BellaOnline Forums Career Nursing Panic Attacks

Rosie,
Have you tried any other types of medication? Xanax looses its effectiveness as you build up a tolerance, it is not the best medicine to use for control. It is best used to lessen the severity of the symptoms during an attack. It sounds like the seroquel isn't doing the job.
Please ask you doctor to ty something else. There are many meds today that can help and not everyone works for everybody. There is no reason to suffer today or to feel like a zombie.

Good luck,
Collen

Michelle,
Thank you for sharing your story. You are a testimony to everyone, that you do not have to live with this debilitating disorder.
Colleen

I vote for medication as the first line of treatment for Panic Attacks. Once the meds are on board then you can do all the exploring you want. I personally believe we are wired wrong an need the medication to regulate the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.

I agree that things may cause them to become exacerbated but life is difficult and there is going to always be some sort of stress that could set them off. I personally never want to experience another attack ever!

Can anyone tell me a story about a successful cure without medication?

Colleen

Colleen, you name it I've been on it. short term or long term

I suffered from panic attacks for years. I think they started in my early twenties. I can't really remember the catalyst for them. It was different each time but I remember the last really big one I had was on top of a ferris (sp?) wheel back home. We went on with some friends, I wanted to be there, it was a lovely day. It stopped at the top, we were chatting away and all of a sudden it jerked and full blown panic attack. I started hyperventilating (for lack of a better term), my peripheral vision cut out and I remember a voice from somewhere (DH) talking to me to calm me down. It was over by the time the wheel finished it's trip and we got off.

Incidentally, I haven't had one in over four years, since I've been on seizure medication. I don't miss them and I barely remember them.

Moe,
I know what you are talking about, I have had them out of the blue and heard that same voice.

It starts with OK, calm down, then how do I get out of here without making an a-- of myself. Once you are out of there, you want to find a way to never end up there again!

What have you done to prevent another one from coming on?

Rosie,
Has the Seroquel worked the best for you? What helps you to get through the attacks you have? Obviously, you are not the person that can rely on medication one.

Honey, I feel your pain. There is no worse feeling than suffering through something the rest of the world does not understand. Even my mother, as much as she loves me, doesn't get it. My husband is the same way. I am 44 years old but when I go though a true attack, I feel I am treated like I am a child. I feel like people are saying, get a grip.

Colleen

Colleen, When i find a medication that "makes me feel better" I stop taking it. I don't like to feel "different" I don't like feeling like i do either. but its the only feeling i know. I know that sounds (stupid) and may be hard to understand. as an abused (sexually) child , I learned to Dissociate, Which is today still a way to escape. I have been at my worse since my 13 yr old son was killed. many of my now, n then, Psychiatrist get so frustrated with me when it comes to my meds. I don't like to feel different even if it means feeling better. I know this doesn't make sense to many. people say Rosie don't you want to feel better. I do but i don't want to feel different ??? don't try to figure it out, i gave up a long time ago

Rosie,
Although Zofran does not make me feel "different", I know the feeling you are talking about. It is almost a disconnect from who you are. I would not like that feeling either. I think each case is different, it is important not to have attacks that keep you locked away from the world but if you can't truly enjoy the world because of your medication, what good is it. Kinda a catch twenty-two.

You've been through a lot in your life, you deserve to have the best.
Colleen

Heck, i'm in the middle of a series of panic attacks right now. I wish i could get the feeling of disconnect, just so I could look at my life calmly for a little bit and make some decisions.