First Panic Attack

Hi. I just had my first panic attack three days ago. It lasted well over an hour and eventually I ended up at the emergency room. I really thought I was going to pass out. Anyways...doc gave me xanax .25. It was late and it helped...I came home and went to bed. The next day I fought that feeling of panic and didn't take any pills. Then today on my way to school I had one. not as bad but very frightening. I gave in and took the pill (.25 xanax) and it helped. But I felt "drugged" all day at school. I went to my my regula doctor (instead of the ER) and he wants me to take 5mg of Lexapro. I am VERY nervous to take anything that deals with SSRI's. Is it a likely course of action...any thing else I can do? I feel anxious about taking it, but I don't know what to do if I choose not to.

Thanks :)

 

Hi there historygirl
Welcome to HW :)

Sounds like you are going through a rough time just now..panic attacks are usually a sign that we are on overload in some part of our lives...could this be true for you?

Do you need to talk to somone just now..could you see a school counsellor perhaps? Sometimes we store up all sorts of bad feelings, emotions, and trauma...and carry them around with us without realising that they are just sitting there bubbling away until one day something happens - and Boom - in steps anxiety and painc - which as you know really sux lol.

If your doc has prescribed meds for you - then it's for a good reason - the choice is yours of course - but just remember that we are all afraid at first to try something new - but having a better quality of life wins everytime for me

Meds + counselling = working towards feeling well again.

Look forward to hearing from you soon.

Maree

5 mgs of Lexapro in my personal opinion is SUCH a low dose. Most docs start people out at 10 mgs of Lexapro.

I am currently on 20 mgs of Lexapro. 10 mgs did NOTHING for me, so gradually you may have to increase your dose, but don't be nervous about taking such a low dose.

Welcome to healing well by the way. *BIG HUGS*

Panic attacks are scary, I haven't had one in a week, but when I have one it is just plain AWFUL!!!

It's hard to fight through the panic attacks too... so I would suggest learning some breathing techniques or meditation or cognitive behavorial therapy.

Breathing techs can be found at : www.pe2000.com

CBT can be found at : http://www.angelfire.com/planet/cbtonline/

These sites are BOTH FREE so just take a look and see if it helps.

*BIG HUGS*

Twiggygal~

historygirl hi, im scared to take meds as well, but im going to do it too. Good luck to you and welcome to hw

thanks for those links twiggy

Big Hello and Welcome It's a good idea to stick with meds when you first have panic (altho it can seem scary, try and stick it out - if you are sensible you won't become dependent).  Your dose is quite low as well so that is good.  I know everything must be freaking you out right now but just try and keep things as "normal" as you can.  Don't let anxiety stop you from enjoying your life or doing what you love.  CBT is great too, thanks for the links twiggy! Stay strong and keep us posted. big (((hugs))

Wow... what a great welcome. Well, I took the meds, day 2. STill feel like I am having trouble breathing at times throughout the day....but nothing like the actual attack I experienced. I feel a little tired or something. I cannot quite put my finger on the feeling. But so far....so good. Thank you all so much for your kind words. I will be looking into breathing techniques and the like. I do not want to take medicine for something if I can eventually learn to overcome this awful addition to my life :) lol. But I am hanging in there....Anyone get nervous that this will happen in public? I wouldn't want my professors to think I am crazy!!!!

HistoryGirl

Well.. for me... my panic attacks happen in public a lot.. I just force myself to go out no matter how I feel... and try to get used to every place that I go...

most people can't even tell I'm having a panic attack when I'm having one...

only close family can...

*hugs*

Today I felt more like myself. I hope that trend continues. But....I have had AWFUL headaches. I think it is because I stopped having caffinated drinks. (I was a heavy coffee drinker!)

HistoryGirl