Frequent Panic Attacks

[Andrea75]

Hi, I have been suffering panic attacks for close to 30 years. I have been on one medication for about 25 years. Even though I still get Panic Attacks they aren’t as severe. But lately they have been getting very bad again. I spoke to my Doctor about them and she prescribed a new medication. I filled the prescription on 1st December and have already used 35 of the 50 tablets in two months. When I have been having a panic attack I quite often take the tablets and find it is not working that well for me. I have Camomile tea and rescue remedy. I’m starting to feel nothing is going to help me. Has anyone got any suggestions? I don’t want to take the new medication as regularly as I have as it can be addictive. Please help

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Hi there

Panic attacks are pretty scary and debilitating so I feel for you. Did your gp indicate how often is appropriate to be taking your meds? Might be worth checking if youre not sure, or going back for a review if you don’t think they’re working as well as they should.

Im also wondering if there are other coping strategies that you use? For example - relaxation or grounding techniques. Also some people find keeping a diary and noting triggers can be helpful.

Katy

[sbella02]

Hey Andrea75,

Thank you for your post and welcome back to our forums.

I hate panic attacks. I've been getting them a bit more recently, and I know how helpless they can make you feel. That's great that you've been taking medication to help reduce them, but not great that it doesn't seem to be helping your situation.

If you haven't already, you could try having a chat to a therapist, counsellor, or psychologist about your panic attacks, and see what they recommend. Although your GP has prescribed you some medication, it may be useful for you to have a second or even a third professional opinion.

I keep a daily journal/diary and record whenever I have a panic attack, making a note of what sparked it, what I felt, and what I did afterwards. You may find that this helps you make sense of your feelings a bit more, and it can even be therapeutic for you to debrief about your experiences too.

Have you noticed a pattern with your panic attacks? Is there one common trigger for them, or are they seemingly random? Feel free to chat with us some more.

All the best, SB

[jaz28]

Hi Andrea,

I am sorry you are experiencing this. I have learnt that medication in combination with therapy is helpful.

Have you spoken to your doctor about possibly seeing a psychologist to give you some skills for dealing with panic attacks?

Jaz xx

[HappyHelper88]

Hello thanks for sharing and welcome

I’m sorry to hear you have been suffering for so long

im glad u saw your doctor and thanks for sharing your journey

have u ever heard of the diving theory It’s about dipping your face in cold ice water and it works by tricking ur body that your under water and to slow heart rate to preserve energy and oxygen

just a suggestion as I’ve started doing it but do your research before you try

Hope this helps