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Original poster

panic attacks!

16 replies

pinkyp · 01/02/2008 23:04

Hi i'm a bit new to this so i'm not sure if its in the right place etc. Over the past 6weeks i've started having bad panic attacks. I know there panic attacks when i'm having them but they can last a few hours and i feel like all i can focus on is my panic attack when i'm having it. I use to have panic attacks when i was in high school but i grew out of them and they didnt seem as bad (although i cant remember them well so they might of been). I dont feel depressed or anything but they are now starting to get me down as they happen everyday over little things. I've tried telling my partner but i think he thinks i'm a bit crazy as he's never had one in his life so he doesnt really understand. I've heard you can go on certain anti-depressiants but i dont want to go down this road. Any one had anything similar? Any help/advice welcome. My baby is now 6months and gorgeous. Thank you xx

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gloriana · 01/02/2008 23:09

Have you asked your GP for some help on this? I know it sounds obvious but you should see someone more knowledgeable.

A good friend of mine suffers from panic attacks and there are some other meds to take for this - she has beta blockers for bad attacks.

Best of luck with getting this sorted and big hugs. xxx

shabster · 01/02/2008 23:12

I started getting panic attacks a couple of years ago. I went to GP and luckily had a major one right in front of him, so he could see it wasn't in my imagination. He put me on atenolol (beta blockers) - although I have to take them until he says not to they have 'done the job' - go and see your GP - panic attacks are awful and difficult for someone to understand if they have never had one

B1977 · 01/02/2008 23:13

I had beta blockers for this one year at uni and it helped. With beta blockers, I believe your heart rate can't go up mega high so it doesn't escalate. See your GP for advice. Good luck!

Original poster
pinkyp · 01/02/2008 23:15

Thank you. I mentioned it to the doctor and he just told me what might be causing them (stress) and to remember when your having one your not going to die! He told me to breath slowly and remind myself that i'm young and the chances of heart attacks etc etc and very very unlikely. After i came out i felt alot better but its gradully got worse again. My hv just said "well stop"-lol she was a big help! I was wondering if holland and barrat have any herbel tablets that might help? i shall have to look. Thank u for your reply gloriana xx

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expatinscotland · 01/02/2008 23:18

I hate them!

Had two yesterday. No real reason. No extra stress or that.

I'm on Prozac, so they're not nearly as bad as they used to be.

I have some tranqs in my cupboard, though, so if I find I'm having a day where I get more than one or I'm feeling especially anxious I take one.

I'd see your GP.

Original poster
pinkyp · 01/02/2008 23:18

what are beta blockers? I've heard of them but a bit unsure what they are, Thanks for all your replys your very quick! Hows your panic attacks now shabster? do you know what was causing them? so u still get any now your on beta blockers? I'm glad its not just me that has them! I thought i was going crazy lol xx

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expatinscotland · 01/02/2008 23:23

you're not crazy.

the WORST panic attack i had was when i checked into hospital waiting for an ERPC after missed miscarriage.

and my bp was 189/106.

the anaesthetist came right up and put in an IV and gave me something that just got rid of it asap.

blanki · 01/02/2008 23:24

I am on prozac, no longer have panic attacks, but probably due to psycho therapy/drug taking.

expatinscotland · 01/02/2008 23:25

i hadn't had one in a while since the prozac, bl, and i was BAD for it before that.

Original poster
pinkyp · 01/02/2008 23:47

I've just read the link for nhs direct - thank u! I feel better for just talking about it belive it or not, kinda feels like i've realsed some pressure! The reason i hate taking tablets is bcoz i always read the side effects (i know i shouldnt) and half of the time decide not to take them because i dont like the sound of the side effects! ha ha I'm going to give myself a 1months trail with the panic attacks and see how it goes, see if i can get myself to control them. If not back to drs! I learnt to controll them at school and was completely fine until now, surely i can do this again? p.s i'm a hyprocondriac (cant spell) so that doesnt help either!! Thank you so much for all your replys xxxx

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B1977 · 01/02/2008 23:51

If you don't like pills then it can't hurt to get more exercise, I'd suggest walking or swimming for starters (or maybe you are fitter than me!)

applepiecath · 02/02/2008 00:23

i am exactly the same i have been having panic attacks for 28 years now,i have been taking aconite herbal tablets for a couple of years now they seem to help for the most part

Original poster
pinkyp · 02/02/2008 00:28

I'm totally unfit at the moment with a poor(ish) diet so think i need to def improve this. I am hopefully going to start taking my baby swimming every week, I did start this b4 but he's recenlty had cold so we didnt go. Perhaps more walks once whether picks up too! Thank you again xx

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shabster · 02/02/2008 08:59

pinkyp - beta blockers, i think, stop your heart rate escalating - dont care what they are I just know how I feel much, much better on them!!!! I get the occasional fluttery feeling in my chest when I am very stressed but nothing like I used to be.

My doctor said 'after all you have been through (bereaved of 2 of my 4 sons - albeit many years ago) I am suprised to have not been locked up in a padded cell' he also said that my nervous system needed a rest.

When the boys died I just got on with stuff, everyone around me crumbled and I had another son to look after. Think that is why the panic attacks started about 12 years after the event.

Deep breathing - nice thoughts!! Sometimes easier said than done.

Original poster
pinkyp · 03/02/2008 21:54

Hi thanks for the reply shabster. I'm sorry to hear of your loss and feel a bit embarressed about having panic attacks for no reason. There horrible panic attacks i hate them so much, you can feel your heart racing and you know your having a panic attack but theres no magic cure you know you've just got to ride it out. Spoils your day sometimes. I've been fine all day today but since i got head ache i've been having a long panic attack! i can feel my heart beating fast! and my throats gone all funny again! arrggghh help its horrible xxx

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