![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by FluteTheatrix on July 29, 2001, at 21:56:33
PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS!!
My name is Cynthia. I am 20 years old and have been suffering from Panic attacks for 5 months now. I can't take it anymore. I am so afraid of DEATH but I cant deal with this pain any longer. I am afraid I am going to do something drastic to stop this pain. I went to the hospital yesterday and doc prescribed me BUSPAR! I dont have the $$ to fill it quite yet. i want to know a little more about it. I have tried PAXIL. The side effects are unbarable. I can't be on SSRI's. I cant sleep... panic attacks are even worse... throwing up. Then he put me on ZOLOFT....same crap! Here I am drinking my Chamomille tea waiting till my heart stops racing so fast and when I calm down. The reason for my panic attacks is that I had a drug overdose a few months ago.. COCAINE! Never again.... it was a real bad experience. Now I have been suffering from this ever since. IS BUSPAR good for somebody like me? Am I going to feel the same I felt on PAXIL and ZOLOFT????????????? Insomnia is the worst. I hate INSOMNIA!!! I CANT TAKE IT. Right now I am taking remeron to fall asleep. Will Buspar make my panic attacks worse? Paxil and Zoloft made my anxiety and panic attacks worse. Please write back and give me advice. I dont want to lose my mind and KILL MYSELF. Its so HORRIBLE. I think I am suffering worse than ANY Panic attack sufferer I have EVER MET! Please write back or advise me of a medication I should take! Which would be the best?? XANAX??
Posted by SalArmy4me on July 29, 2001, at 22:55:08
In reply to I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 29, 2001, at 21:56:33
Talk to me on AOL Instant Messenger. My screenname is SalArmy4me
Posted by Greg1 on July 30, 2001, at 0:27:46
In reply to I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 29, 2001, at 21:56:33
Cynthia -
I can't get into your head and say I know your fear, but I had panic attacks
when I was much younger than I am now, but 13 years older than you are now. This was
before antidepressants were on the market.
These two things helped me get through it. You need to have a qualified person (that is,
a medical professional you trust) assure you that you're not going to die from your panic -
as awful as it is, and keep reminding yourself of this. And second, you need to secure absolute and
reliable contact with a friend - doesn't even have to be a super close one - just someone with compassion and understanding. Someone who you can call
as often and whenever you need to for comfort - even at 4 in the morning. (When I usually experienced mine)
You also need to be aware that some of these antidepressants can cause inital panic reactions (ironically)
but they will subside in a week or two. There's a lot more I could say, but try what I've already said on for size.
Good luck and let me know.
Posted by kazoo on July 30, 2001, at 1:50:50
In reply to I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 29, 2001, at 21:56:33
> My name is Cynthia.
Cynthia, my dear, there's a contradiction in terms with what you say: you're afraid of "DEATH" yet you threaten to do that very thing which would cause it.
I don't get it.kazoo
Posted by Poppy on July 30, 2001, at 5:56:44
In reply to Re: I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!! » FluteTheatrix, posted by kazoo on July 30, 2001, at 1:50:50
Hi, theres nothing i can do , i know, but i wish you luck, and happiness. I hope you get through this soon.
Posted by Simcha on July 30, 2001, at 7:45:53
In reply to I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 29, 2001, at 21:56:33
Cynthia,
As a recovering addict, I can tell you that some of your symptoms sound like withdrawal from cocaine.
Did you stop abruptly after long-term use? If so, then some of your symptoms may be related to withdrawal.
I do know that they to give people medication for withdrawal in rehabilitation centers. Withdrawal can be very serious and if this continues you may want to get more medical attention. My personal experience is that no one should ever try to get off of any drug alone without help. :-)
I hope you find the right treatment for your panic attacks. It seems that all of us react to meds differently.
I know that my brother takes Buspar to help with his anxiety. He is also a recovering addict. It seems to has helped him. He is also on Remeron for depression. I don't know if this will help you but I figured I'd share the info with you.
Best of luck in finding the right treatment for yourself. May you find relief soon. :-)
> PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS!!
