anxiety/Panick Attacks

[samantha1988]

Hi everyone,

I started suffering from anxiety in 2012 during my last semester of my nursing degree. Constant anxiety and panick attacks no more that 1 hours sleep a night,  couldn't be alone blah blah.

Anyway, I was started on one medicaiton which worked wonders for over 1.5 years. However, it made me gain over 20 kilos, I have always been slim and never had weight issues. I gradually weaned off it and was perfectly fine for nearly 2 years, manged to lose the weight and get back to normal.

Working as a nurse doing shift work and all other shifts I started having panick attacks again. I've been on another AD for about 6 months and it has done wonders, the only issue is that the psychiatrist started me on another medication too . I've found it highly addictive and the longer I've been on it the more I need. I've tried to cut down but find I'm edgy and can't really sleep well without it. 

Has anyone else got a similar story or any advice?

I desperately want to get off one of the medications, but happy to stay on the other one. It's so difficult. Why do doctors give you something so addictive that you depend on. I now take melatonin at night instead of sleeping tablets to try and get off all this crap.

 🙂

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi samantha1988,

Thanks for reaching out to BB.  I'm sorry that you're going through so much crap at the moment.

Unfortunately we aren't able to give out medication specific advice, so I'd have to highly suggest having a chat to your psychiatrist about how you're feeling. Certainly the priority is that you start to feel better about yourself but if you are worried about becoming addicted then this isn't helping.  Fortunately there are many different types of medications and therapies that can help that are non-addictive so there are always other options.

I agree that it's great that you are taking melatonin at night instead of sleeping tablets. Do you find that the panic attacks have lessened/lowered over time with the other medication?

Are you seeing a psychologist as well to help?

The only reason that I ask is because hopefully if you are seeing a psychologist you can start to learn some techniques to help you recognise and manage a panic attack so that they become less bothersome.  Eventually and hopefully, by implementing techniques from the psychologist you can start to get into a routine where you won't have to worry about becoming addicted to medication and won't need to rely on melatonin to help you sleep.

I hope this helps.

Take care. 🙂

[PatT]

Hi Samantha,

Unfortunately sleeping medications can be notoriously addictive. Doctors prefer to prescribe them over things like benzodiazapines but the potential for addiction is still huge. I think it's great that you're starting to get yourself off them - I personally take melatonin and valerian to sleep and it helps heaps. 

As for the panic attacks - have you tried meditation? As somebody who suffered from them for over a decade and a half I can confidently say that since I started daily meditation 6 months ago, I've only had one the entire time. It can be really hard to do for people who suffer from chronic anxiety but if you can get it down then it will do a world of good.

Also - I'd advise speaking to a psychologist. I feel as though they're more inclined to listen and figure out the root of your problems whereas many psychiatrists just prescribe pills to help you manage.

All the best, 

Pat

[Cassari]

I'm new to this but hope I can find answers.  My anxiety/panic attacks started in 2011 when I went into adrenal exhaustion...went on SSRI's which absolutely helped but took quite a while to kick in...went off them...all was well but unavoidable stress overload had to go back on them...just waiting for them to kick in again...I can manage my anxiety during the day but it peaks at bed time as I'm trying to fall asleep...I have been getting the anxiety waves that actually wake me up...Pulled an all  nighter last simply because I couldn't sleep so I did my bookwork for our business...freaking out tonight that the same thing will happen as irrational as that sounds...Does anyone else get this?  Any hints on how to bring those thoughts down in the middle of the night when everything is magnified

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Cassari,

Thanks for posting to BB.  Sorry your post didn't get answered - often people find that by starting a 'new thread' it can help make sure the post is just about you!

I'm a little confused as to why your anxiety peaks so much at bedtime.  Does anything make it worse?  Is that the SSRI kicking in or just when you are more stressed?

From my experience I know that pulling an all-nighter will not help unfortunately.  It can actually start a viscous cycle - not sleeping leads to increased anxiety which leads to not sleeping..

My suggestion would be to talk through this with your GP or a psychologist/counsellor if you are seeing one.  They can really help with recognising the thoughts that are making you anxious.  It also might help to look into meditation and mindfulness.  It can be incredibly helpful to help you to feel more present and calm.  Try to be aware of your breathing too - slow your breaths down when you are feeling more anxious.

Hope this helps.  Feel free to start a new thread in the future to make sure you don't have to wait so long 🙂