Do you have anxiety attacks?

[iggbees]

i've had them to the extent that they've mocked a heart attack (chest pain/pressure, nauseau, vomiting, sweating, left arm pain...) dh called the paramedics and they opted to administer nitro tabs and take me to the e/r.

that was how bad my panic attack was, minus the vomiting (although i thought i was going to, i sat near the toilet), but plus tunnel vision (which in my opinion was the worst part). i was only 22 at the time and my boyfriend just didn't understand what was happening. i was very lucky to have him around, he took me to the hospital because i didn't know what else to do and we sat there for 4 hours. i never saw a dr there, my boyfriend just sat with me in the room and calmed me down. i didn't get diagnosed with anxiety until about a week later when i went home and saw a dr.

i am really lucky that my boyfriend knows how to calm me down. he's been a real godsend. i honestly don't know what i would have done without him here for me for the last 2+ years. (he's got good anti-anxiety genes or something! he never gets upset or nervous!)

 

[iggbees]

This thread has been really informative.

My best friend was diagnosed with social anxeity disorder and gets really bad anxiety attacks. This thread really helped me understand them more.

i have a really close friend who has social anxiety disorder. he takes numerous medications for it. he told me once that when he hears people talking, he automatically thinks that they are talking about him and he gets really stressed out. it's a really hard thing to get over.

 

[Sparx]

Sparx, the best way I can describe the feeling, is like sitting at your dining room table enjoying the macaroni and cheese and looking up to see a semi truck heading straight for you. You never know when or where it will happen and its almost irrational, but the fear and fright are so very real. Good luck to your friend.

Thank you.

If I've ever had one, I didn't realize it at the time.

 

[irishbosoxfan]

I have been in and out of doctors care for years over my "mental" problems--I am diagnosed as post traumatic stress with depression. As part of this I am a chronic insomniac,I would go for 2 to 3 days with virtually no sleep--My panic/anxiety attacks happen any time but mainly at night when I go to bed because my mind just doesn't shut off-I will go to bed at 11 and still be up at 5-6
For me the diagnosis was a no brainer for the doctor--I was divorced,ex got physical custody of my boys,I got pregnant and had DD8 on my own,moved halfway across the country,got married,had heartattack #1 followed by #2 and #3 a couple of months later,got pregnant with DD4 and was on bedrest for 7 months due to placenta previa with a placental abruption and no ob/gyn wanted me because I was high risk and they kept telling me to abort,because of the pregnancy problems they believed DD would be born with a myriad of problems,after her birth I suffered from PPD which is when I went to see the psychiatrist and was made to see a psychologist as well

It was rough but I made it thru but then to start having panic attacks out of the blue threw me for a loop!
For me when they happen--My chest tightens up and I can't breathe then I get dizzy and nauseous--I can't talk at all and can barely move-It's like those movies you see where the person is alive but noone knows and they just lay there with their eyes open screaming at the top of their lungs in their mind---My lips have actually gotten blue and I've thrown up AS I was coming out of it.

I can honestly say they scare the crap out of me and it is as near as another heart attack I want to get. I try to do deep breathing exercises when I feel the panic welling up--It seems to start in my stomach and work its way up--I will close my eyes and focus on my nose as I inhale then focus on my mouth as I exhale--By the time it is done I have the worst headache imaginable and that is whether the attack is full blown or not.

Hang in there! Try to find some method of relaxation that is yours and yours alone(no kids allowed) and keep talking to someone!

 

[MoniqueU]

i def. think the eye issue can be a contributing factor-i lost the peripheral vision in my right eye due a stroke so i hate shopping (those dang things that stick out into the aisles-like the rounders with snacks or cards on them-i bump into them and gash up my arms). that combined with noise that can increase suddenly (a kid screaming behind me can shock the dickens out of me) just makes it very unpleasant situation. i tend to try and shop during non peak hours and stick to a store where i know the layout so i don't have to spend any more time there than necessary.

