Panic attacks - is this what it's like?

[AmyStake]

I've never had a panic attack before, but I think I'm having one now and I had one earlier today.

I feel like I can't get enough breath, like I'm not breathing hard enough? I felt dizzy after I left home, I needed to do the shop but I just wanted to go home. I was convinced I was going to faint on the bus home and I thought there was something seriously wrong with me . My heart was and is going ten to the dozen.

Now I'm having the breathing thing again - it's like I think I'm not remembering to breathe properly or breath hard enough. I've been really stressed out about work but I've been OK today, or I thought I had been. I had this last week as well on the way home from work but not on the days I was off (I only worked one day last week!).

My fingernails and lips aren't blue, and I haven't fainted or been ill. I forgot my citalopram a few days last week and got in to a bit of a state but its work as usual this week and I've been a bit apprehensive, but I'm OK.

Does this sound like a panic attack? :(

It does sound like it could be - but seeing as this is new for you, i think you should just make an appointment with your GP.

I don't think it's a panic attack, I recognise those symptoms from leaving the citalopram for a couple of days, it feels horrible. Drink plenty of water, make sure you have your normal dose for the next few days and look after yourself. I found it went pretty quickly after a day or two back on normal dose. Really remember the breathing thing, like your ribcage is just happier closed, and it's extra effort to breathe?

Sympathies.. it's awful.