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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sometimesblue on February 13, 2008, at 22:34:32
A few years ago i had mild panic attacks, or maybe anxiety attacks...i'm not sure...Once I had a major panic attack at work, so uch so that I had to go to out sile room to lie down until i t passed, 30 min later it was gone.
today, I had the worst panic attack ever....i felt shaky, scared, emotional, I just wanted to drawl under my covers and never come out...butI was at work so I tried to bear with it. Finally I had to have someone drive me home....i'm sure they thought something was wrong with me and I hate that, i don't want to be seen as flaky or unreliable...but as much as i tried to compose mself i couldn't.
I don't know what to do...who to talk to...Ihave no mental health coverage...but now im afraid this will happen again and what if I can't perform at work? I don't like to take time off because i do legal work si it's important that I'm always there, I don't want to get fired.
I'm already on wellbutrin, ritalin and soma, i take them everyday. I don't want something I have to take everyday, it will just be another pill and I'm only 26.
I need some advice, has anyone ever been in this predicament?
Posted by Michael83 on February 13, 2008, at 23:20:49
In reply to PANIC ATACKS? what now?, posted by sometimesblue on February 13, 2008, at 22:34:32
I've been in that situation!
In fact, I just woke up a few minutes ago and had a small panic attack (I have them when my brain is fuzzy after I wake up). I'm fine now. I have those every once in a while. Just a few weeks ago I have a much larger panic attack, it was not fun. People here on babble helped me through it.
When you say you have "no mental health coverage" what do you mean? No insurance?
If you DO have insurance and you think the odds of you having another attack are decent, you should see someone, a therapist or something like that. Call around. If you don't have insurance, there are other choices others babblers here can fill you in on.
When I have these terrible attacks, I just keep thinking about how I know eventually it will get better, even if it feels like it won't (because it always does). Hang in there.
Posted by Phillipa on February 13, 2008, at 23:55:04
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » sometimesblue, posted by Michael83 on February 13, 2008, at 23:20:49
A mental health clinic will treat you do you live in the USA? Love Phillipa ps that's what started me on valium 35 years ago.
Posted by sometimesblue on February 14, 2008, at 8:31:22
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » Michael83, posted by Phillipa on February 13, 2008, at 23:55:04
yeah, NY. I will have to find one i guess. I don't always get them, but when I do they feel horrible....like i'm going to die or something.
Posted by johnj on February 14, 2008, at 9:53:48
In reply to PANIC ATACKS? what now?, posted by sometimesblue on February 13, 2008, at 22:34:32
Could the Wellburtin be a cause of the panic attacks? Or your other meds? Something to look into.
johnj
Posted by sometimesblue on February 14, 2008, at 10:29:57
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » sometimesblue, posted by johnj on February 14, 2008, at 9:53:48
I don't know...i don't think so. I've had mild panic attacks in the past, the last time I had a biggie was when my newborn was in and out of the hospital and they didn't know what was wrong. This time, I'm thinking it's stress related....I want to talk to my doctor, she isn't a pdoc, but she's all I have....I guess I have to talk to her, I cannot go through something like this again.
Posted by johnj on February 14, 2008, at 13:33:09
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » johnj, posted by sometimesblue on February 14, 2008, at 10:29:57
I highly advise you to get the book by Claire Weekes called Hope and Help for Your Nerves. It will at least change the way you veiw panic attacks. It has helped me greatly.
johnj
Posted by Justherself54 on February 14, 2008, at 14:33:22
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » johnj, posted by sometimesblue on February 14, 2008, at 10:29:57
> I don't know...i don't think so. I've had mild panic attacks in the past, the last time I had a biggie was when my newborn was in and out of the hospital and they didn't know what was wrong. This time, I'm thinking it's stress related....I want to talk to my doctor, she isn't a pdoc, but she's all I have....I guess I have to talk to her, I cannot go through something like this again.
My heart goes out to you. I had a horrible time with panic attacks (usually in grocery store lineups for some reason) and was down to one store I could buy groceries in. I even tried to go into one I had an attack in but as soon as I got close to the till an attack would start. This was a few years ago, and at that time my GP put me on paxil. I had no more panic attacks. Since then I've been on many AD's (but that's a whole other story). Ones I couldn't tolerate as they increased increased my anxiety were Effexor and Wellbutrin.
I would see my doctor ASAP. No one should have to suffer through major panic attacks. Even though I knew I wasn't going to die or have a heart attack, they were probably the worse thing I've ever experienced. It's an awful feeling not to have control over your mind and body.
I hope you see your doctor soon and get some relief. Don't be like me and try to experiment, it only made me more upset that I couldn't control them. Please let us know how you make out with your doctor..
Posted by jms600 on February 14, 2008, at 16:30:04
In reply to PANIC ATACKS? what now?, posted by sometimesblue on February 13, 2008, at 22:34:32
Hi
You have my sympathy - I'm suffering a bout of bad anxiety at the moment along with panic attacks; they can be devastating.
