Has this happened to anyone else???

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-12-2004
Has this happened to anyone else???
6
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 9:08am

I just started having panic attacks about 1 month ago. It happens at night right when I am about to fall asleep or I am awoken by it. I will start to feel the attack coming on, I get tingely and my heart starts racing. So I will breath myself through it. I will start to feel better, still a little shakey and jittery. Then, if I move at all, roll over or even stretch it starts all over again. This will go on for the majority of the night.

When I get up in the morning I feel all achy, my muscles are tight and my chest hurts.

Is this normal? I am so new to this whole anxiety thing that any input is helpful. It's really scary. I haven't been to the doctor but I have done tons of research and I am almost 100 percent sure that it's panc attacks.

Any input is greatly appreciated!!!!

Avatar for cassia7
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-29-2003
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 10:07am

Hi, I also get "night panic attacks". Very rarely do I ever get one during the day, I guess only when I'm really stressed out about something. I still don't understand why I get them at night! I have been taking for the last 2 years 0.5mg of Lorazapam each night and that has really helped me. I would say I only get an attack now at night maybe once every 3 months or so and when I do, I can breathe my way out of one. Taking the Lorazapam nightly has helped me tremendously.

As for the muscle aches you get also, I believe that is all due to stress/anxiety. I know when I am feeling stressed, there is one spot in my back that always hurts.

I would definatley go an talk to your doctor. :)

Take Care, Cassia

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 10:08am

Hi,


I am sorry to hear that you are going through. My 1st panic attack (3 months ago)

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-12-2004
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 10:20am

Thanks everyone for the responses. It just makes me feel better knowing there are other out there that understand and care.

I do not feel anxious during the day. I only feel the after effects from the night, such as- chest pains, muscle tightness and shakiness. Maybe I just need something to relax me at night so this doesn't keep happening.

Thanks everyone!

Avatar for atober
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-20-2004
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 10:21am

I have had anxiety for some years now. I recently started having a really hard time sleeping. It seemed that I was waking up every one to two hours. Sometimes I would feel panicky when waking. My doc prescribed Elavil (50mg). I have been sleeping like a baby.

Definitely see your dr so they can rule out any other possibilities.

Alison

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 11:53am

Hi! It's great to have you in our community. You are NOT alone. Nighttime panic attacks are my specialty. They are no fun @ all. But, there is help. There is hope. I have learned to successfully manage mine with belly breathing, relaxation & positive thoughts. I have had some rough spells where I needed meds & therapy. Research indicates that's the most successful approach.


I agree with your other responses. Go to a dr. for a check up(that you probably need anyway) to rule out other conditions that may cause these symptoms. Then, follow what your dr. suggests. We care about you & want your to feel better. Let us know what happens.


Join in our discussions. Consider dropping into chat. There is one this evening @ 9pm est. Our members are generous with their time & support. You

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-2004
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 7:58pm
Oh yes you will be amazed how the panic attacks can be so damn painful and create all kinds of fun symptoms (sarcastic). Yes the chest pain, muscle soreness, etc. is very common. Sometimes you may experience cramping in muscles (my calf and neck muscles cramp up badly). Other times it will feel like your blood circulation is all screwed up and crossing your legs for a short time will lead to legs feeling like they've "fallen asleep" way sooner than what was normal before. Your insides get really tight and cause alot of symptoms believe me, i've been dealing for 10 months now. Fortunately after about 4 months in absolute agony almost non-stop my attacks are less frequent although they are still there and can be frightening.