Panic Disorder? I'm at a loss as to what is wrong with me...

Hello
I'm new here and to this but a friend recomended this website for support. I began law school in the fall and right around the time I started, I began to experience these odd "attacks". My first time i was sitting in class, all of a sudden got really hot, my heart started racing, my hands and feet became numb and tingly and i felt like I was going to pass out. I didn't know what was going on, thought I was having a heart attack and left the class to get help. Once i realized I was not having a heart attack and all my vitals were fine- I calmed down a bit. However for the rest of the day i felt really really weird, off- tired, groggy and like I coudn't focus right.

Since then, I have about one or two "attacks" per week. My doctor put me on lexapro, but that didn't do anything and as of last week took me off of it. I have had lab work done, worn a heart monitor and am now meeting with a cardiologist to rule out anything physical.

After having an "attack" I am always so tired. My vision sometimes even feels odd or strained after or during.

What is wrong with me? Does anyone else experience this? I feel like a freak and its making me miss class sometimes and it is hard to miss class in law school.

At first I thought they might be panic attacks but I"m never nervous or scared or anxious and don't feel any of those symptoms.....so I'm at a loss.

thanks.

My first PA was out of the blue also. I felt alot you are, plus I was really edgy and restless - hot one minute, then cold the next. It sure sound like panic attacks. You may not even be aware of your stress level, especially if you have been used to dealing with it for a while.

When I first got them, my doc gave me xanax, which helped alot (just knowing I had them on me helped!). CBT and deep breathing can help lessen the severity and frequency of the attacks - some people can get rid of them alltogether.

Best of luck on your tests and hope you're feeling better soon.

Karen

I know exactly what you are talking about.  I get the same way.  I really feel like I am going to black out.  Usually I get really hot first. My legs start feeling weak, then the feeling of fainting.  It does feel real, however I have never fainted.  I too have been through many many medical tests.  All of my tests are fine.  It does sound like panic attacks.  You may have been stressed about starting school and not really known it.  It is hard to figure out why these things happen.  I would try other meds.  It will get better.

I can relate to how you're feeling. I dont get the panic attacks too often anymore, but I still get really frustrated. The reason you have "lingering effects" afterwards is probably anxiety (which is "normal"). The panic attacks and anxiety are also most likely wearing you out!

Be positive about the therapy. My first round of A/P was able to be controlled with just therapy. It's great that he/she specializes in anxiety. Mine didnt, but he did wonders anyway!

Karen

I'll get tunnel vision or have black spots that block part of my vision (sounds almost like an old Bugs Bunny cartoon, huh?!) I know vision problems are common during A/P.

When you feel dizzy, can you bend down (to get your head low) til it starts to pass? Maybe pretend to be looking for something in your purse or bag? Just be sure to sit back up slowly!

Karen

Neb, I know how you feel.  I started having panic attacks about 2 months ago. I am also back in school and studying to become a Nurse Practitioner. This is my 3rd semester in the program so I'm not sure why I am just now getting stressed!  It's odd, I'm in a profession where I help people daily and I feel like I can't even help myself!

It has been almost 3 weeks since I had a panic attack and guess what.... I had 2 today! Do any of you ever have more than one in a day? I was driving to the hospital this afternoon and while I was driving began to have the feeling of dizziness and numbness around my mouth. I realized I had been shallow breathing and began to do my breathing exercises which sometimes contribute to my dizziness! I got myself calm again and went on my merry way.  Then I had to run in to Wal-mart tonight and although I am not aware of any social anxiety that I may have, but I had to drop all my stuff and leave immediately and go to my vehicle.  I feel so out of control. My doctor mentioned Lexapro after running  a ton of tests, but she wants to hold off because I am trying to have a baby. I feel so out of control!

Sorry for the late welcome neb, but we are glad you are here, it does sound like the horrible panic attacks we all have troubles with, i get dizzy also, and the sight seems to go odd at times, but i hope you start to feel better soon. Im proud of you for not leaving the store i have left many times after walking in ;) its alot of small baby steps to get through this, but we can do it, take care and keep posting
hugs, shell

It's panic and anxiety. Hey, you are in law school. Anybody would be stresssed! Just continue to get help. Take meds and get counseling if you need it. It all helps. Just try not to get overwhelmed with school and take a mental break once in a while.

thanks again.
i'm actually in class right now- feeling a little dizzy but i keep telling myself i'm not going to pass out and just to stick it out. and i keep doing deep breathing or letting myself just "sit still" and not focus on class for a few minute to regain composer.

i'm just so concerned with what people will think if i do pass out that it makes it worse.

I know one thing that I finally learned to tell myself.  I was scared to death about what people would think of me if I passed out.  I finally came to realize that first of all- I am not going to pass out, and second- A lot of people pass out for different reasons.  We have all seen a lot worse happen in our lives.  It seems like more of a big deal to us then it does to other people. I started to tell myself  "so what - go ahead and pass out- the world will not end!!"  That would usually make it go away.  It is hard at first because it is just so scary.    

Just remember, the more you think about the feelings you are experiencing during an attack, the worse they will get.  Try to think about something else like your deep breathing, or concentrate on what the professor is talking about. Don't put all your attention on your symptoms or they will just get worse.

Get well soon!!

Hi neb
Have you really got to the bottom of why you are having panic attacks? There is usually an underlying reason..seeing a counsellor could help you a lot..talking with someone about why you get so stressed is very uplifting - especially when you figure out how to control all that panic you are feeling.

Take good care.
Maree

i hope all of you had a nice thanksgiving. i was able to get home, rest and not think about school. i didn't have a panic attack for 5 whole days. I started taking zoloft...and can't wait for it to start working. the only side effects i've experienced are crampy stomach but that is really it. my doctor gave me a perscription for ativan just incase, or until the zoloft kicks in...


here it is monday, in class, and just had a panic attack. i took an ativan and i think its starting to work but i didn't want to have to take that. theymake me sleepy and feel otu of it and i have 2 classes left and a meeting with a prof. i've started therapy...but i want results NOW. i'm just venting here....

i'm just frustrated. i've been dealing with this since the beginning of september and its almost december. it has made my first semester of law school almost unbearable. i can't deal with this, but i refuse to drop out because of some stupid mental condition i have. why isn't anything working and why do i panic? i have nothing ot worry about? what is the worst that can happen in class? i don't know the answer? big deal. i know i'm not going to die. and so what if i pass out...i'm sure nobody will really care that much.

i hate panic. i hate it. i hate myself for having it. this is such bullcrap..