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Posted 10/21/2016 1:13 PM (GMT 0)
I had a SEVERE panic attack about a month ago while driving. I ended up in the ER thinking I was dying. I KNEW I was going to die. In the weeks following, I ended up in the ER several more times. HORRIBLE panic attacks. Couldn't breath, chest burning, weak numb limbs, INTENSE FEAR. Now I have a scrip for Klonopin and I try everything in my power not to take them. I've managed to only take 14 pills in 2.5 weeks. This whole time I cannot sleep for the life of me. I toss and turn and a anxious wreck for hours. Now I think my lack of sleep is fueling my anxiety. Anyone else suffer from this? I have severe anxiety almost all day every day. This all started out of nowhere about a month ago. I'm 28 years old, stressful but enjoyable job and stressful relationship. HELP
Posted 10/21/2016 3:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi XD and welcome!

I am so sorry to hear of your recent anxiety challenges. :( We know how scary and confusing it can be.

The good news is that you are addressing this early and reaching out for help!

So you have been to your GP...we're you given a therapy or P-doc referral? Was a daily maintenance medication discussed?

In my opinion an A/D (SSRI) taken daily is best used for daily maintenance. ..and the benzo reserved for acute anxiety/bad attacks...

...and therapy is essential to any recover program.

For now, please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great self help material. Practicing the suggested exercises daily will make a big difference in how you feel.

Keep posting with us as well if you find it helpful. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 10/21/2016 3:09 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately, due to my career I am not able to take any SSRIs. I'm not suppose to take klonopin either so I am currently doing administrative duties until I can get off all medications. This is terrible. Most of the day I feel like I'm suffocating and panicked. A lot of times it will slowly escalate into a full blown panic attack unless I take the klonopin. My anxiety is elevated even more when I am driving or somewhere I feel I cannot escape. When I am having a panic attack I find it extremely difficult to convince myself that nothing is wrong with m physically and the attack cannot hurt me. I've had blood work and EKGs done. Pretty much normal except for being a little low in vitamin d which I am now supplementing with. Anyone ever try taking Ashwagandha? I read that it may work for anxiety. Thank you for your response Cat!
Posted 10/21/2016 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
And yes I am seeing a psychologist. He thinks I'm just under a ton of stress and my body finally caved. Now I fear the fear as they say and worry I'll never feel like my normal self again :/
Posted 10/21/2016 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
I hope things improve for you, Its so terrifying when it gets to such a high degree as many on this site will agree.
I cannot offer any advice on meds but i send you support in my thoughts
Posted 10/21/2016 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dave,

I'm so sorry for this anxiety situation. It's so frustrating and exhausting.

An SSRI is generally much more effective in the long term for treating anxiety. I think if you're already on administrative duties because of the klonopin, then giving an SSRI a try might be worth it. Treatment with an SSRI doesn't have to be forever - 6 months to a year is standard course if you're seeing remission.

However, if that is still not an option for you, there are other types of anxiety medications that you could try. I don't know what your other medication restrictions might be for work, but perhaps talk to your doctor about buspirone, beta-blockers, or antihistamines.

Continue working with your therapist, as they'll be able to help you with coping and relaxation techniques.

Sending you lots of strength! Know that your anxiety is lying to you and you WILL feel better!
Posted 10/21/2016 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the reply! The goal is to be able to return to work early next month. SSRI wouldn't be an option (still too long term). I feel like if I can get enough sleep routinely it would greatly improve my anxiety and panic. I've gotten much better since the horrible panic attacks started a month ago but anxiety levels are now high and sleep seems impossible. I want to find a healthy non prescription sleep aid. I guess I'll peruse the vitamin shoppe.
Posted 10/21/2016 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Here is the link for the Resources I mentioned:

www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206


I suggest you start with the 'Stress Relieving Exercises' link...as well as 'The Super Scanner'. The latter is a great explanation on the effects of anxiety on our physical body, and the anxiety=symptoms=more anxiety=increased symptoms...

...and the stress relieving exercises will bring down your overall anxiety levels...mind and body!

As far as sleep...have you tried Melatonin? How about Sound Wave Therapy/Binaural Beats?

Both are good/natural help for sleep.

