I just can't get over it

[splinter2432]

I have had panic attacks since age 8. Terrible childhood etc..  Mild attacks until college then I would get attacks which would make me numb from the waist down could not walk but always went away after 10-20 minutes. Then got married and when my kid turned 1 1\2 tantrum stage I would get the worst panic attacks everything numb from chest down and you know feels like a heart attack or stroke. My arms would go numb and couldn't use. I went on medication for my husband and child cause my child deserves a normal mom and wife. Over the years my body has gotten use to the medication and always had to increase medication amount. I still can't get over the fact that I have a panic disorder and how I think people like me are unstable or crazy or a psych case. When I think about this I want to cry. I just want to be normal and I want it to go away even though I know it won't. Can't drive anymore for the longest time, years and years. Can someone please give me advice on how tonget over it?????

[splinter2432]

Thank you very much. I will vent knowing someone knows what I am going thru

[moni1572]

Hi there, I'm so sorry to hear about your struggles.. you are so not alone in this struggle. I have looked up so many tips and advice all over the internet. I've been surviving on xanax (that was prescribed to my older sister for her condition) so I finally decided to go see a Dr.  He gave me a prescription for Fluoxetine (Prozac) and I tried to hang in there with it but I just couldn't stand the side effects it gave me- it made my anxiety worse than ever (was on it for two weeks) he switched me to Lexapro and I am only on day 3 with it, all I feel is lightheaded and I yawn all day!  He said I can still take xanax until meds kick in.  I still don't know if I'm convinced these meds are for me! I did find a book by David Carbonell, Ph.D called Panic Attacks workbook- I have been trying the exercises and I learned a little about the Panic cycle which has helped me control Full blown panic attacks.I wish someone would say this is exactly what you have to do and you will be cured! Until then, it's day by day and I try (it's very hard) to stay positive that I will one day turn that corner.  For now, it's comforting to know we are not alone in this and even just getting our feelings out can help.  Hang in there and anytime you want to vent or chat we are here!

[ggmom88]

I myself don't suffer from but in the past year have watched my 26 year old daughter suffer a couple. Hers appear to be the result of adverse side effects to taking the allergy medication Singulair.  She abruptly stopped once she realized the cause of her anxiety, heart palpitations , chest tightness, insomnia, nightmares and fearful thoughts. It has been 3 weeks and she is still experiencing the same side effects in waves. Anxiety and panic attacks are immediately brought on by caffeine and sugar.  In her case she wants to purge her system of the medication without taking another drug.  In our research we have come across some suggestions that you too might consider.   Eliminate caffeine , limit sugar to natural sugar and at that eat sparingly.  Try eating very clean. Something like the Paleo diet.  My daughter can seem to eat grains in limitation and is also juicing but again watching the amounts of fruits added.   Have you tried eliminating any of these from your diet.  My daughter says when she feels one coming on she rushes for water. Just now got a text from her and she is at work and she  trying to work through a panic attack right now.  Yesterday she said she had one that she felt for sure was brought on by eating a few vienna fingers. I know it sounds crazy but she claims she felt this rush come on within 5 minutes of eating.

I wish you well and your family well.  I hope you have friends that help support you.

[Judianna]

I have stopped Singulair about three months ago due to nightmares that caused panic attacks.  I am managing with accupuncture, supplements and hydroxyzine on the really bad nights.  Do you have any tips you can share with me?  Thank you!