> My name is Cynthia. I am 20 years old and have been suffering from Panic attacks for 5 months now. I can't take it anymore. I am so afraid of DEATH but I cant deal with this pain any longer. I am afraid I am going to do something drastic to stop this pain. I went to the hospital yesterday and doc prescribed me BUSPAR! I dont have the $$ to fill it quite yet. i want to know a little more about it. I have tried PAXIL. The side effects are unbarable. I can't be on SSRI's. I cant sleep... panic attacks are even worse... throwing up. Then he put me on ZOLOFT....same crap! Here I am drinking my Chamomille tea waiting till my heart stops racing so fast and when I calm down. The reason for my panic attacks is that I had a drug overdose a few months ago.. COCAINE! Never again.... it was a real bad experience. Now I have been suffering from this ever since. IS BUSPAR good for somebody like me? Am I going to feel the same I felt on PAXIL and ZOLOFT????????????? Insomnia is the worst. I hate INSOMNIA!!! I CANT TAKE IT. Right now I am taking remeron to fall asleep. Will Buspar make my panic attacks worse? Paxil and Zoloft made my anxiety and panic attacks worse. Please write back and give me advice. I dont want to lose my mind and KILL MYSELF. Its so HORRIBLE. I think I am suffering worse than ANY Panic attack sufferer I have EVER MET! Please write back or advise me of a medication I should take! Which would be the best?? XANAX??
Posted by sl on July 30, 2001, at 10:19:01
In reply to I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 29, 2001, at 21:56:33
Yes, BuSpar may help you. It did NOT act like an SSRI to me, I usually fall asleep and BuSpar was fine. I had other side effects that caused me to discontinue it, but they were different from anything else I've experienced on SSRIs.
I hope someone is teaching/has taught you relaxation techniques that may help you deal a little better. If not, find a good counselor and have them teach you. :)
sl
> PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS!!
> My name is Cynthia. I am 20 years old and have been suffering from Panic attacks for 5 months now. I can't take it anymore. I am so afraid of DEATH but I cant deal with this pain any longer. I am afraid I am going to do something drastic to stop this pain. I went to the hospital yesterday and doc prescribed me BUSPAR! I dont have the $$ to fill it quite yet. i want to know a little more about it. I have tried PAXIL. The side effects are unbarable. I can't be on SSRI's. I cant sleep... panic attacks are even worse... throwing up. Then he put me on ZOLOFT....same crap! Here I am drinking my Chamomille tea waiting till my heart stops racing so fast and when I calm down. The reason for my panic attacks is that I had a drug overdose a few months ago.. COCAINE! Never again.... it was a real bad experience. Now I have been suffering from this ever since. IS BUSPAR good for somebody like me? Am I going to feel the same I felt on PAXIL and ZOLOFT????????????? Insomnia is the worst. I hate INSOMNIA!!! I CANT TAKE IT. Right now I am taking remeron to fall asleep. Will Buspar make my panic attacks worse? Paxil and Zoloft made my anxiety and panic attacks worse. Please write back and give me advice. I dont want to lose my mind and KILL MYSELF. Its so HORRIBLE. I think I am suffering worse than ANY Panic attack sufferer I have EVER MET! Please write back or advise me of a medication I should take! Which would be the best?? XANAX??
Posted by kid47 on July 30, 2001, at 14:16:52
In reply to I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 29, 2001, at 21:56:33
Hi. I have MAJOR panic attacks. If you are allowed benzos, Klonopin & Xanax, were the key for controlling my panic & anxiety. Also deep breathing & relaxation techniques can help if you use them before you are in the throws of an attack. Good luck. Take Care
kid
PS Caffeine, Nicotine, & Alcohol seem to exacerbate my anxiety.
> PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS!!
> My name is Cynthia. I am 20 years old and have been suffering from Panic attacks for 5 months now. I can't take it anymore. I am so afraid of DEATH but I cant deal with this pain any longer. I am afraid I am going to do something drastic to stop this pain. I went to the hospital yesterday and doc prescribed me BUSPAR! I dont have the $$ to fill it quite yet. i want to know a little more about it. I have tried PAXIL. The side effects are unbarable. I can't be on SSRI's. I cant sleep... panic attacks are even worse... throwing up. Then he put me on ZOLOFT....same crap! Here I am drinking my Chamomille tea waiting till my heart stops racing so fast and when I calm down. The reason for my panic attacks is that I had a drug overdose a few months ago.. COCAINE! Never again.... it was a real bad experience. Now I have been suffering from this ever since. IS BUSPAR good for somebody like me? Am I going to feel the same I felt on PAXIL and ZOLOFT????????????? Insomnia is the worst. I hate INSOMNIA!!! I CANT TAKE IT. Right now I am taking remeron to fall asleep. Will Buspar make my panic attacks worse? Paxil and Zoloft made my anxiety and panic attacks worse. Please write back and give me advice. I dont want to lose my mind and KILL MYSELF. Its so HORRIBLE. I think I am suffering worse than ANY Panic attack sufferer I have EVER MET! Please write back or advise me of a medication I should take! Which would be the best?? XANAX??