Have you tried any of the Benzodiazepines? I've taken Valium to help my panic and anxiety - it really has been a life saver a times. Benzos seem to be the mainstay for anxiety and panic. You just need to be careful with taking them regularly as tolerance and dependence can occur.
I'd definitely recommend trying a Benzodiazepine. Even knowing that you have a couple of the tablets in your pocket or desk drawer can sometimes prevent an attack.
You should definitely look into trying them.
Posted by sometimesblue on February 14, 2008, at 16:42:12
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now?, posted by jms600 on February 14, 2008, at 16:30:04
my doc is hesitant on prescribing anything that may have a potential of addiction....i had a hard time getng a script for rit. UUggghhhh....you know, i don't get these attacks often, but this last time.....i couldn't even drive, i felt dizzy and panicky....it was awful.
Posted by jms600 on February 15, 2008, at 16:01:17
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now?, posted by sometimesblue on February 14, 2008, at 16:42:12
> my doc is hesitant on prescribing anything that may have a potential of addiction....i had a hard time getng a script for rit. UUggghhhh....you know, i don't get these attacks often, but this last time.....i couldn't even drive, i felt dizzy and panicky....it was awful.
Can't you change doctors or get in to see another one? If you are really stuck, Benzodiazepines are available from online chemists. Just be sure that the one you go to is reputable - do a bit of research on the net before you buy. You could also go to a chemist that offers an online consultation and get a private prescription.I'd definitely recommend Benzos to you... I think they would be ideal (and very helpful) for the situation you have described.
Best of luck!
Posted by Jeroen on February 16, 2008, at 2:26:05
In reply to PANIC ATACKS? what now?, posted by sometimesblue on February 13, 2008, at 22:34:32
hi, i had severe pannick attacks, and my doctor put me on seroxat 30 mg
i havent had a single pannick attack in 3 years ...
as far as side effects, it's not sedated like anti psychotics, so youll be able to function with this med, i hope you try it
Posted by sometimesblue on February 16, 2008, at 21:33:02
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now?, posted by jms600 on February 15, 2008, at 16:01:17
Any suggestions?
Posted by johnj on February 17, 2008, at 13:24:08
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » jms600, posted by sometimesblue on February 16, 2008, at 21:33:02
For me, I cannot stop panic or anxiety totally. So, I have had to change the way I think about panic. First, it is not going to kill you. Second, just float with it and let it pass. The more attention you give to it the longer it stays. Seriously, get Dr. Clair Weekes book and read it. I am not saying it is easy because it is not but I don't fear anxiety near as much as I did and this has lessened the duration. I don't think only meds is the answer. I hope you can find something but for me meds just don't help that much. You need to change the way you think.
johnj
Posted by jms600 on February 17, 2008, at 16:10:20
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » jms600, posted by sometimesblue on February 16, 2008, at 21:33:02
> Any suggestions?
Not really - all you can do is try doing some research via Google. I have bought medication very occasionally off the net a while back, but certainly not on a regular basis as I live in the UK and get the drugs I need via a doctor's prescription and the NHS. Therefore, I don't really have any recommendations - sorry!Maybe some of the other posters here might be able to recommend...
Best of luck!
Posted by Phillipa on February 17, 2008, at 18:48:08
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now?, posted by jms600 on February 17, 2008, at 16:10:20
Xanax prn for panic attacks maybe try a beta blocker???? Love Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on February 24, 2008, at 7:28:48
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now?, posted by sometimesblue on February 14, 2008, at 16:42:12
> my doc is hesitant on prescribing anything that may have a potential of addiction....i had a hard time getng a script for rit. UUggghhhh....you know, i don't get these attacks often, but this last time.....i couldn't even drive, i felt dizzy and panicky....it was awful.
You do realize that Soma (non-scheduled) is potentially habituating, as one of its major metabolites is basically Miltown, a schedule IV substance. So you're already taking something potentially habituating, sometimes equal to low potent barbiturates, sometimes equal to benzodiazepines.In fact, they're contraindicated with any major dose of benzodiazepines, which is why I had to use Robaxin (its distant cousin) instead of Soma, which I admit is really relaxing but over time Soma is probably more habituating than Robaxin.
Now there may be some reason why you are taking Soma, I'm not your doctor obviously but it is fairly potent.
I don't know your diagnosis, there is a lot of stimulating medication going on, although for some people's diagnoses it is calming, I know. My own condition responds to things very unstimulating.I've had panic attacks before -- one time aborted a vacation and I turned home playing a CD over and over and I had this reaction that I had to look forward, I couldn't look to the side.
More recently, with a very different disorder, I did have a panic attack on my last long driving foray and stayed inside where I was visiting, wasting valuable time that I could have spent reminiscing on my old hangout. Xanax sparingly helped but it really wasn't the answer. Getting myself out of the place and doing things would have been the answer and that continues to be an issue today with a much more complex situation that has occurred over time.
