your dr. must have somone who is covering for them. The breathing is an important part of staying calm. And be sure that you do regulate your breathing with slow in and exhale out through your mouth like Karen said. You don't want to get overly anxious and hyperventilate. You can breathe into a paper bag to help regulate your breathing. One of the things that may be happening to you is that you had a panic attack that seemed to come out of no where. This has happened to me and then the fear of another possible attack is what could be freaking you out. Sometimes it is the anticipation for the panic that causes us to get fearful and then have more anxiety. Do you have meds for anxiety? If you are on an a/d you might also ask the dr. for some kind of mild anti anxiety med.  I know how scary panic attacks are from my experience but I have learned not to anticipate panicking. Is there a trigger thar might set this off such as a certain place or in a crowd? It can help to recognize what your triggers are and learn to practice going somewhere with a friend or if you have to avoid that place. I know I had terrible panic attacks driving certain places and I have found by taking a different route I avoid the bad feelings. I hope you are feeling better soon and do post again and tell us how you are doing.

Aurora