YOu put it into words exactly right. I also try and shop at off peak hours or since I dont drive I will send my mom. Now if i know I am going to Disneyland for a whole day I can kind of prep myself for it. I know it will not be easy, I know where to go for a glass of wine to chill out at DCA and I know that when I need to leave I need to leave. While I have had several panic attacks at Disneyland that is not a place I am willing to gibe up just yet for my kids sake. Same with other theme type parks. But I know to have my meds handy and an escape route if I need one.

I feel for the poster who's daughter is having to pass on the upcoming wdw vacation but I can also relate.

 

[Mouse-n-Mini]

are you on bcp? i had a serious panic attack on them back in october of last year. my dr gave me a prescription for lexapro and i'm pretty much not anxious anymore. when i get anxious about something it's usually just for a minute or two then i seem to forget about it, unlike before i went on it, i would think about it for hours and days even. it's so much nicer not being anxious all the time, my life is so much fuller! (i also take b-complex, which is supposed to combat the crazies on bcps, according to the dr i see).

I am actually on Lexapro, my doc put me on it just the other day when I went to see him. He also gave me some xanax for particularly bad attacks. I have used it twice and it makes me feel strange. I guess I am most anxious because I was diagnosed with sinusitis but I have had lots of problems with head pressure/headaches along with the anxiety and I am worried about something more serious. I have had 2 CT scans already and am having an MRI done monday and praying for a normal outcome. I appreciate everyone's support.

 

[Puffy2]

haven't read all this - but here is a tip to try. If you are a coffee drinker (or colas, etc...) try cutting out all caffine. NO caffinated coffee, sodas, ect... and really limit any chocolate intake (also has caffine). You could "cure" yourself overnight.

 

[goofy's friends]

OK, I just talked to my dr. this week about anxiety. He suggested Lexipro IF I felt like it was interferring with every day life. I do feel anxious alot of times and in times of stress, have rapid heart rate, palpitations and on 3 occasions have hyperventilated (high stress times). I've been having high blood pressure, which I thought could be result of anxiety. But, I don't have panic attacks.

So, I guess my question to you guys is "how do I know if symtoms are bad enough to go on medication? or is the anxiety normal for someone with 3 kids, etc." (I hate taking anything, BTW)
And, "Have you guys experienced any side effects from Lexipro?"

 

[SplshMtn99]

LONG story short. Suffered for over 20 years. Didn't tell anyone really. Pulled away from alot of people. About a year after 9/11, it just got SOOOOOO bad, that I hit the worst I had ever been. My doctor was retiring. Had to find new doctor. Fessed up to her on first appt (for a sinus infection) since I had been crying & puking from worry/anxiety before going to see her. Walked out with Lexapro script...and life has NEVER BEEN BETTER!!!

I will probably be on it for ever. Fine with me. I NEVER want to go back to the way I was. I just go do things now & don't even think about them. I sometimes realize that.... "WOW, that was easy." Everyone has noticed the change in me.

 

[Aidensmom]

I have been diagnosed with both Anxiety Disorder and Major Depression (I grew up in a very disfunctional, abusive home), and have taken medications for them in the past, but have for the most part learned to deal without the meds.

My panic attacks would consist of lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, sense of doom, nausea, crying, and even in some cases very bad tremoring. One of my triggers used to be driving, which through therapy was determined to derive from witnessing an extremely bad accident on the interstate when I was a small child. I used to not be able to drive more than a couple miles from my home at all.

Xanax is a miracle for dealing with attacks, but I strongly recommend therapy for getting to the root of the problem so you don't need the medication regularly. And panic attacks are nothing to be embarrassed about, they are a lot more common than you would imagine.

I still have attacks now and then, but I know what they are and can talk myself out of them for the most part. Also, I have learned that regular excercise does actually help control both anxiety and depression, as it effects certain chemicals in your brain.

