Relapse of panic

Hey all,
I'm new to this or any chat group about panic so I'm not sure how this all works but I was just looking for some validation about my symptoms and meds. Ok here goes, I'm 37 and finishing my last semester of nursing school, I graduate in May. I suffered from panic attacks when I was in my 20's before I graduated from college. I can't quite remember all the details but I do remember the panicky feelings. Since then I've had panic attacks now and than but they have always been single incidents. For the last year or so I was taking 10mg of celexa every 4 days which I know was not doing anything but just trying to ween off. I had a script for .5 mg of Xanax filled in July so I rarely needed them. about 2 wks ago I had a full blown panic attack I popped a Xanax and although it felt like hell I made it through my day, I saw my PCP and he said I should start taking celexa every day and the Xanax every 6 hrs when needed. It's been 12 days on celexa and I'm having breakthrough panic and the Xanax isn't helping anymore, I used to be able to take a Xanax and immediately feel better. The symptoms that have been the most upsetting are the foggy, de realization and the weird tunnel vision. I had a physical in July and everything is totally normal. I know it takes 2-4wks for the celexa to kick in but unfortunately I don't have the luxury of time since graduation is around the corner, I also am experiencing some agoraphobia but making myself do the things that need to be done but feel awful while in class or at the hospital. Anyone have any advice?

Thanks Pretty Kittay,
I really appreciate your response. I know this is an especially stressful time but it's just getting hard to make it through the day lately, my boyfriend and friends and family are really supportive but it's hard for them to understand what is really going on because they have never really dealt with panic. I am seeing a new therapist so hopefully that will help but the derealization is really freaking me out. The heart palpitations are much easier to deal with. I feel like I want to jump out of my skin. Making it to the train is a small feat lately and getting through lectures seems impossible, I'm forcing myself to do things everyday but I feel like I'm slowly losing my mind, even though I know I'm not. Im so uncomfortable and the hazy vision really freaks me out. I guess it's just been a long time since I've felt this way and for the past 2wks I feel like I've had small panic attacks everyday, it's exhausting

Hi Vrose and welcome!

I am really sorry to hear about your panic issues returning to challenge you.:( I know how difficult this is to deal with everyday.

It does sound like you are experiencing some rough effects from your start up. Have you discussed this with your doctor yet? He/she may be able to make some recommendations for an easier time adjusting. Perhaps you can take 1 mg of your Xanax for times of acute anxiety or an attack...just as needed, rather than every 6 hrs. This could help to knock the panic out, only when it's necessary...while taking less of the benzo in the long run.

I am glad to hear that you are in therapy! I hope you like your new therapist, and wish you much progress with your program!

For now, here is the link to our Resources. There are links for general stress relieving exercises, as well as panic shut down techniques. There are also links specifically for help with derealization/personalization, and Pvc's/palpitations...and more! Self help is very effective if practiced daily.:)

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


Keep posting with us as well. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat