Mommy's Health - Victoria,TX

I had panic attacks years ago when I was in my late 20's and 30's. I would not take my meds as I should because I felt like I should be able to overcome by my own will power. When I got worse I decided to do as my doctor said. I took my medicine as I should and also walked a few miles everyday. The walking was so helpful and also doctor's orders. I started improving right away. I have not taken meds in over 30 years but I still walk as much as I can and I have not had any more panic attacks.

I used to have panic and anxiety attacks. Usually on my way home from work. By the time I'd get home, I'd be in tears. The majority of responses all have references to meds and I do believe that some levels of anxiety do require meds. I did not want to go on any meds so I went to see a counselor first. After talking with a professional, I was able to get at what was causing the attacks and deal with the problem. That was almost 3 years ago and I've been fine since then. Now I can recognize when I'm starting to go down that road and I can pull myself back. Something for you to consider! Good luck!

This sounds really similar to something my MIL deals with - it is caused by mitro-valve prolapse, but I think it can also be caused by anxiety. The two go hand in hand for her. I would find a good internist to help you with this.

Hi I know what you mean... I thought I was going to die too..thought I was having a heart attack... could not be with my grandchildren and noise bothered me.. it was the scariest time of my life...I was having trouble breathing and hot flashes like I was on fire and then so cold I could not get warm...
my Dr put me on paxil on my gosh I thought I was going to explode.. don't take it... then they put me also on alprazolam 0.5mg (xanax) I take half tablet 3 times a day.. that helped.. and then Lexapro...10mg... so I am on two of them.. I do sleep now and sometimes I take a nap but I am better.. lexapro is expensive.. I want to be off it.. you need to tell your doctor what the meds are doing to you.. they can be changed.. hope you fell better.. I would rather NOT be on meds and working toward not taking them.. but for now I am so I can sleep and be ok... I am 58, but have had trouble with it since I was in my late 20s/early 30s... now it was bad.. I lost my mother to lung cancer a year ago... so just take things easy and cut back on what you take on.. I had to learn to say NO to lots of things... in all of this my GP doctor would not listen to me he kept putting my complaints off to the depression/anxiety while my urine test were coming back bad.. and my kidney hurt.. so now he sent me to a urologist and did some test and now seeing other doctors.. they are trying to find where the infection is coming from... I don't want to scare you but Please have them run some test.. my Dr was not even taking my temp or blood pressure.. don't know if I will go back to him.. they did find something on my liver... still having test.. sorry I just want to make sure you don't take the Dr's word for all of it as you know your body... listen to it.. and ask questions and insist on a few test...they have done lots and lots of blood test... ct scan IVP and now I am headed to a gyn... so complete check out but it has taken me 6 months to get the doctor to do something else...sorry it is so long.. read all the emails and talk it over with your friends and husband.. mine was so worried.. even my son in law said I needed to see a Dr.. I took care of my mother for her last months.. then her twin also died in Jan and another death in Feb.. I guess I freaked out... I am better oh also had all my teeth pulled as I had infection in my gum's.. sorry too much info.. Good luck just wanted to let you know we are out there... talk to someone they have them so you can get help.. I did.. Good luck and many blessings to you and your family... give the boys a hug... that helps.. hugs and touching... and walking... S.

Some of what you are describing could be related to withdrawal symptoms from mirtazapine. Make sure that you are taking it or getting off of it under according to your Dr's instructions. If you are on other meds, or withdrawing from other meds at the same time you could be setting yourself up for a really bad time. If you want to discontinue your meds or switch to something else please consult your Dr for how to do it safely. Some anti-depressants have very scary neurological side effects, and some can cause seizures if you quit them, even if you taper off.
Don't have anxiety myself, just want to make sure you are being safe!

My daughter takes the generic of Zoloft. It helps her so very much. I take the generic Citalopram which helps me so much. In my case, I had surgery then way after the fact, I would feel I could not breathe. They said it is anxiety due to the stuff they use to put me to sleep. Any way, those help us with no side effects.

Hi there. You poor thing, I know Panic Attacks are about the scariest thing I've ever experianced. My doctor put me on Prozac and it worked wonderfully. Watch out for weight gain though, most of those string of meds (anti-depressants) can cause gaining. But it was worth it for me, because I never had another one. Eventually I was able to get of of Prozac, after about a year, but I'm so paranoid, I still keep a Xanax with me at all times. If you don't want to be on Daily meds, you could ask your doc. about Xanax, b/c you can use them as needed. Also, the reason behind mine was alcohol consumption. I don't know if you drink alcohol or not, but it is itself a Depressant, so if you do drink, I would stop or cut way back b/c it's a big contributor to anxiety.

Hope this helps.

Have your hormone levels checked - you are extremely low on progesterone. I started having panic attacks after my 3rd child - it got so bad that I once left all three children in a shopping cart and ran out to the car! I made some excuse and had the lady @ the counter watch them while I said I needed to get my purse....
If you go to a doctor that prescribes bio-identical hormones (the dr's are out there), you can find them by calling compounding pharmacies and ask what dr's in your area prescribe BIO-IDENTICAL hormones, get on a bio-identical form of progesterone and you will be able to sleep, the panic attacks will stop and life will return to normal - all for about $20/month! I PROMISE! Read books @ the library on bio-identical hormones. Suzanne Summers (I know she's no doctor), but she has several books on bio-identical hormone replacement - read the books anyway...the references in the back will lead you to good dr's, pharmacies and also good diet and excersize tips.
Cut out any processed foods that contain white sugar or white flour. Because you aren't sleeping, you're probably drinking lots of caffeine products. If you've ever been on birth control pills, your body has forgotten how to make it's own progesterone, so by taking bio-identicals (NOT SYNTHETIC hormone replacement), you can stimulate your own body to replace progesterone.
I'm here to help, if you want more info - you can also get a plant based progesterone @ health food stores, this isn't as good a source, but it works - the product name is "PRO-GEST" and it is made by emitra (google on the internet).
This is an all natural, no side effect way of dealing w/panic attacks - and of course, your dr, will think it's a bunch of hooyey, but it works.

You might want another med. I took Topamax for migraines and had the worst side effects. One and the not so bad one, was that zapping feeling like I was being electrocuted. Nothing coompared to the other side effects. Ok, now you may want a more general med than something for painic attacks like Xanax. I have depression and anxiety. I take Effexor for the depression and it helps with the anxiety too. I take the xanax as needed for those rare moments. Talk to your doctor. Antidepressants are also used to treat anxiety, even if you are not depressed. That dreadful Topamax is a med for seizures, did a great job on my migraines but, ohhh, the side effects were something out of this world!!

M. D

My daughter has been plagued with panic attacks. I am a nutritional consultant and have been trying for years to get her to try the holistic approach. She would tell me I do not understand what she is going through and natural stuff could not help like the meds. Children can be very stubborn!

She does not like to take meds and knows there are side effects. She only took them when she had business trips with the possibility of having to speak in front of a group. She would tell me that she had panic attacks all the time and would get one just laying in bed without cause. She knows she has so much more potential but feels like the panic attacks are hindering her progress.

Recently she decided to try some of my suggestions because she wants to have a second child and does not want to take any meds. She just left on a business trip and had no anxiety/panic attacks. She has not had any since she started on the program. It is safe, natural, no side effects, and worth a try before resorting to meds. If you would like additional information you can call me at ###-###-####. I am sure my daughter would be willing to talk with you when you returns from her trip. She is beautiful on the inside and outside, and I know would be willing to share something that would help others. She has a good heart!

Mom of child recovering from panic attacks.

I was completely house bound before I started taking meds...good for you for being so proactive.

I am on Paxil and Klonopin...and have been completely panic free for years. It is a great combination and at the time I started needing the medication some of the best on the market for panic attacks.

If I had it to do over again now I would ask for Welbutrin instead of the Paxil (because Paxil has the side effect of killing your orgasms...sex isn't much fun anymore...eventually they come back but not as strong). I am currently trying to start Welbutrin to then wean myself off the Paxil. My doctor is helping of course.