Posted by FluteTheatrix on July 30, 2001, at 17:54:24
In reply to Re: I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!! » FluteTheatrix, posted by kid47 on July 30, 2001, at 14:16:52
Thanks for all the responses... Can somebody please teach me some breathing techniques? Or relxation tips? Its almost impossible for me to relax anymore. I take sleeping pills that make my anxiety worse for about an hour and then i pass out! Wake up and start the same routine over and over every day! Any advice would be helpful. I drink chamomile tea and linden tea. Anything else help calm a person down? ~*Cynthia*~
Posted by Simcha on July 30, 2001, at 18:01:49
In reply to Re: I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 30, 2001, at 17:54:24
Cynthia,
I find that meditation is useful. I also find that counting to ten then taking long deep breaths helps. Also it is important to have people I can call while I'm having a panic attack. I have friends in my 12-step groups who have helped me back from the edge.
These are some of the non-medicating ways I've tried to manage my anxiety. My pdoc prescribes ADs fot it doo.
I hope you find a combo that works for you! :-)
> Thanks for all the responses... Can somebody please teach me some breathing techniques? Or relxation tips? Its almost impossible for me to relax anymore. I take sleeping pills that make my anxiety worse for about an hour and then i pass out! Wake up and start the same routine over and over every day! Any advice would be helpful. I drink chamomile tea and linden tea. Anything else help calm a person down? ~*Cynthia*~
Posted by Else on July 30, 2001, at 19:22:31
In reply to Re: I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 30, 2001, at 17:54:24
You should avoid short acting sleeping pills like Halcion, Restoril and those new ones whose names I forget (Zolpidem, Sonata, Zopiclone?) because they can cause acute rebound anxiety during the day. I would go for Dalmane. Drugs like Paxil are not good for *acute* anxiety. They work after a couple of weeks but they can exacerbate anxiety in the meantime. Buspar also takes a few weeks to work. Classic tranquilizers like Valium and Klonopin are indicated (especially these two because they are long acting and don't tend to cause rebound anxiety).
> Thanks for all the responses... Can somebody please teach me some breathing techniques? Or relxation tips? Its almost impossible for me to relax anymore. I take sleeping pills that make my anxiety worse for about an hour and then i pass out! Wake up and start the same routine over and over every day! Any advice would be helpful. I drink chamomile tea and linden tea. Anything else help calm a person down? ~*Cynthia*~
Posted by Willow on July 30, 2001, at 21:04:26
In reply to Re: I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 30, 2001, at 17:54:24
Cynthia
You mentioned cocaine earlier. Do you take any other "drugs," like cold medicines, street-drugs, or prescription. Do you drink alot of pop, coffee, tea, or eat chocolate, stuff with caffeine? Caffeine can cause the anxiety you are describing.
Have you had any bad experiences that have scared you? There's a number of things that can be attributing to your anxiety. You need a health professional to help you with this. You're not going to find a cure on the internet. It can add to the help you receive from a professional though!
Keep posting, we are here for you. Been there and done it!!
Willow
ps not the coke thing, just coca-cola. went through awful withdrawal when they came up with the new coke thing around '85. horrible stuff!
Posted by sl on July 30, 2001, at 21:42:08
In reply to Re: I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 30, 2001, at 17:54:24
Let's see if I can give you the crash course.
The idea (to me at least) is to focus on your breathing to the exclusion of all else. Lock your doors so you KNOW there won't be anything to be afraid of, lie down on your back on your bed or other comfy surface. Close your eyes, and begin counting as you breath in and out. I believe I usually use a 3count in and a 4count out. So breath in, counting as you breathe, not over-fast counting, just normal. If 3 doesn't work, use whatever works, the point is to try to make the number grow, that'd mean you were slowing your own breathing. As you get into it a little, notice the muscles in your body and how tense they are. Start at the TOP, and your face and eyebrows. Then down to jaw, then neck, etc, moving on down. Purposely relax them. If you aren't sure if they're tense, actively tense them up for a couple seconds and then release them.
Keep your breathing slow and even. Some people say in thru nose and out thru mouth, I don't pay attention as long as you can breathe freely.
Some people find it helpful to visualize a soothing place, but personally I find my own home more soothing than any tropical beach...each to their own. :)You probably could use this method during the day, sitting up, etc, if necessary, or even WITH your sleeping pills if you have no other choice.
