Panic attacks again
Find a Conversation
Panic attacks again
| Fri, 07-07-2006 - 8:10pm |
HI everyone,
I have been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder on and off for about 3 years now. THe last time I had a full on panic attack was about a year ago. I was taking prozac, ativan(as needed), and another antidepressant to help me sleep. I stopped all of the meds as soon as I felt better(this was a year ago). I was throwing up anything I ate, I coudn't sleep, and lost a lot of weight (I was already thin). All of the medications eventually helped and I was finally better. However, last week I had another panic attack. Once one happens it starts a cycle of them. I am terrified from it and I don't want to go through that atrocious cycle again. I saw my Psychiatrist and he prescribed ativan as needed and zoloft. I have never tried zoloft and I don't know much about it. I took the amount prescribed(which was very little) the first day the doctor gave it to me, and I was not able to sleep that night. So I didn't take it again. I am a student at a University and I also work part time. I cannot afford to lose sleep, drop classes, or miss days at work like last year. I have excellent grades and I don't want to mess that up. If anyone knows anything I can do to avoid going through this cycle once again, PLEASE let me know. I am afraid to drive on freeways again, go to malls or any other place outside my home where I may experience another attack. I know the sleeplessness was a side effect of the zoloft that may go away after 2 weeks, but like i said I cannot lose sleep even for a day. What should I do? IS zoloft beneficial? How about ativan? Are there other meds that might work better? Sorry to burden you with all of this but you have no idea how much I will appreciate any response or help. THANK you!
ALLY
I have been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder on and off for about 3 years now. THe last time I had a full on panic attack was about a year ago. I was taking prozac, ativan(as needed), and another antidepressant to help me sleep. I stopped all of the meds as soon as I felt better(this was a year ago). I was throwing up anything I ate, I coudn't sleep, and lost a lot of weight (I was already thin). All of the medications eventually helped and I was finally better. However, last week I had another panic attack. Once one happens it starts a cycle of them. I am terrified from it and I don't want to go through that atrocious cycle again. I saw my Psychiatrist and he prescribed ativan as needed and zoloft. I have never tried zoloft and I don't know much about it. I took the amount prescribed(which was very little) the first day the doctor gave it to me, and I was not able to sleep that night. So I didn't take it again. I am a student at a University and I also work part time. I cannot afford to lose sleep, drop classes, or miss days at work like last year. I have excellent grades and I don't want to mess that up. If anyone knows anything I can do to avoid going through this cycle once again, PLEASE let me know. I am afraid to drive on freeways again, go to malls or any other place outside my home where I may experience another attack. I know the sleeplessness was a side effect of the zoloft that may go away after 2 weeks, but like i said I cannot lose sleep even for a day. What should I do? IS zoloft beneficial? How about ativan? Are there other meds that might work better? Sorry to burden you with all of this but you have no idea how much I will appreciate any response or help. THANK you!
ALLY

My friend is on Zoloft, and she said it took a few days to start working, but she really likes it. She say's she feels 100% herself again. She said the sleep thing only lasted a few days for her, but she just took herbal sleeping aids for it. I hope that helps you a little bit.
Kindra
Hi Ally,
(This is my first post to this particular board, so hello to everyone!)
I don't have much experience with meds. I just started taking Zoloft 6 days ago. This is the first time I've ever taken any meds for my anxiety/depression. I have noticed some of the anxiety related symptoms like not being able to concentrate or "think straight" and losing words in the middle of a conversation are gone already. I'm still getting over the tiredness it is making me feel. I don't feel so scared all the time since I've been taking the meds either, and I am actually enjoying my kids again, and not getting so frustrated when the decibel level gets a little loud in our house (4 hyper girls, ya know!). Also I have had some nausea, but I will say that tonight I cried -- not because I was feeling bad, but because I think it's working and it was a bittersweet cry for myself, and my family - upset that I was so against taking meds before, and we've all been through so much...
Anyway, I sure hope you find the meds that help you. Good luck and take care Ally! Hopefully someone with more experience can give you more information. (o:
Sincerely,
~*~ Tangeloper ~*~
Hi! Sorry to hear of the return of anxiety. Have you tried to reduce your stress level? Exercise, eating well & getting enough sleep can help. Check out our *coping tips & tricks* folder below.
That is a good combination of meds. It is possible that you were just anxious & keyed up when taking that first dose of zoloft. I would try it again on a Friday night & work with it through the weekend so you will be set to return to school. Are you taking it @ bedtime? I know many ppl who take it in the evening to help them sleep. That prevents daytime drowsiness.
Many of us have found that meds & therapy are helpful in avoiding that vicious cycle, Ally. Have you considered talking with a counselor to help you through the rough spots? That really helped me when I was afraid to go anywhere. Many of us are able to confront our fears & go to the mall for short periods. Please don't give up. It will get better. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan
Hi Ally & welcome to our community!
Sheri Ann
Tangeloper!
Sheri Ann