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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Honore on August 1, 2007, at 20:01:47
I'm having the worst anxiety attack I've ever had. I'm pretty sure it's partly medication-induced, but it doesn't matter. It's been going on all day, but especially since about 5:00 pm. I've tried two xanax, and drinking about a half a cup of scotch, but although it waned a little for a while, it's been intensifying off and on, and now it seems to be getting worse.
I have no idea what to do to make it better. I'm trying to work with someone who came at 7 pm and is leaving at 10 pm and seem vaguely normal, but my brain has been mush and I can't think straight. I keep wanting to cry, but I'm too terrified even to do that. I started thinking that I was really sick and that keeps on coming back into my mind, even though I probably just have a little bug or am tired.
If anyone has any suggestions, I coud really use them.
Honore
Posted by TherapyGirl on August 1, 2007, at 20:16:13
In reply to Anxiety attack, posted by Honore on August 1, 2007, at 20:01:47
Can you try deep breathing for 5-10 minutes to see if that will alleviate any of it?
I'm sorry you're having a hard time. Wish I know something else to suggest.
Posted by Maria01 on August 1, 2007, at 20:31:11
In reply to Anxiety attack, posted by Honore on August 1, 2007, at 20:01:47
If it's medication-induced, have you thought about contacting the doc who presribed it? They may be able to phone in something to counteract it at least until you can get in to see them for a med check. No use in your body going thru the stress of an anxiety attack that can be remedied(at least partially) by a dosage adjustment.
Some meds will have anxiety attacks/symptoms listed under "adverse effects" that need medical follow-up.
Best of luck to you!
Posted by Dinah on August 1, 2007, at 20:53:07
In reply to Anxiety attack, posted by Honore on August 1, 2007, at 20:01:47
Both TherapyGirl and Maria had really good suggestions. I wish I had something more to add.
I'm really sorry, Honore. I hope you feel better soon.
Posted by Honore on August 2, 2007, at 0:02:14
In reply to Re: Anxiety attack » Honore, posted by Dinah on August 1, 2007, at 20:53:07
fell asleep as soon as I hung up with my SigO. I didn't wake up until just now (1 am EST).
I'm so sorry for not coming back to the chat.
I'm still half asleep so I'm not sure if I'm feeling better, but I'm hoping at least some of the panic has worn off.
I had every intention of coming back-- so I really apologize for leaving so abruptly.
Honore
Posted by Sigismund on August 2, 2007, at 3:26:53
In reply to Anxiety attack, posted by Honore on August 1, 2007, at 20:01:47
>I've tried two xanax, and drinking about a half a cup of scotch, but although it waned a little for a while, it's been intensifying off and on, and now it seems to be getting worse.
Hello Honore
Maybe many anxieties are different, but that would be enough to knock mine on the head (time honoured, that combo), which makes me think it might be medication induced.
So does that mean Emsam and/or Abilify?
Posted by Poet on August 2, 2007, at 9:52:42
In reply to Anxiety attack, posted by Honore on August 1, 2007, at 20:01:47
Hi Honore,
I'm with TherapyGirl on deep breathing. Both my T and Dr. Clueless keep telling me when I have major anxiety to remember to breathe.
I regularly treat my anxiety with wine, so I understand your scotch therapy. I much prefer wine to breathing. Don't tell T and Clueless that.
Poet
Posted by antigua3 on August 2, 2007, at 10:42:58
In reply to Anxiety attack, posted by Honore on August 1, 2007, at 20:01:47
Sorry I'm late to this, but one of my Ts suggested this and it works for me.
sing out loud. Don't think, just sing any silly song you can. It takes different breathing to sing and can change the pattern.
It works for me.(I sing Christmas songs sometimes!)
good luck,
antigua
Posted by Phillipa on August 2, 2007, at 11:51:13
In reply to Re: Anxiety attack, posted by antigua3 on August 2, 2007, at 10:42:58
Hey corona and lime got rid of mine and the doc said no more alchohol and I went downhill as it worked better than meds so how did you get your docs to allow it or is it a secret? Love Phillipa
Posted by ClearSkies on August 2, 2007, at 12:58:25
In reply to Re: Anxiety attack, posted by antigua3 on August 2, 2007, at 10:42:58
> Sorry I'm late to this, but one of my Ts suggested this and it works for me.
>
> sing out loud. Don't think, just sing any silly song you can. It takes different breathing to sing and can change the pattern.
>
> It works for me.(I sing Christmas songs sometimes!)
> good luck,
> antiguaIt works for me too. I sing Beatles tunes, because I can remember most of the words. It helps!!
CS
Posted by Dinah on August 2, 2007, at 13:40:39
In reply to Re: Sorry about chat; I took a lot of xanax and fe » Dinah, posted by Honore on August 2, 2007, at 0:02:14
No problem whatsoever! I was hoping you'd called your pdoc, but sleeping is good too.
Did you call your pdoc today about possible adjustments?
Posted by Dinah on August 2, 2007, at 13:41:22
In reply to Re: Anxiety attack, posted by antigua3 on August 2, 2007, at 10:42:58
I do that too! It works well for repetitive thoughts.
Posted by annierose on August 2, 2007, at 17:19:19
In reply to Anxiety attack, posted by Honore on August 1, 2007, at 20:01:47
How are you feeling today?
Sorry I wasn't around yesterday. Believe it or not, besides breathing exercises, drinking water also helps me.
Let us know how you feel today, okay?
Posted by Honore on August 3, 2007, at 15:15:24
In reply to Re: Anxiety attack » Honore, posted by annierose on August 2, 2007, at 17:19:19
Thanks everyone for all the great suggestions. Some of them really helped, especially singing and drinking water-- I don't know why drinking water helped-- but for some reason, it was an amazing antidote to my second-day panic (which reminds me, I should have some now).
I reduced the medication and am feeling somewhat better on the anxiety front, but much more depressed. On the whole, it's a great improvement, even if I'm not so happy about it.
Breathing is so hard-- I tried but my ability to breathe is much inferior to my ability to take xanax or drink scotch-- or even sing. I'm sure it's the best thing, but it really makes me want to scream, somehow. Also working helps-- if I can. Today it's helping a lot, even if it's just filing aimlessly or drilling holes.
It was just so great to have a place to ask for help. I can't say how much that made a difference.
Honore
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