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Help For Lyme Panic Attacks?

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Posted 12/3/2008 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
I get a lot of panic attacks from Lyme (never had them prior so I assume that's what they are from), but the rest of my week is going to be busy, so I'm really nervous about getting one. For instance, I'm going to have my hair cut, colored, and highlighted tomorrow and the chemicals always trigger some sort of reaction.

I used to carry Ativan in my bag just in case, but now that I know I'm allergic, I won't be taking that again.

Is there anything I can do to stop or lessen the panic attacks? I get all the symptoms, shortness of breath, disassociation, feeling like I'm going to pass out, and I just can't have that the next couple of days.

Any ideas?
Posted 12/4/2008 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bella,
This is probably not what you wanted to hear, but the only thing that helped my panic/anxiety attacks (probably not caused by lyme, but maybe exacerbated by it) was going to a doctor and starting paxil! Seriously, it REALLY helped...kind of changed my life, actually. I used to have anxiety attacks all the time...whenever I wasn't having one, I was scared of having one. The Paxil totally eliminated that. It's gotta be a long-term commitment, so I don't know if you want to take it, but I thought I'd share.
You might also want to visit the panic/anxiety forum on here to see if anyone has more naturopathic advice.
Posted 12/4/2008 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
I am on Paxil and Xanax.... I didn't have panic attacks until I had LD. The Paxil is drug you would take daily and it is also prescribed for depression. The Xanax is taken "as needed" and works within a few minutes (if melted under the tongue) or within 20-30 minutes if swallowed whole.

Hope this helps.
Posted 12/4/2008 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Gave up caffeine and started antibiotics. Sweaty palms, pounding heart vanished.

Now if I could just get over CRANKINESS
Posted 12/4/2008 3:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Alfers and Jennifer,

How well is Paxil tolerated? Did you guys have any side effects from it?

I'm always so scared to take anything, and then after the IV Ativan disaster (I had blurry double vision, vomiting, tachycardia), I'm more scared than ever.
Posted 12/4/2008 4:53 AM (GMT 0)
I've had no side effects at all from Paxil. You should definitely see a good psychiatrist, though, who can prescribe it and monitor you, making sure it's the right dose and you're tolerating it well. That is, I recommend seeing a psychiatrist if you are thinking Paxil might help (or to help you deal with the panic attacks), not saying that you should see one in general. :)
Posted 12/4/2008 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
I had my first panic attack last year. I thought I was having a heart attack. Very scary. But that was a really bad day....
But then it got to where I would have one in the grocery store, or taking my kids to school.
So zanax I have always had did not stop mine. And as they were already coming on..it was to late. I can't drive with fatique
and zanax. But i was put on LAMOTRIGINE 25 MG.
I mean this stuff is like a massage and a martini in one for me...lol
After four years of the chest pains and the excitement issues, this stuff has made me level. I don't have the highs and the lows
or the panic issues anymore. I am supposed to take 300 mg of it. But I never take ev en 100mg. I usaully forget to.
But even 25 mg in the morning and then 25 mg later in the day. keeps me cool as a cumcumber.
I am not going to call 911 every time i faint...lol, but must admit it is a great way to see how god looking the local firemen are..:>)
marie
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