Keep posting...we are cheering you on in finding your best management plan!

S.C.
Posted 10/21/2016 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Awesome thanks for the link! I'm actually leaving the store right now. I picked up some melatonin! I'll have to try everything you mentioned. I will be sharing any updates and hopefully progress. This anxiety is taking over my life and now my job is on the line. Fingers crossed!
Posted 10/21/2016 5:08 PM (GMT 0)
Absolutely!

We are cheering you on...and here for support anytime.:) You are taking the right steps...just give it time and be patient with yourself and the process...

With encouragement,

S.C.
Posted 10/21/2016 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
I can't believe how supportive people are on these forums. These are the only people that actually know what you are going through. Not even Drs know what a severe panic attack really is like. So many people just say things like "just calm down, relax" They have NO idea.
Posted 10/21/2016 6:00 PM (GMT 0)
We stick together for sure! ;p We need each other...

...I have a great family and wonderful friends...but I depend on this community for understanding and the empathy that only similarly challenged peeps can give! ;)

Update when you can,

S.C.
Posted 10/22/2016 3:46 AM (GMT 0)
I don't have personal experience with this sleep aid, but someone on this forum really recommends this:

Irwin Naturals Power to Sleep PM Soft-Gels
Posted 10/22/2016 7:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum but sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment.

You have had some good input above and I just wanted to add that Mindfulness Meditation is worth looking into is it really does work wonders on anxiety we have some good links in our resources section so take a look.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 10/22/2016 9:42 PM (GMT 0)
I've been trying the meditation thing. It works if my anxiety is low but if intense anxiety is already flowing through my veins or I'm in the middle of a panic attack, NOTHING helps. I usually stand in a cold shower and suffer through it if I'm home. If I'm in public, I scramble to a bathroom and take a Klonopin (that I never leave home without). I hate taking them though. I don't want to have to depend on medication.

When I read about panic attacks, most information says they peak within minutes and are short lived. I have all the panic symptoms but mine have lasted for hours! Makes me wonder if it's not a panic attack and if it's my nervous system freaking out because of something going on inside me. This is so frustrating.
Posted 10/22/2016 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Cat suggested melatonin yesterday. I took one last night with some sleep tea and I had the best sleep in over a month. So thanks for that! However, the first half of my day, I felt really well and now I'm watching a movie and suddenly my heart is pounding, chest burns, extremely nervous, and feels like I'm suffocating. I wouldn't call it a panic attack but it is disabling anxiety. Where did this come from???
Posted 10/22/2016 10:08 PM (GMT 0)
D.,

I am sorry you are feeling rough now.:( Try your best to take slow deep breaths...as this will actually reverse most of your physical symptoms...

...and speak positive mantra such as:

"I am okay, this is just anxiety making me feel like this."

and

"I've been through this before and gotten through it, and I can do the same again."

I know what you mean about having the longer than textbook attacks...and have read that more people than not experience the same...

...however, I am hoping this is not the case for you today...may this be short lived! Just wanted to reassure you.:)

You can get through this...we are sending you encouragement!

S.C.
Posted 10/22/2016 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
superfunk-i looked up irwin sleep aid you mentioned . its got gaba in it and this must be what makes it so potent. no other sleep aid i know of thats otc has this . i have taken gaba and it quite potent . its not easy to find nor get your hands on. you could really be on to something here . might even sub for a rx sleep aid . i learned to meditate when i was a teen but cant do it when have anxiety either
Posted 10/22/2016 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
***just be careful to check Gaba supplements with use of SSRI'S...as the jury seems to be out on whether or not they are safe taken together.***

S.C.
Posted 10/23/2016 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
I've read that GABA supplements are pointless anyways due to the fact they do not cross the blood brain barrier. I've heard A LOT of good things about Ashwagandha. It's supposed to relax the nervous system. It has almost no side effects and doesn't react negatively with SSRIs. If you decide to try it, get Ashwagandha that is "standardized" to at least 4%. I picked some up yesterday. So far anxiety is much more controlled. Gonna wait a few more days until I make my mind up about it. Could be placebo affect right now. Do some research on it.
Posted 10/23/2016 2:44 AM (GMT 0)
So glad you had a good night sleep and half day dave!
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