Is this the sign of a panic attack? - Panic Disorders Message Board

MSJade · 09-16-2003, 11:14 PM

Sometimes my heart starts beating fast and I feel that feeling of fear in my heart like something scared me. I can happen just about anywhere. Today, when I was in the bank, I was thinking the teller was annoyed at me for not being organized and I had three in a row. Sometimes, I can get them when I think of something that worries me, like I'm getting sick or worrying over my health. Sometimes, when I feel I'm about to get that feeling, I'll take a deep breath and concentrate on my breathing and I will not get it totally. I'm going to see a psychiatrist on Friday and I want something to help me with my worries and anxiety, so I can sleep at night. I took prozac for depression about 10 years ago and that worked great. I took paxil about two years ago for social phobia, but didn't get any results from it. (Weight loss seemed to cure me of that!) Now its the anxiety about my health and a little depression. I really want to get some valium or xanax, but don't want anything that I will become addicted to. Are there any meds to help with anxiety that work fast?

Doug1984 · 09-17-2003, 10:13 AM

Yes, you are having panic attacks. Ativan or Xanax does good work for immediate relief of panic symptoms. But for the long haul, an SSRI will be of some help as well.

worrywort · 09-17-2003, 10:53 AM

Is it o.k to take effexor and ativan together?

Doug1984 · 09-17-2003, 11:19 AM

Contact your Doctor ti be syre, but it appears to be okay.

elflike · 09-17-2003, 02:10 PM

Msjade,
Going to a psych is good, but make sure it's a good one. I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, and i am currently taking Zoloft. It is helping me, but i have read on the drug interaction page that it can cause some very bad side effects, espically when trying to get off it. do your research, but remember people who have good expirences aren't going to be writing on there. I have talked to people who had no problems on or getting off it.
The zoloft took about three weeks to start working at it's full potential, so i was taking atarax for that time too. I have had the most luck with zoloft. I have been on buspar, atarax, and lexapro. Good luck w/ whatever you get on. If you have any queations feel free to ask.
Court