The Klonopin is a total God send!! It is the same thing as Xanax except it lasts 10 to 12 hours instead of 3 to 4 hours. So, I take one in the morning and forget it, I am covered all day. I have permission to take one at bedtime to help with sleep...but personally I haven't needed them in a long time.

You need to give your anti-depressant meds four to six weeks for your body to adjust and them to start working. The Xanax/Klonopin (benodiazipines) start working as soon as you take them.

Yes, the buzzing at night is anxiety...my thoughts would race round and round in my head and I couldn't stop them so I would sit up and watch tv all night to keep them at bay.

Send me a message anytime and I will be glad to hold your hand through this via the internet...wish I had had someone to tell me that I would make it through and I could start living a normal live again. You will make it through and you will feel normal again. Take a deep breath, sending you a {{{{hug}}}}}

I too just got diagnosed with panic attacks and anxiety disorder. It started a couple of years ago with being afraid to drive in the rain and just continued to escalate from there to now not wanting to drive outside of Katy at all. It has gotten to the point where I really just dont want to leave my house or the Katy area. I finally went to the dr 3 weeks ago and she put me on Zoloft which I am not liking at all. I wake up feeling jittery every morning and it actually feels like it makes my anxiety worse. She also gave me something to help me sleep at night as well but it had the same affect on me and I basically just slept for two days straight so I stop taking it as well. Everyone keeps telling me that it takes a couple of months for the Zoloft to regulate so we'll see. Right now I am just so confused and mad. i just want to go back to being normal again. The only way I can explain it is it's like I went to sleep one night and woke up the next morning with a brain Transplant. I know it's not advice but I just wanted to let you know your not alone and hang in there! I have always been a very healthy and active person and feel I am way to young (31) to be going through this, and my kids (10,14)are just so confused because I've always been the strong one that does everything and now Daddy is taking care of mom. I too am looking for hope and that there will be an ending to it all.

You sound like such a sweet and caring person. I don't blame you for not wanting to be on any medication. I feel the same way. I can't give you any advice about medicines you were prescribed but I can give you advice about the medicine I use. I have only had one panic attack that I know of in my life. It stemmed from am emotionally traumatic experience. Thank God I recognized in right away and began praying. I am a born again Christian and I have learned through experience how powerful scripture is in my life. I was given a couple of specific scriptures during this time that saved me from enduring more panic attacks. In knew that the "panic" was actually fear. God doesn't give us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) I made copies of my scriptures and placed them everywhere, in my car, in my purse, on my computer, etc. Every time I started feeling an attack of fear I would start quoting those scriptures over and over and turn my focus onto God I could literally feel the fear leave me and I would be able to just praise The Lord. Talk about freedom! I have not had another panic attack since. God loves you very much and wants to see you free from this, M. D. It doesn't matter what is causing your panic attacks, God is bigger. I don't know where you stand spiritually but I would encourage you to turn your heart and life over to Him and allow Him to free you. God bless you!

Please re-read Rhonda C's heartfelt response to you.

Are you a praying family?
God has promised to bless you as you turn to Him.

May your anxiety attacks cease.

Love in Christ,
M. T

I wish I could help you more. I am very sorry to hear of your struggle. I believe I have anxiety and have for a long time. I have had 2 panic attacks. 1 was full blown and I really thought I was going to die. My heart seemed to be beating so hard that others surely could hear it. I was very confused and could not think straight. Thank God my husband was with me. I went to him, grabbed him, and told him I couldn't stop this THING. He could tell that I was not myself. He really helped me just by being there. The only thing I could convince myself of is that he was on my side and wouldn't let anything happen to me. I am sure he was freaking out but he didn't show it. IT finally went away. I knew later that IT was a panic attack.

The 2nd time was not as bad because I told myself at the beginning that it was a panic attack and all was really okay. I talked myself down so to speak but was still rather scattered in my thoughts for a while that day. My chest always hurts afterwards.