 

[BeckWhy]

I suffer from a panic disorder, though when I finally went to get treatment for it, the social worker (all my health insurance would cover) wouldn't hear of it. So I suffered from panic attacks for about a year before I went and got help. I had every medical test done to me, before they said "go see a psychiatrist." So I went to see a social worker and they didn't want to hear about my heart palpitations, hot/cold flashes, fear of impending doom, etc. They just wanted to talk about my dead sister. He wouldn't let me say anything about the other stuff. Diagnosed me with depression and that's it. (BTW later a psychologist I knew reviewed the notes and stated that I was not depressed, but just greving for the loss of my sister.) Anyways, I didn't know what was wrong with me for about two years. Then I took Abnormal Psych and learned about it. I spoke to a couple of psychologists I knew, and they both stated that if I were their patient they would have addressed the issue and diagnosed me correctly. Anyways, I vowed never to see a social worker again. My aunt, who is a social worker, thought that the one I had thought I was just there to get meds... and I stated, I didn't know they had meds for it, all he needed to do was tell me they last 20 min... and how to keep myself "occupied" during that twenty min (I finally realized it later, and would bother my sister every time I had one).

Anyways, the panic attacks stopped... and in the past couple of months have started again. If they start becoming a neusence (sp) I will seek help.

My suggestion is to get help from a professional. But I'd be careful, many pros just want to stick you on meds and that's it. I don't think meds are the answer (I follow cog-behavioral side of psych, not biological)... I think meds can help, but I think that if you do not get counceling to help you figure out what is causing this and address that problem, I think you may continue to have problems.

 

[Christine]

OK, I just talked to my dr. this week about anxiety. He suggested Lexipro IF I felt like it was interferring with every day life. I do feel anxious alot of times and in times of stress, have rapid heart rate, palpitations and on 3 occasions have hyperventilated (high stress times). I've been having high blood pressure, which I thought could be result of anxiety. But, I don't have panic attacks.

So, I guess my question to you guys is "how do I know if symtoms are bad enough to go on medication? or is the anxiety normal for someone with 3 kids, etc." (I hate taking anything, BTW)
And, "Have you guys experienced any side effects from Lexipro?"

What you are experiencing is not normal for having 3 kids. Snapping at them and needing a nap is probably normal anxiety. Rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, etc. is high anxiety. Why do you think this is not a panic attack? It sounds like one.

Additionally, I have to ask: has your doctor even checked out the reasons for your heart palps and high blood pressure or did he/she just assume it was anxiety? I have found that in women, the doctors immediately "write us off" and chalk it up to high anxiety. I will tell you that anxiety does not give me high blood pressure. I'm sure it can momentarily, but it doesn't keep it that way. Before I attributed anything to anxiety, I would want a full physical. Heck, even all the anxiety self-help books I have tell you to get it checked out FIRST before being treated for anxiety. Many physical things can cause what your feeling: an adrenal gland problem and thyroid problems come to mind.

If you've already checked that out great. Sorry to get on my soapbox but I just thought I'd add that little public service announcement in.

As for the SSRIs (Lexapro being one of them), at any point that you feel anxious like you are describing, it would be appropriate to give it a try. I have had pretty bad side effects with all of these drugs (with the exception of Xanax) so I am unable to take them if I want to hold down my job. Way too many side effects. But other people do just fine on them.

My therapist would tell you that the drugs are great for the short period to get things under control but she feels that people need therapy because it the meds don't get rid of the "issues" causing the anxiety.

