Panic attack?? - Panic Disorders Message Board

01-16-2003, 01:36 PM

I have had panic attacks since I was thirty. I was awakened at 5:30am with a fast pulse rate (96) and my blood pressure was 166/110. Becasue I also have a heart problem the doctor called me in. He thinks I had a panic attack. I wasn't any more nervous that anyone else would be if that happened. I had not had one for quite awhile. I did have the same thing happen at night before I went to bed before Christmas. I went to the ER and the same diganosis was made. Can you have a Panic attack without realizing that is what it is? I also noticed I was short of breath for about 20 seconds. I have been worn out all day. He told me to take an extra Xanax the next time it happened. I take three a day and have for years. I took .5 this morning and it seemed to stop for awhile and then I took my normal 1mg and I began to feel worse. I have taken 3mg of Xanax for the past ten years. Thanks for any imput.

munky · 01-16-2003, 03:18 PM

xanax for 10 years?

sorry i dont know about your situation.. but i just started taking ativan and i hope cognative behavior therapy can help cure the underlying problem instead of relying on drugs forever..

maybe you have already looked into cognative behavior therapy?

take carez

melissa79 · 01-18-2003, 08:59 AM

I agree I take xanax too ,,,, and being up to 3mgs. and for 10 years is not good . I feel for you and I dont want to scare you but you need to have a talk with your doctor .. cause the #1 thing that will happen if you start to wing off xanax or just stop is Seizures .. Please speak to your doc I know xanax Is a drug that most docs dont want us on for a long time . but it does help . and they belive if it helps then continue it .but the higer dosage you get and if you say your getting worse. I would look into Zoloft.. once you get on a good dosage of that you shouldnt need xanax as often ... maybe once or twice a day but in a smaller dosage .. I wish you luck ...

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MELISSA

01-18-2003, 11:28 AM

Melissa,
My doctor several weeks ago suggested I begin Wellbutrin (sp?. I was told at the hospital before I saw him that I had had a panic attact and I was xanax intolerant. I have taken antidepressents before. In fact just about all of them and I had reactions to them so I declined.
I had what he said was a panic attack yesterday. Because I had delinded the Welbutrin he suggested that I take an extra xanax only when I have a panic attack. I have heart related problems and am afraid that the stress of coming off of xanax could cause greater problems.
When I began taking xanax when it first came out, the doctors ( not just one) told me this drug was not additive. In fact I was told it was similar to a diabtic having to take insulin. I began taking it in my middle 30's and the dosage was changed from .5mg/3per day to 1mg/3per day about eight years ago. I am now 59. I had not had any problems until the past two months. So you can see the fear I have in beginning Welburtrin or even any other antidepressent. I feel like my own grave has been dug. You stated you take xanax. If you know that these problems can occur, why do you take it? I am not being rude, I am just looking for an answer. Thank you for responding to my post.- gle

01-18-2003, 11:37 AM

Mellisa,
Yes, I am back again. I read your letter again. Are you telling me that if I took one pill of Welbrutrin (you had mentioned Zoloft, but I won't take any of the SSRI's. They cause impotency and I have a wonderful marriage). Anyway, are you saying that if I took the xanax I take, and them 1 pill of let's say Wellburtin, then that would stop me from having the panic attacks? Then I would be taking 3 xanax's and 1 Welburtirn. Just talking about this makes me nervous. I have gone a long time without a panic attack and now 3 in the past two months. I might add, all while I was alseep. Again Thank you- gle