Panic all the time!

breathe1 · Apr 6, 2019

Hi Melissa! Do you only get panic attacks (PA) when you just get into a car or do you get them elsewhere? I would seek out a therapist who specializes in anxiety and panic.

triceps · Apr 6, 2019

That sounds like a good idea. It also sounds like you're going through a tough anxiety crisis. Have you ever been on medication for it in the past or present?

triceps · Apr 6, 2019

Perhaps the medication is losing some of it's effectiveness. Have you been getting enough sleep and exercise?

triceps · Apr 6, 2019

Many of the anxiety/depression medications lose their effectiveness with time. I've been on an anti-depressant and a benzo for 35 years and have had to switch a number of times. I've been lucky that none have had any major side effects. Please make sure you discuss the possibility of a medication change or addition when you find that therapist. In the meantime I'd concentrate on distracting activities, sleep, exercise and eating as well as possible.

Wanting to get better · Apr 6, 2019

I am also so nervous about switching. I had a really bad experience going cold turkey from one antidepressant to the next.. Apparently cold turkey is not the right way to do it. Now they want to switch me back, So confusing and difficult. I hope you find something that works for you. Know you are not alone on this journey.

triceps · Apr 6, 2019

It's kinda early to express happiness over finding this group. I've been here. Your doctor won't ask you to go cold turkey, he/she is looking to diminish your discomfort, not increase. Sorry to hear about your experience @ Wanting to get better.

triceps · Apr 6, 2019

Just my warped sense of humor. Hopefully you'll get used to it and not pay any attention to it.

breathe1 · Apr 7, 2019

Hi Melissa! I don't think your doctor will make you go cold turkey. If one medication is not working, then he or she will prescribe another type. But, you say you've been on medication for 6 years, are they antidepressants? If they are, 6 years is a long time to be on antidepressants. Antidepressants are buffers, so as to ease the intensity of the anxiety or depression, while you work with a therapist to work out the trauma in your mind. I am surprised that your doctor has not referred you to therapist who specializes in anxiety and panic. With the medication, over a period of time, this will ultimately get you to a point where the doctor reduces the medication and eventually take you off it as you progress in therapy. Therapy and meds are complimentary. They work together so that you can do the HARD WORK inside of you. That means, experiencing the anxiety, and/or depression, embracing it, and making friends with it. The panic attacks are usually connected to the anxiety. In therapy, you will slowly be introduced to flooding, which you will come face to face with a trigger and experience a panic attack under the supervision of a therapist. You can also do this on your own. I did it and thats how I got over my anxiety and panic attacks. If you have questions, I am open. Good luck. Never give up. Please seek out a therapist.

SinceDayOne88 · Apr 10, 2019

Hi Melissa!! I hate to hear that you're going through something like this! I know it's frustrating and probably makes you want to pull your hair out.

You said that in that last couple of years, your anxiety has really gone downhill. Was there anything that might have happened around that time that could have triggered the severity of your anxiety? (if I'm not being to personal). My Dad had a seizure two summers ago, and that was the big event that sent my anxiety spiraling. The issue with being in a car; if you're not the one driving, it potentially could be the fear of not having control of the vehicle and what might happen. That issue became prevalent for me after my anxiety sprialed, as well as more severe anxiety/panic attacks.

As for medications, I've been on so many because I build a tolerance to them very quickly. It can be frustrating, but just keep faith that you'll find what's right and best for you. I would definitely suggest seeking a counsleor if you're not already seeing one. I know that, too, can be a challenge as finding one you really like and trust can be difficult.

Hope things get better for you!
-C-

jsalinas704 · Apr 18, 2019

I also have very frequent anxiety/ panic attacks ive gotten to the point where I cant drive anymore I feel my heart racing and pounding when I have to drive my wife is now our daily driver Ive been prescribed 3 different medicines I was just prescribed Buspirone today and the pharmacy didnt have it available (great!!!!!) im hoping to get some kind of relief , Im wondering what everyone else feels or thinks when they start to have an attack I personally feel like i get weird pains on back, neck and shoulder and its like a bomb goes off i start panicking thinking im going to die have a heart attack. Ive been to er and dr multiple times and everything checks out fine except im just panicking for no reason. How do yall feel or what triggers your attacks

triceps · Apr 18, 2019

Hi jsalinas. Very odd that your pharmacy didn't have Buspar. It's an older but still prescribed often drug. I too have been been getting panic attacks for way too many years. I take Klonopin and used to take Xanax for many years and since I keep getting panic attacks on a regular basis, my hope is that these medications at least allow me to have fewer attacks. My attacks start with what I'm assuming "hot flashes" feel like giving me a short window to find a place to ride out the sweating and heart attack like symptoms. I too avoid driving as much as possible. It's not because it makes me panic but because my concentration, racing mind, makes it pretty dangerous for me to pay enough attention to drive safely. I am at the point where I am not scared of my next panic attack as I've had so many, in so many places and situations and always make it through them. I tell myself throughout the attacks that I am not going to die and it's turned out that way. I also don't have specific triggers, the attacks can come out of the blue when I'm having a good day or not happen when my anxiety is very high and you'd think an attack is going to top off my day.

Panic all the time!

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