 

[iggbees]

And, "Have you guys experienced any side effects from Lexipro?"

the only side effect i have had (i was put back on 10 after i stopped for a while and restarted, but i'm on 20 mg now because the 10 did nothing for me) is sleepiness within an hour of taking them the first few days of use. so i'd generally take it at night.

the other thing i have noticed is that if you don't take it every day, it won't really help. my sister is also on it (a higher dose than me) and i've noticed that when she doesn't take it she gets very depressed and anxious and complains that nobody listens to her.

i started lexapro in october of last year, did really well until jan, when i decided to stop taking them. about a month later i got really anxious again. i talked to my aunt (who's a dr) and she said that i should have taken them for at least a year. that's the lenth of time that is really necessary for your body to adjust to not being anxious. i asked to be put back on them in june, so i was given the same 10 mg dose that i had been on in october and it did nothing for me. i went back a month later, told the dr that i still felt the same i did back in june and they upped my dose. i was told that it happens when people go off meds and then get put back on them, the dose they were previously on doesn't help them. but now i feel awesome and i'll be taking this med for at least a year. i'm also thinking about talking to a psychologist to help me with my anxiety for the future when i ween myself off of the lexapro.

 

[my3kids]

One way to descibe the feeling to people who don't understand....you know that clinching of your gut if someone swerves into your lane on the highway.....imagine that feeling ALL the time, or for prolonged periods of time, not the momentary response someone would have on the interstate.

 

[disneymama73]

Yes, I used to get terrible panic attacks, mostly caused by my marriage problems. I was taking Ativan, and it helped tremendously. However, my doctor put me on Zoloft, and I don't get them at all now, so I don't even need the Ativan. I'd just rather not have the attacks at all.

I hope you find what works for you. :

 

[va32h]

Yes, I have them. My main trigger seems to be being in a confined space, but it's more complicated than that. It depends on how much control I have over the situation.

I cannot get my hair cut. After 10 minutes of sitting in the chair, I can feel a panic attack coming on. I seriously think it has something to do with having that cape around me, covering my torso. I hate it!

The dentist is nearly as bad, but I listen to music via headphones and do deep breathing, plus I know I have to see the dentist so I manage.

Airplanes are difficult, but again, I manage. I get up at least once during any flight, and am usually so distracted by taking care of my kids that I don't focus on my anxiety.

Driving is fine if I am the driver. As the passenger, it is a bit of a challenge, but it depends on who is driving and whether I feel comfortable asking them to stop. But I have to be in the front seat. Backseat is torture.

Oddly enough I can handle elevators, but not escalators. I also have a fear of falling, but not heights. I could be on the top floor of the tallest building in the world, as long as I was inside it. You'll recognize me in the mall as the person who is as far as possible from the 2nd floor railing.

On Thursday afternoon, our a/c broke (finally fixed yesterday evening) and I joked that perhaps extreme heat was also a trigger for me, because I have been freaking out at everyone for two days. But I think it is because when I do have an anxiety attack, I get hot flashes - and being hot just reminds me of being in stage two of an attack.

 

[goldcupmom]

A decade ago + I was having panic attacks following a fairly minor car accident, surgery for broken hand and they od'd me on pain killers. After literally dozens of visits to ER, I finally found a cardiologist who was in tune.

He figured out the connection between my 'episodes' and hormone fluxuations to the point that he could predict when my heart would race & I would call. I went cold turkey off caffeine & have been much better with the knowledge that these are in large part hormonally triggered. Another thing that has really helped is Revival Soy which helps the hormone problems.

 

[Buckalew11]

Yes, I have them. My main trigger seems to be being in a confined space, but it's more complicated than that. It depends on how much control I have over the situation.

I cannot get my hair cut. After 10 minutes of sitting in the chair, I can feel a panic attack coming on. I seriously think it has something to do with having that cape around me, covering my torso. I hate it!

The dentist is nearly as bad, but I listen to music via headphones and do deep breathing, plus I know I have to see the dentist so I manage.

Airplanes are difficult, but again, I manage. I get up at least once during any flight, and am usually so distracted by taking care of my kids that I don't focus on my anxiety.

Driving is fine if I am the driver. As the passenger, it is a bit of a challenge, but it depends on who is driving and whether I feel comfortable asking them to stop. But I have to be in the front seat. Backseat is torture.

