in the midst of an attack

Currently trying to use deep breaths to calm down. The tension in my chest and shoulders is causing me to panic. Particularily in my left shoulder blade area which of course causes to me to think heart attack even though I've been to the ER twice for this. I'm trying not to fill my prescription for buspironl (right spelling?) Has anyone tried this? I'm worried about side effects. I tried citalopram & it made me feel more anxious. I'm desperate to get over this. I'm seeing a therapist weekly but I need to return to work next week & I'm not sure I can just yet.

Hi PG and welcome!

I am sorry that you suffered an attack today:( How are you feeling now? I hope that you are feeling better and that the breathing helped you to get over and through it.

We have some links to breathing and relaxation exercises in our Resource Guide (main page, 1st post) if you would like to learn some new one to add to your 'tool belt'.:)

I think it is great that you are in therapy to help you to cope with your anxiety. It was really helpful to me! It does take time however, so hang in there...and if you need to use the Rx that you have been given to get you through the present time, then why not?

Citalopram (an SSRI) and Buspirone (an anxiolytic) are different medications...and as such will act differently in the system. It is true that some A/D medications can actually increase anxiety during the initial weeks of the med building up and leveling off in the body. This often results in people going off of the med before the theraputic benefits can even happen...but with the Buspirone, you may not have that experience at all, so it could be worth a try!

I hope that you can get some relief soon. You are certainly on the right track...and hopefully you will consider posting here helpful and part of your recovery...it certainly has been for me.:)

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat

It must have been the day for anxiety. I often have mild panic type attacks. I have silent reflux which makes me feel like its hard to catch my breath. I don't know if I have depression too or if my panic is anxiety or if its all the same thing. I get so worked up trying to get a deep breath and can't then I want to cry which makes me feel more short of breath. I tried Xanax before, before I knew I had reflux and thought I was gonna die! I feel like I need meds cause I get so scared to die and my chest hurts so bad trying to get deep breaths its such a vicious cycle. I try talking myself out of it but then I get the flight or fight, cold sweat, shaking. Now sometimes before I go to bed and when I wake up I feel like my whole body is shaking. Like a light buzzing. It's weird. The only time I felt relaxed was before I had surgery one time, the shot they give to relax patients? I wish I knew what that was. I thought about therapy, I hear a lot of people do well. I just feel so overwhelmed and my mind is always working or worrying. I'm happy I found this site. I feel crazy sometimes. Chemically of balance. I take dexilant for reflux, synthroid for hypothyroid. I am hesitant to try a Valium or anything else. Anyone have advice?