Other than these two times everything else is just constant going. Thinking all the time about everything. I do not shut off. If I allow it I will wander off into thoughts that are very depressing and disturbing. Sometimes the worst senarios for any situation. Terrible things that Horror movies are made of. By the way I do not watch scarry anything or that just feeds into my thoughts and dreams involuntarily. I will, on average, have bad dreams about anything that I was pondering during the day. So I really work on keeping my thoughts, action, and visual stimulus on positive things. This really helps. Most of the time I am overwhelmed with work and family responsibilities. I keep myself overbooked because it keeps me too busy for my brain to wander to all the rediculous stuff. When my nutrition is off the problem gets worse. So I find that taking vitamin/mineral/herbal supplements really helps. I need lots of sleep and if I sleep at the right time that also helps. However, as I type this I should be in bed given that it is very late. But that is nothing new. I have never taken any meds for this although there were many times in which I figured I was probably a good candidate. But now I am glad I did not. My husband is very supportive and I thank God for him and his understanding.

The longer I go working on happy and cheerful the easier it gets and overall I am less anxious. I also find that accomplishments that I am pleased with myself about also helps.
I pray about it almost everytime I pray.
God Bless

I think everyone is different, but for me, when I'm not having a panic attack I feel pretty normal physically, but mentally anxious. Sometimes anxiety attacks can be brought on by low blood sugar. It causes your body to release adrenaline, the flight or fight hormone, which can give you those panic attack physical symptoms. Doctors have no tests to diagnose hypoglycemia, read about it for yourself, and try modifying your diet, especially at bedtime. If you really have an anxiety disorder you need to see a psychiatric doctor (M.D. or D.O.) if you want meds that actually work and have the least side effects, and you need to take them every day for a while to get the benefit. Or you can try natural alternative supplements. There is a lot of info out there on this, it will take a little homework on your part to find some alternatives. Hope this helps.

I had anxiety and panic attacks after my first child was born. My husband was so worried that he did some research and bought me the package for these guys: http://www.stresscenter.com/ it worked! I have now been panic attack free for 3+ years. It's amazing and I am thrilled NOT to have to take meds!

Good luck!

I have general anxiety disorder and get panic attacks occasionally. I took Buspar for awhile and it really helped...I just took a pill when I felt extra anxious or if I was having an attack or was having trouble falling asleep. I only needed 5mg, they are pretty strong and can make you sleepy.
right now, I am medication-free, and have been for about a month. I hate doctors and I can't stand the thought of taking medication every day for the rest of my life! So I thought I'd try and control it on my own, and so far so good! I've been exercising 4-5 days a week since August (walking my daughter to and from school, a mile each way). Exercise is supposed to be really good for controlling depression and anxiety, because it releases your natural endorphins (happy feelings LOL) I have also been able to, in the last year or 2, been able to identify my triggers for anxiety and depression. Most of mine stem from my childhood and my mother. Confronting memories of my childhood mentally, and talking about them with my hubby, good friend, and my brother; those have helped me at least understand my deep-rooted emotions and getting it out in the open helps me feel less anxious about it.
I'm also a big worrier! I will lay in bed at night thinking incessantly about the next day, what I need to get done, etc. I developed a relaxation method that has worked wonders for me! It used to take me hours to fall asleep and now most of the time I can get to sleep within 15 minutes. I focus my breathing to deep in and out breaths, and literally picture the words "IN" and "OUT" as I breathe. This keeps my mind focused on the breathing instead of everything else and so long as I stay focused I am asleep within minutes. I don't have to do that so much anymore as just remind myself to relax. It's kind-of a self-hypnosis or meditation. You should definitely try to develop a technique that works for you. When I feel panicked during the day, I do similar things, like just focusing on taking deep breaths and clearing my mind. I've also found that writing helps me release all that negative energy. I keep a blog online and that is usually where all my frustrations and anxieties go. Before, I would tend to take them out on my hubby since he was readily available to listen, but that obviously had negative effects on our marriage, so now that I can blog about my feelings, I can get it out of my system and only go to him about the important things =) Speaking of which, the support of my hubby through all this has been vital. He often helps me to relax by pointing out how funny I act when I'm panicking about certain things (cockroaches, for one LOL). He also points out when I'm acting anxiously around our kids, because that is definitely not good for them to see. And sometimes if I get too worked up and can't calm myself down, he will just embrace me in a big bear hug and not let me go, even if I try to push him away, until I can relax. My point I guess is that your hubby needs to know that anxiety and panic are REAL and he needs to support you in overcoming them, and hopefully he can work with you towards that.
Well I know this was long, but hopefully I've helped you a little, and if you want to message me to talk more about it, feel free!