You could also start doing yoga. It seems cliche, but it's the same sort of focus on the body and breathing, and it usually helped me when I could get the energy to DO it. :)And when you wake up the next morning, find a good counselor with training in behavioral and cognitive methods! They can teach you far more than I can!
I wish you peace...
sl> Thanks for all the responses... Can somebody please teach me some breathing techniques? Or relxation tips? Its almost impossible for me to relax anymore. I take sleeping pills that make my anxiety worse for about an hour and then i pass out! Wake up and start the same routine over and over every day! Any advice would be helpful. I drink chamomile tea and linden tea. Anything else help calm a person down? ~*Cynthia*~
Posted by kazoo on July 31, 2001, at 2:34:57
In reply to Re: I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by Willow on July 30, 2001, at 21:04:26
> ps not the coke thing, just coca-cola. went through awful withdrawal when they came up with the new coke thing around '85. horrible stuff!
^^^^^^^^
Interesting you should mention this, my dear, since I knew this gal so strung out on Pepsi-Cola that she had to be hospitalized (this is the truth). She was drinking gallons of the stuff daily and couldn't stop. Her MD put her in YPI (Yale Psychiatric Institute) to "detox" and for the first week was totally psychotic and had to be restrained. I wasn't allowed to visit her for the first week since she would attack anyone who came near her. It was just so unbelievably terrible. Who'd ever think that this was possible from a soft-drink. Gives new meaning to the product.
"The Pause That Refreshes?"
"Things Go Better With Coke?"
"Pepsi-Cola Hits the Spot?"My hinny: forget the fizz ...
kazoo
Posted by steve999 on August 31, 2001, at 21:28:04
In reply to Re: I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by sl on July 30, 2001, at 21:42:08
Cynthia -
I've had panic attacks since I was 8 years old and suffered a traumatic injury. I am now 27 and only beginning to unravel the complex issues behind the years of suffering. I'm certain that your panic seems beyond the imagination of anyone else, but I assure, you, it isn't. You are going through what hundreds of thousands of people have gone through and recovered from. Once you begin to believe that, to believe that you won't die, you will begin to feel better.
It sounds like you've been through a scary thing. When you've been careless with your life and nearly lose it, you can drive yourself into deep bouts of anxiety and guilt.
Step one should be finding a good therapist, even if you only talk to them over the phone. It helps to hear from someone who is educated and knowledgeable, and is on your side. You shouldn't have your regular doctor handle your prescriptions for medications for your panic attacks. Many times they are well-meaning, but they go by the book and do not prescibe properly. Find a good, skilled psychiatrist with experience with patients who have anxiety disorders. They will help tailor your approach to medications.
Medication is nothing to be afraid of. I have had bad experiences myself with drugs like Paxil, but *millions* of people take these drugs. By and far, they are extremely SAFE. You will not die from trying new medications. Some may make you feel more anxious at first, others won't. Many people take Valium or other benzo's when they begin SSRI's to help ease the transition. That is okay. Nothing bad will happen by using them together -- the dosages you'll be prescribed by your therapist are very, very small.
You can beleive me, because I speak from experience. 20 years of panic attacks that have been bad enough to make me feel that no one on Earth has suffered as I have. But of course that's not true. We are all in the same boat, and it's great that we have these kinds of message boards to communicate.
You wil be okay. Find a good shrink, get some good meds, and give yourself a break. When your panic attacks hit, FORCE yourself to take deep, slow breaths. They will be like a signal to your brain to just slow down. It works.
Steve
> > Thanks for all the responses... Can somebody please teach me some breathing techniques? Or relxation tips? Its almost impossible for me to relax anymore. I take sleeping pills that make my anxiety worse for about an hour and then i pass out! Wake up and start the same routine over and over every day! Any advice would be helpful. I drink chamomile tea and linden tea. Anything else help calm a person down? ~*Cynthia*~
Posted by Tomek on January 8, 2002, at 10:29:06
In reply to I think I am DYING... Please HelP!!!, posted by FluteTheatrix on July 29, 2001, at 21:56:33
Hi Cynthia,
A couple of years ago I lived exactly the same experience you described. The only thing that really worked for me was to stop taking any stimulants (which include cocaine, coffee, tea, alcohol, cigarrets, chocolate, sodas, etc.) and doing some regular sport or exercise (in my case it was walking a lot in a lonely and beautiful forest).
I don't believe any drugs could really help you in dealing with a drug-related problem.
Stay alive.
T.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.