smoking? - Panic Disorders Message Board

immortal19 · 08-03-2003, 06:55 PM

i smoke but does it affect my anxiety or panic, its like a paradox against each other, i think it makes it worse but when i try and quit it does get worse. so what do you think or what is your opinion on this topic?

Graciecat · 08-03-2003, 07:52 PM

Smoking has never made my attacks worse.
In fact sometimes when I feel really hyper, I smoke a cigarette and it seems to calm me down.
Some people say coffe makes them feel worse, it doesn't do a thing to me.
I could drink a whole pot of coffee and go to bed and sleep all night.
Maybe I'm just strange!!!

jasmine30 · 08-03-2003, 09:17 PM

When I first started having PA's,I stopped smoking in vehicles..anywhere I would be where I felt Anxious or Panicky.

I still smoke at home even tho I experience high levels of Anxiety/Panic.Smoking makes me feel awful yet I still smoke.

I think smoking affects some people not others.If I were to drink Caffeinated Coffee,I would be crawling outta my skin!!

Its just a sensitivity some has and some dont have...

ndl00 · 08-05-2003, 12:38 PM

Wow, I can't believe other people have this same issue! I suffer from anxiety over smoking everyday! But can't seem to stop. I've suffered from panic attacks for 4 years now, ever since my son was two weeks old. I smoke now and try to stop everyday, it makes me feel like crap, I go to bed thinking I'm going to die from cancer or a heart attack (which is when my attacks usually come on). My heart starts racing and just won't stop. From what I understand, smoking can definitely attribute to an increased heart rate, which causes panic to set in for me. It's like this terrible love hate relationship. This vice for us, but I truly believe plays a big part in my attacks. As for smoking actually physically causing panic attacks, I don't think so. I think it's just one more thing to panic about.