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Panicking while driving- please help

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/8/2010 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, I could really use some advice. I have a 45 minute commute to work. about 3/4 is highway. I was having daily panic attacks a couple years back but by taking my medications I was able to get them under control. I am still taking meds, but the attacks are back. They are not as bad, but I get this horrible sensation that I can't swallow and then I feel like I can't breathe and it is making my commute horrible. I dread coming in everyday. Do any of you panic while driving? if so, what do you do?

I should mention that I take 20 mg of Prozac, 150 of Wellbutrin XR and 2 mg of Xanax XR. I really don't want to take more than this. I wish I could take less.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Posted 7/8/2010 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
I have had driving-specific anxiety for a while but it is related to freeway driving. My sister was in the hospital for 10 months and the only way to get there was to drive the freeway so I got into aniticipatory anxiety and would worry how I was going to possibly drive myself.

I had to just talk to myself and accept that I had no choice as not going to be with her in the hospital was unacceptable and out of my control . I would get in my car after rush hour and just go for it. I made it every time for 10 months and once I got to the hospital I would start to worry about the drive back home.

I played my radio loud and tried to sing along to keep my mind off of worrying! I am not sure how the other motorist liked my concerts

Kindly,

Kitt
Posted 7/9/2010 3:24 PM (GMT 0)
I panic on the thruway and have not been on it in about 7 years. I don't have to take the thruway to get anywhere though so it's not affecting my life. It annoys me that panic has taken a small part of my freedom away and someday I still plan to get back on it. I have always gotten nervous driving thruway and what would help me was deep breathing, listening to calming music, keeping the window cracked open for air and having a water bottle in my car. Good luck. You are successful every day you go on it. Think of all the times you've been on it and you've been fine.
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