Attacks come on like flipping on a switch ! - Panic Disorders Message Board

Glenda57 · 06-16-2003, 07:53 AM

Why can I be fine one minute , then out of the clear blue , like flipping on a switch , here come's a BAD Anxiety attack.

I was doing nothing ! laying in bed watching tv , then BOOM > Anxiety attack city arrives. WHY ?

I feel like I can't breathe.
Heart races.
Heart feels like it is in my mouth.
Feel like I am going to crawl out of my skin. Pace the floor.
Sweat like it's 200 degrese. cold and hot flashes.
Feel like I am about to die.

The only thing that helps me is 4 mg's of Ativan , also known as Lorsapam.
I have to take them and go straight to bed.
I was there already.

deb30 · 06-16-2003, 08:17 AM

Hi

That's how I was before, Id be sitting at work doing paperwork and all of a sudden everything would start spinning and I would feel sick and couldn't breath and my hands would be shaking so I would go home and take xanax and go to bed! My doctor put me on paxil and I stopped xanax and am feeling somewhat better! Good luck

actudan · 06-16-2003, 11:21 AM

If you find the answer, please let me know! I could be great one minute and then BAM, the panic begins. Most of the time I believe something benign sets mine off. For instance, my stomach may gurgle differently which I will interpret as something is wrong and then I will focus on my heart and then my heart will start racing. I don't know if that is a good explanation but I am just now trying to explain my problems on this board hoping that some self therapy may help.

deb30 · 06-16-2003, 12:04 PM

I try to remind my self when I start having symptoms that it's just my adrenaline playing tricks on me and try and stay calm, not that that always helps but I know in my case there's nothing serious wrong so I try and just let the panic float by me! It's definetly not easy to do!!

ojohnr · 06-17-2003, 03:35 AM

glenda57

that is basicly how my panic attacks starts, with not apparent sign. i have learned to control it.

it is very difficult to calm someself when this happens, but over time, you will learn that is only a panic attack and nothing else. it took me almost a year to learn it.