Its hard to respond to CBT or even the hesitant use of the word "reverse psychiatry" if the patient isn't willing or is in a state that requires some medication to be more functional in order to do these things. But ultimately by doing things, by punching through the imaginary wall there is light against the tunnel. Its not focusing on the symptoms but instead on what is resonant with yourself, something that drives you. And that is sort of a mix of CBT and other psychological techniques.
I know its hard because I have trouble with "homework" and setbacks do happen with medication unpredictably, it often seems that my caregiver(s) have more hope in me than myself.
This leads astray, but there isn't just a magic chemical to wave away all panic attacks. Yes, clonazepam can be useful in the short run but in the long run depending on the individual, it can be useful for an unknown indefinite time, or shortly habituating.
To feeling better
-- Jay
Posted by sometimesblue on February 25, 2008, at 10:26:37
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » sometimesblue, posted by yxibow on February 24, 2008, at 7:28:48
I take soma for back problems (back spasms, back pain), I've been taking it for 3 years now, on and off. I'm supposed to start physical therapy, (actually I was supposed to start 4 months ago) and then some tests to see if there's any permanent nerve damage...but I work full-time, go to school, have 2 small kids (and 1 big one if you count my husband, lol). I just really haven't had the time.
As far as the panic attacks, I had another one last week, same awful feeling - while I was driving. I had to pull over and have my brother drive. I just pray this isn't becoming a regular thing, I can't seem to figure out what is causing them. I have to make an appointment with someone, I'm not sure who...
Posted by fearfactor on February 25, 2008, at 15:14:17
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » yxibow, posted by sometimesblue on February 25, 2008, at 10:26:37
Hi,
Sounds like you need to start with your regular doctor first and see if there is anything else going on besides the back issues and the panic that could be driving the whole train. The benzos are a good place to start to try and calm things down, but it may take a shrink to get the mix of drugs correct for you. If you can't afford a shrink, email me and I can give you some ideas- I am in NYC and know a few places you could go.
Posted by yxibow on February 25, 2008, at 15:44:52
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » yxibow, posted by sometimesblue on February 25, 2008, at 10:26:37
> I take soma for back problems (back spasms, back pain), I've been taking it for 3 years now, on and off. I'm supposed to start physical therapy, (actually I was supposed to start 4 months ago) and then some tests to see if there's any permanent nerve damage...but I work full-time, go to school, have 2 small kids (and 1 big one if you count my husband, lol). I just really haven't had the time.
>
> As far as the panic attacks, I had another one last week, same awful feeling - while I was driving. I had to pull over and have my brother drive. I just pray this isn't becoming a regular thing, I can't seem to figure out what is causing them. I have to make an appointment with someone, I'm not sure who...
I was just saying that if you take any significant amount of Soma there should be a double relief from anxiety. But I know it doesn't always work that way. It is besides a rather powerful back relaxant, which can have diminishing returns over the years for some just like the chemical cousin Robaxin I take (which is a carbamate also, but related to guaifenesin).
I take it for an 11 year reaction that hasn't changed to suddenly dumping a benzodiazepine that I had been taking for at least a year in college -- I didnt know at the time and friends said I was a bit too sedated (Tranxene, 3x day, dont do this, please.) Within 24 hours or so my scalp muscles started to move, so much that a friend I know could touch my head and feel them too.
The health clinic semi urgent place poo-pood it and my benzodiazepine hating doctor only gave me HALF of the dosage back to take, immediately. I could sue that person, she ran the mental health clinic like it was her own fiefdom (she was the only doctor -- except for nurse practicioners, PRNs who were allowed with the laws there to prescribe with orders and prescribe directly non-scheduled items.) So eventually I was off and on to propranolol (which was freely like candy even though there was no real warning that I can remember about watching your faintness, etc.)
Anyhow long story short about that is that I also take a back substance somewhat like Soma but I can't take Soma because my doctor(s) know that it could kill me with the Valium. So it doesnt penetrate into the head, just the spine.
I did physical therapy at one point. The best solution for my situation in the short run was stimulators, I found. I still have a portable stimulator that I haven't used in quite a while.
I would suggest on a side issue if you haven't tried electrical stimulation (this is a completely medically proven concept, called various things like TENS and russian stimulators, etc.) you might get some temporary benefits.They apply a crisscross of 4 pads and it gives microamps at high frequency of voltage, this releases muscle tension and actually causes locked muscles to release and move. The stationary ones are more powerful but insurance will pay for a portable one that you use your own pads, etc sometimes.
Anyhow, I've gone astray -- but there may be more than meets the eye as to panic attacks. This could also be a somatiform condition, or any possibilities including slightly too much stimulation from medication. I obviously am not your doctor, I'm just freethinking.
I hope you feel better-- Jay
Posted by sometimesblue on February 25, 2008, at 15:53:10
In reply to Re: PANIC ATACKS? what now? » sometimesblue, posted by yxibow on February 25, 2008, at 15:44:52
This is the end of the thread.
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