anyone have this symptom? - Panic Disorders Message Board

kteach · 06-17-2003, 12:12 PM

I think I might be getting panic attacks but am not sure. The doctor has prescribed xanax because my heart rate goes us when this happens but he also said people having panic attacks usually feel short of breath or breathe rapidly. That's not what happens to me though. My panic attack (or whatever) starts when all of a sudden I feel like I am just not going to breathe. I feel like if I don't MAKE myself breathe, I'll just stop breathing. After that, my heart rate begins to go up. The doctor says I may feel that way because my heart is racing and I just don't need to breathe as often because the heart is pumping oxygen faster. He doesn't seem to get it that the feeling that I'm just going to stop breathing comes FIRST. Has anyone who is diagnosed with anxiety or panic attacks been through this? Oh, it also happens much more often in the middle of the night. I wake up and am just lying there when all of a sudden I think I'm going to stop breathing. One more thing - during the day I usually have to keep shaking my leg or tapping my foot to "make sure I keep breathing"

[This message has been edited by kteach (edited 06-17-2003).]

anja · 06-18-2003, 11:45 AM

Does the xanax relief you of that feeling? if so I would think it is anxiety with a bit of OCD. Your fear of forgetting to breath sure sounds like anxiety to me, I have the constant fear of dying, some days worse other days I'm fine.
Are you taking any anti depressants? Like Paxil or Zoloft? They can help in the long run unlike xanax wich is just a quick fix.I would ask my doc about it.
Good luck to you.

anja · 06-18-2003, 11:55 AM

I forgot to mention, my fear of dying comes first, that fear causes my heart rate to go up, it goes up because of the fear. It's like when you think you get hit by a car your heart rate will go up because of the fear.

hry33 · 06-18-2003, 05:20 PM

to kteach, it probably is anxiety so take the xanax and dont worry about it

Janik · 06-18-2003, 06:40 PM

Xanax can help reduce both your anxiety levels and the incidence and intensity of panic attacks. But it's a good idea to control those thoughts you have about not being able to breathe, since obviously they are the ones that bring the panic attack on. Therapy can be very useful for that. Also try some relaxation techniques. I recommend the pranayana, or yoga practice of controlling your breath.