Panic attack or not?
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| Tue, 01-09-2007 - 11:35am |
Hi everyone.. I need some help here.
I've been having such trouble falling asleep the last couple weeks. I lay in bed for hours with my mind racing and worrying. Just as I start to drift off, my stomach starts to jitter and feel upset, my whole body feels like it shaking, and I cannot stand the feeling of the sheets on top of me. I have to get up. What an awful feeling. Does this sound like panic or anxiety attack to anyone?
I must mention that I was on antidepressants for 9 months and about a month ago started weaning off them, I seem to be doing ok with that, but wondered maybe if this is a withdrawal from the meds. I know I have to ask my doc, but just wondered what a panic attack feels like and if this is what it might be,
Thanks so much,
Marley

Hi, Marley & welcome to our supportive community. As you know, we cannot diagnose. This could be any number of things that a professional healthcare provider could help you with. Many folks have had these feelings with anxiety in general. It is not unheard of to have rebound symptoms when withdrawing from meds. Also, depending on what med & how quickly you have been decreasing it, there is a possibility that it's a bit of withdrawal that's making you uncomfortable. I am sorry to hear about it. You are NOT alone.
Here is a new article I was going to post. It's from Harvard Health Publications: 13 Symptoms of Panic Attacks
A panic attack is defined by having at least four of the following symptoms:
Palpitations, heart pounding or a rapid pulse
Sweating
Trembling or shaking
Breathing problems, especially shortness of breath or a feeling that you are being smothered
A feeling of choking
Chest pain or chest discomfort
Abdominal discomfort, upset stomach or nausea
Feeling faint, dizzy, light-headed or unsteady on your feet
A feeling that things around you are unreal or that you are detached from yourself
Fear that you will lose control or "go crazy"
Fear of dying
Numbness or tingling in your arms, legs or other parts of your body
Chills or hot flushes
Between panic attacks, someone with panic disorder usually has persistent worries that a new attack will occur. These worries may cause the person to dramatically change his or her behavior or lifestyle to avoid the embarrassment of "losing control" or "going crazy" while with other people.
Please call your dr. You do not need to feel distressed. There is help out there. You might consider staying on the meds longer or even adding some therapy to help you through this tough time. Below is our *coping tips & tricks* folder. Take a look @ belly breathing, ways to sleep & worry less & even ideas on how to de-stress. It can be done! I have had panic attacks for 36+ years. Most of them were very good years:)
Please keep in touch. We care & want you to feel better. Join us in chat tonight from 9 to 11pm EST. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan
It sounds like a panic attack to me, but you should check in with your doctor as Jan suggested.
Maybe you are not quite ready to go off your meds? A few years ago I was on Prozac for 9 months, was sure I was ready to wean off, and it turned out I wasn't. I went back on them for another 4-5 months and then the next time I tried to wean off I was fine.
I understand being anxious to get off meds - I'm on Lexapro (anti depressant for anxiety and panic disorder) and Klonopin (tranquilizer to help w/insomnia) right now. I'm trying to wean off Klonopin and have been sort of rebounding back into bad sleep mode the last few days. So I am taking a little slower and seem to be feeling better after upping my dosage a little again.
You have changed your whole body chemistry with these meds so it will take a little while to feel like things are back to 'normal.' You may just have to take it a little slower - ask your doctor.
Hi Marley, it's hard to say what the cause is.
Sheri Ann
Thank you all for posting. I definitely plan to speak with my doc about it. I see him Thursday.
What bothers me most though, is that it wasnt just a night or two, this is going on for a couple of weeks now. Not every night mind you.. but almost.
I am taking on some pretty challenging responsibilies next week and am feeling a little anxious about that too.. which I'm sure is not helping at all.
I am trying to wean off the drugs so that I can think clear enough, and stay AWAKE long enough to try and get back to work. Its a catch 22 really, you gotta come off the drugs to function at work... yet you NEED the drugs to deal with it! Sigh... just cant win.
Nonetheless I am determined to make it through this. My mind is alot clearer now than it was a month ago (before the weaning started). I did stop cold turkey for a week or so, but found it was too too much. So, I started back on some of it hoping to take the edge off again.
I guess bouncing around with the meds is not helping either.
Anyhow, just wanted to say thanks for input. Hope you all have a great night.