topic Panic Attacks even when medicated. in Anxiety

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Chloe90 — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 07:25:36 GMT

Hey Guys,

Just hoping some people will have some advice for me. Does anyone still suffer panic attacks even when medicated? I’ve been on my medication for around 10years and have intermittent panic attacks. Had one in November and now again yesterday and I’m worried is it my meds or what?

any support would be appreciated.

Chloe

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Emmen — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 07:46:27 GMT

Hello Chloe90,

That must be a frustrating experience. Have you consulted your GP about this? If this has been happening for 10 years, it may be time for your GP to offer some advice as to whether this is normal, or if your meds need to be changed.

Kindly,
M

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Tay100 — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 09:36:21 GMT

I'm sorry to hear about your recent panic attack- they can be frustrating and scary. If you are worried about the root cause of the attacks, as you say, perhaps a GP or another medical professional could help you work out if your meds are playing a role, if any? Feel free to let us updated on what you find!

Tay100

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Chloe90 — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 00:44:19 GMT

I guess I’m just wondering is it still normal to have panic attacks even if your medicated. Like if your super stressed etc or should medication stop it for good?

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Ggrand — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 03:30:35 GMT

Dear Chloe...

I hope you’re managing okay...

To answer your question..myself personally...yes I still do get panic attacks even though I’ve been on meds now for a few years..

Usually if I’m over anxious about having to go outside..before Dr/psych appointments as well as they just pop up of nowhere without any reason at times...

Meds are good but not the cure for mental health..we need to put around 95% of ourselves into helping us heal....

Are you managing those horrid panic attacks..?.

Here for you dear Chloe.....

My kindest and most caring thoughts...

Grandy..

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Whatsinaname — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 07:39:56 GMT

Hi Chloe,

I've been on medication for about 4 or 5 years and still get panic attacks. Intensity is lesser than what it was but that might be a side effect of the therapy etc.

I wouldn't use medication as my only defense thats for sure.

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Guest_4643 — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 10:39:08 GMT

Hi Chloe90, welcome.

I've experienced panic attacks on and off meds. It could be that you're not tolerating it at all, need to up or lower the dosage or change the meds completely, or possibly it could just be a side effect and/or your body adjusting.

I guess you would have to discuss these issues with your Psychiatrist, if you have one, and/or your GP.

Perhaps you could make a diary of when you get them, if there's any particular trigger, how long, and so forth?

Best of luck, sorry you're dealing with this. I hope you find some meds that work for you.

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

blondguy — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 10:50:00 GMT

Hi Chloe90

Good question! (your thread topic) and thankyou

This is common to experience as meds arent a fix all....They do provide us with a solid platform on which we can heal more effectively using regular counselling. I take meds too and they work well with reducing the severity of anxiety/panic attacks

To answer your question Chloe90.....Yes I have experienced panic attacks when taking meds and yes its frustrating yet thats where the counselling is a necessary part of our treatment

Whatsinaname mentioned 'I wouldn't use medication as my only defense thats for sure'....This is spot on!

my kind thoughts

Paul

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Chloe90 — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 11:33:34 GMT

Hi Grandy,

thanks for taking time to respond. I’m not going to lie I’m struggling a bit. I haven’t had another panic attack since Wednesday however I have been anxious about having another one and just generally sad but usually I get like this after a panic attack episode.

I guess I’ve been extremely stressed lately going through family court with my nephew but I thought I was handling things well, maybe not so much??

it definitely helps to know it’s ‘normal’ to still have break through attacks and medication doesn’t cure everything. I need to get into therapy and learn some techniques I think.

Thanks for being here for me 🙂

Chloe x

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Chloe90 — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 11:35:59 GMT

I’m so guilty of relying on medication as my only defence and when I feel good I take it for granted. Defo need to get into some kind of therapy to learn triggers etc.

Adulting is very stressful!!

Many thanks for taking the time to respond it helps to hear from people and know I’m not going insane.

Chloe x

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Chloe90 — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 11:38:09 GMT

I have any appointment with my psychiatrist on the 8th March. I dread if I have to change I’m on the highest dose of my type of meds too so would take a while to wean down and the thought of that freaks me out!!
Such a revolving door of anxious thoughts!

Thankyou for taking the time to respond to me.

Chloe x

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Chloe90 — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 11:41:48 GMT

Hi Paul,

I think I’ve let myself down by not having other measures in place and relying solely on my tablets to fix me, even though life stressors and trauma happens which I guess meds don’t completely block out everything even though that would be swell!

Thankyou for taking the time to respond and share your story it helps immensely.

Chloe x

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

Guest_4643 — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 11:50:03 GMT

Sorry to hear your appointment is so far away Chloe. I can't see my Psychiatrist until March 1st.

Yeah good point, I guess you'd have to speak it through with your GP and Psychiatrist, perhaps the dosage is too much for you, I'm not sure. Only them and you know.

You're welcome, good luck.

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

blondguy — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 12:13:51 GMT

Hi Chloe

I did the same in the '80s. Please dont be hard on yourself as you are very strong by seeing your doc in the first place! (and for having the courage to post too!)

I see a proactive person who has the determination and strength to heal. Everyone's panic attacks vary in intensity...I wish the meds did block out my 'leftover' panic attacks too...Like you mentioned there are life stressors/trauma that can cause a panic attack even with meds...You are spot on there

Its great to have you as part of the Beyond Blue forum family Chloe 🙂 Any questions are always welcome too!

Paul

Panic Attacks even when medicated.

DannyG — Fri, 05 Feb 2021 14:45:22 GMT

Hi Chloe

yes I still have panic attacks even though I’m on medication. So don’t feel bad that you’re having them - I know I feel bad about them like why can’t I just stop these?

Lots of things can make them more likely - stress is one thing which it sounds like you have going on.

breathing techniques and mindfulness are what I am trying to use for my attacks.

i try to sing a song in my head or recite something like a long poem to distract myself from the attack when I feel it coming.