Anxiety question
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Anxiety question
| Thu, 10-20-2005 - 1:34pm |
Just recently my doctor perscribed me Xanax, I've had two panic attacks so far, which were extremely scary. My question is how does anxiety affect you? Do you ever get that "lump in your throat" feeling? This is all new to me and my doctor didn't really explain anything to me.

Hi, I'm sorry your doctor didn't give you any more information. symptoms of panic attacks vary from person to person. the DSM lists the following criteria for a panic attack: it is a discrete period of intense fear of discomfort, which four (or more) of the following symptoms developed abruptly and reached a peak within 10 minutes (this may vary from person to person):
1. palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
2. sweating
3. trembling or shaking
4. sesnations of shortness of breath or smothering (lump in your throat)
5. feeling of choking
6. chest pain or discomfort
7. nausea or abdominal distress
8. feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
9. derealization (feelings of unreality), or depoersonalization (being detached from one self)
10. fear of losing control or going crazy
11. fear of dying
12. parasthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)
13. chills or hot flushes
Hi! Mia has given you an accurate list of common symptoms. The lump in your throat feeling is very common. I had a friend who would always carry a pepsi around in her purse when she felt it coming on. The *fizz* helped in someway, as did swallowing. Have you tried sipping a liquid when this happens? Also, how is the xanax working? It is very successful with folks on our board. You also might consider seeking some counseling to help you learn to cope better with the panic/fears. This is part of the accepted treatment.
Here's 2 articles I have posted in the past:
Symptoms of Panic Disorder
If you have them, seek counseling .Panic disorder affects about 2.4 million adults in the United States, and is twice as common in women as men, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly. They can't predict attacks, and many develop intense anxiety between episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike. If you are having a panic attack, your heart will pound and you may feel sweaty, weak, or dizzy. Your hands may tingle or feel numb and you might feel flushed or chilled. You may also have nausea, chest pain, smothering sensations, or fear of impending doom. A tendency to develop panic disorder appears to be inherited, and it's important for people who have the disorder to seek treatment quickly. Panic disorder is one of the most treatable of the anxiety disorders, responding in most cases to medication and psychotherapy. — Anne Thompson(HealthDay)
Lump in throat & Difficulty swallowing:
Globus Hystericus: It is caused by the muscles in the throat contracting due to anxiety or stress. Sometimes it feels like you cannot swallow anything and trying to makes it worse. This is another example of a symptom, which will improve if you give it no credibility. It is totally harmless and will not cause you to stop breathing, eating or drinking, it is just very unpleasant.
Source:
National Panic & Anxiety Disorder News
For Sufferers of Anxiety Disorder, Panic Attacks & Phobias
http://www.npadnews.com/anxiety-symptoms.asp
I hope this info is helpful & you won't feel so alone. That was a bit unfair for your dr. not to give you some insight. Please post anytime. We care. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan
Well you got a lot of great information from Jan and Mia, I just wanted to add that almost all of us here have had those symptoms and felt as if we were going crazy.
I was diagnosed 6 months ago and i am still having a hard time accepting that it isn't something more wrong with me.
I see a therapist and psychiatrist and they are a great help. Maybe you should ask your dr to send you to a therapist. I know that for me just being told that I am ok by a professional help a lot.
take care,
I am glad these posts helped you out. Some and sometimes all of the symptoms described in the previous posts we all know well......so don't feel alone!
I hope the Xanax works for you....I take somthing similar (Ativan) for when the anxiety is really high and it helps me to calm down and be able to concentrate better.
Practicing deep breathing is really important, try to focus on it. Practice it each and soon enough it will come automatic.
Goodluck and we are all here to help eachother, so don't hesitate to post. :)
Nina