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panic attacks in the morning

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Posted 12/13/2015 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
the past 2 days I have woken up in extreme panic. Feeling shaky, weak, hyperventilating, etc. even though I took a Xanax before bed. I would think it would still be working in the morning right? and its been hard for me to come out of it. yesterday it took me all day till I finally felt better. Im trying to use positive thinking to help me but its been difficult.
Posted 12/13/2015 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
NMP,

Xanax works great for most panic and anxiety sufferers, BUT it usually only lasts for around 4 hours before it wears off:( You might be better off to take a Xanax when you wake up in the morning.
Posted 12/13/2015 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
really? I thought it lasted longer than that. I cant take it in the morning because it knocks me out. and I have children I am usually alone with. I take Effexor also at night. but I don't think it works for me.
Posted 12/14/2015 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
NMP,

Have you considered trying Vistaril? It may be worth talking to your doctor about as a Xanax alternative. It is an antihistamine, taken off label for acute anxiety/panic...and may have a sedative effect...but not to the extent of a benzo.

Keep practicing/trying your coping skills...they will make a difference!

Cortisol is highest in the morning, so between using coping skills and your Rx, you should be able to offset its effects in the a.m.

Best wishes,

S.C.
Posted 12/14/2015 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
As I mentioned in my own post last week, I started taking Ashwagandha supplements because I read online that they not only help reduce anxuety/depression but lower levels of cortisol, which is more prevalent when waking and excess cortisol can cause anxiety and panic. I have been taking it for only a week and already I feel a difference! I don't wake as anxious and I feel less stressed during the day. You might want to try it. It says you should take 500 mg capsules twice a day but I've only been taking one in the morning so far and I already feel better.
Posted 12/14/2015 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
where do you get that andwes? I never heard of it before?

SC and andwes - you both discussed cortisol - doesn't prednisone effect that? I was on an extrememly low dosage of prednisone for chronic hives for a very long time. after this recent health scare I stopped it cold turkey. I had been having bloodwork done while on it and it wasn't doing damage to my adrenal gland. but could that be why I had the panic attacks in the am? that's another fear I have now that my steroid use suppressed my immune system and caused me to have cancer,
Posted 12/14/2015 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
NMP,

It is well documented that steroid drugs can cause or exacerbate anxiety...

I am not sure if they increase or leave one more sensitive to the effects of Cortisol...but that could be the reason.

Everyone has Cortisol (a stress hormone) and it is necessary...especially in the a.m. Without it...we would not be able to get stimulated/motivated to get up after sleep!

...however, the trouble starts when we either produce too much, or become sensitized to its effects due to anxiety.

Perhaps stopping your Rx...

...and certainly working on your coping skills, especially in the morning...

will help you to manage this issue, I am sure.:)

Let us know if you hear anything today regarding your results from your appointment, okay?

S.C.
Posted 12/14/2015 11:06 PM (GMT 0)
still no results SC! but my stomach pains continue! now that ive "gone" my stomach is very gurgly and just going nuts. I also just feel weak and tired. im always tired. I can never get motivated to do anything until at least the afternoon. wondering if this could be from the Xanax too. I take it at night before bed. and my vision seems blurry too. this is horrible. I just want this all to be over. I can barely function and xmas is a week away. how do I get through this for my children and family?
Posted 12/14/2015 11:31 PM (GMT 0)
I just had a thought...

...it seems that I remember that Xanax can slow down the bowels...so I wonder if you are just having a natural reaction to this Rx??

Do your symptoms coincide with starting the Xanax?

S.C.
Posted 12/14/2015 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Yep...just looked it up, and it sure does!

I am sorry...I should have put this together before this...I didn't immediately realize you were taking this at first when you mentioned the constipation issue.

Well...now you now at least...normal side effect!

S.C.
Posted 12/14/2015 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
I hope that was it! thank you!!!!

now if I could only eat my dinner. Im freaking out because as it goes down my throat it almost feels like it gets stuck. im really freaking out now
Posted 12/14/2015 11:49 PM (GMT 0)
Just put a link in your other thread...
Posted 12/15/2015 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi there, NoMorePanic,

I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I was curious about your comment that you had been on low-dose Prednisone for a long time and then quit cold turkey. Was that recently? It might be worth mentioning to your doctor since chronic steroid usage can create a dependency and our bodies can struggle to adjust afterwards.

Symptoms of steroid withdrawal can include worsening anxiety, fatigue, and weakness as you described, so there may be an underlying physical condition which could be making it harder to get a handle on your anxiety. Your doctor might suggest something like a slower taper to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Let us know how you're doing!

- chronicwellness
Posted 12/15/2015 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
thank you chronic - yes I quit taking it when my health concerns started because I was afraid it was making me immunosuppressed. I just looked into prednisone withdrawal and that was pretty scary also! I have taken it for about 3 years now for chronic hives. I was on a very low dosage though 2.5mg a day. so I don't even know how to wean off such a low dose. but my whole body aches esp my joints and I was sweating a lot today and those are all symptoms of withdrawal. so I took it again after having not taken it for 4 days.
Posted 12/15/2015 10:35 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Nomorepanic - look up Asheagandha online...it gives you lots of info on it. You may be able to get it at a health food store like Whole Foods but I ordered it online. Good luck!
Posted 12/17/2015 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi NoMorePanic,

How are you feeling now? Prednisone is such a tricky drug. I know because I've been on it for two years myself (I have an autoimmune condition). I've never had severe immunosuppression on a dose as low as yours, but I understand why you would still be concerned.

Being on it for a few years, though, might explain withdrawal symptoms if you quit cold turkey. Tapering slowly isn't too difficult, but it helps avoid some pesky side effects and your doctor can help you come up with the schedule/dose decreases that are right for you. I hope you feel better soon as you figure out what is contributing to your symptoms!

All the best,
chronicwellness
Posted 12/20/2015 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi NoMorePanic,

That's what I'm going through also, what's going on?
Is it because of the world around us?
In my opinion using positive thinking should help you, I've tried a few different self help things also, I'm still looking around for something to help me.
As far as taking the Xanax I think also that it is better to take it in the morning when you wake up.
Hopefully this will end soon and you will feel better.
Hugs and wishes for you.
God bless you.
Love,
Freakedoutone
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