Oddly enough I can handle elevators, but not escalators. I also have a fear of falling, but not heights. I could be on the top floor of the tallest building in the world, as long as I was inside it. You'll recognize me in the mall as the person who is as far as possible from the 2nd floor railing.

On Thursday afternoon, our a/c broke (finally fixed yesterday evening) and I joked that perhaps extreme heat was also a trigger for me, because I have been freaking out at everyone for two days. But I think it is because when I do have an anxiety attack, I get hot flashes - and being hot just reminds me of being in stage two of an attack.

I am you, you are me!!
I can relate to everything you said. It was like you were in my head and typed what I feel. Very weird to have the same things setting us both off.

 

[Sonya]

I have this too. I got my first attack on an airplane and haven't been on one since. My triggers are usually when I get to thinking about something happening to me or my familly. DOOM DOOM DOOM! So I try not to read or watch anything too sad, or bad in that way.

If I am not on meds (prozac) I have them constantly. And I mean constantly! One right after another, like waves on a beach. Since going on meds I get a flare up every now and then but Xanax helps a lot. And no more cafeine for me!

Sometimes I think having a baby made it all start, I had a very bad labor and delivery and I wonder if I have post tramatic stress from almost dying. The person I talked too didn't seem to think so, but ......

Good luck to you who have this too, and if you haven't already GET HELP!

 

[goofy's friends]

What you are experiencing is not normal for having 3 kids. Snapping at them and needing a nap is probably normal anxiety. Rapid heart rate, hyperventilating, etc. is high anxiety. Why do you think this is not a panic attack? It sounds like one.

Additionally, I have to ask: has your doctor even checked out the reasons for your heart palps and high blood pressure or did he/she just assume it was anxiety? I have found that in women, the doctors immediately "write us off" and chalk it up to high anxiety. I will tell you that anxiety does not give me high blood pressure. I'm sure it can momentarily, but it doesn't keep it that way. Before I attributed anything to anxiety, I would want a full physical. Heck, even all the anxiety self-help books I have tell you to get it checked out FIRST before being treated for anxiety. Many physical things can cause what your feeling: an adrenal gland problem and thyroid problems come to mind.

If you've already checked that out great. Sorry to get on my soapbox but I just thought I'd add that little public service announcement in.

As for the SSRIs (Lexapro being one of them), at any point that you feel anxious like you are describing, it would be appropriate to give it a try. I have had pretty bad side effects with all of these drugs (with the exception of Xanax) so I am unable to take them if I want to hold down my job. Way too many side effects. But other people do just fine on them.

My therapist would tell you that the drugs are great for the short period to get things under control but she feels that people need therapy because it the meds don't get rid of the "issues" causing the anxiety.

Christine, Thanks for responding to my ?s. I really want to figure this out. I just had a physical this week and talked to dr. Everything checks out physically. Maybe my moments that I call "high stress" are actually panic atacks, when I have had the biggest affects, like hyperventilating, rapid heart rate,etc. They are very few and far between though. I have really hyperventilated 4 times: twice in arguements , once in an airplane (though have come to tears other times), and once in a spray-on tanning booth. This just doesn't sound the same as some other posters are describing.

I'm trying to figure this out, so times I have become anxious (extreme frustration, heart rate up, etc): almost daily dealing with ADHD son and arguementative daughter, heights (new fear for me), some other relationship stuff. Oh, and the doom and gloom only happens if I wake in the middle of the night (I can usually turn it off though)

I just don't know what to attribute to normal life issues and I need to dEAL WITH IT or if medication would really help.

Dr. says that anxiety does not cause high blood pressure except maybe at the moment of experiencing it--not chronic IOW. I asked him at the physical about anxiety--not something he brought up.

I HATE putting any drug into my body--I'm allergic to some and jsut very wary of mind-altering, behavior altering, sleep altering, etc., but if it would be a real help, I will.