Oh, I know what you are going through. I had what I call "firecrackers" going off in my head, and they hurt! My doc gave me 1/2 dose of zoloft to take at night and at the on set of a sudden "I think I am going to die" panic attack. And he gave me Xanax to take daily. I took them until I started to feel better, I started to exercise to raise my natural endorphin levels and I found that I needed the zoloft a lot less, then with Docs permission I kept exercising and weaned off of the Xanax. But this is what worked for me, everyone is different. Good luck.

I really do not understand why people have such a problem with meds. If they help why not ... I do see what you are saying about the particular one you have tried but do not stop there. go back to your dr and explain to them what happened to you and ask him for something different. Not all meds are addicting and sometimes getting on and off meds is what really jacks people up. I hope you figure something out sincerely

OK, I have post traumatic stress syndrome, acute panic disorder, and anxiety!! I take Celexa for depression, Alprazolam(xanax) for anxiety. The celexa is part of my therapy, if I don't take it I cry!! The anxiety meds take cautiously. You can develop a immunity and feel like you need more. (addiction)

I have been on these meds for 8 years, My doctor I see every 3 months. I take 1/2 ml of xanax for the day and the other 1/2 at bedtime. period. The jerking at night is from you NOT taking your meds. When I feel like they are not working, I skip a dose and deal with it so I do not become addicted. Start a notebook and make notes so when you go to the doctor you have all you problems written down.

Anxiety is not fun, get control before you develop acute panic disorder.........Good luck

I had a panic attack so bad I could not find my car, then realized I was looking for something I drove 20 years ago!! It was not fun and coming back to reality was not a nice trip!!

"Freedom from Fear, Worry, Anxiety, and Stress," by Duane Sheriff Ministries. It's a cassette series that I received as a gift. They may have a CD's series now.

www.dsheriff.org

God Bless!

I just checked - you can order the CD's free or listen to them on your computer directly from the site!
https://www.dsheriff.org/secure/productDetail.aspx?id=MS-...

Hi there, as a therapist and someone who had severe panic attacks in my 20s, I must tell you that anxiety is an individualized experience and that organic causes must be ruled out. It is rarely treatable with meds alone. You need to dig a little deeper with a good therapist that has a good medical background and will talk with your doctor if needed. Because this condition is so treatable, it shouldn't take more than a few sessions. Be optimistic, you will get better fast with the right direction. I have a sliding scale and would be willing to help you figure out your physical and emotional symptoms. Feel free to write me or call my office at ###-###-####.
Take good care. :-)

Yes, I have had anxiety before just as almost everyone I know. Have you had your hormones checked? Are you off caffeine and sugar? You you get at least a 20 minute walk per day? Do you meditate?

Another thing that I would try would be accupuncture. Academy of Oriental medicine in Austin is great. It is referred to as(AOMA)

The meds are crazy and are doing more harm than good. Good luck!

My husband has epilepsy...and before they diagnosed this he was diagnosed with severe anxiety. And well when they put him on xanax three times a day and then completely stopped the prescription after a month he would go into these hellish seizures. Of course, then he came up with epilepsy. It took us months to get it controlled. But this buzzy, jolty feeling in your head sounds suspiciously like an "aura." It's like a warning sign that you may be about to have a seizure. There are many different types of "auras." They can be sounds, sights, just a bitchin' migraine headache, or even a metallic taste in your mouth. You should definitely go see a neurologist to get checked. Epilepsy can be very serious if that's what it is. Please, go get help! Good luck hon. I know anxiety is hard to deal with. I have family members who have it. I wish you all the luck.