Panic attacks on SSRI also anxiety coming back

[Dermona]

Hello friends,
i was diagnosed with anxiety (without panic attacks at first)and started taking SSRI’s it helped me with anxiety. I take an SSRI. I used it for 10days then gave up because i thought i managed my thoughts but i was wrong, anxiety came back after 2days. Then i started taking medication again and i felt big improvements after few days. I m using it second time for 12days everything was improving i was very happy. I also go to CBT therapies. But yesterday i was lying in bed with my girl watching tv and i got panic attack(it was first time), i thought that i cant get enough oxygen. It lasted for few minutes but as i recently read about it i used breathing technique and calmed myself. I constatly get nightmares when my anxiety started and i wake up at night because of those nightmares (i dont have trouble getting back to sleep again). I thought everything could be handled and i was positive, but today i got panic attack that came again from nothing(there was NO racing heart/there was racing thoughts/frequent urination/pain in head/tingling in my limbs/and feeling that i m deattaching from world) is this normal on SSRI to have panic attacks? or it was not enough time to fully work? After my second CBT my panic attack started. Sorry for bad English(it is not my native language). Hope someone could answer my questions and maybe share their experience

[Nurse_Jenn]

Hi Dermona,

Welcome to the forum. It is great to see that you are getting some support with a CBT therapist as well as some medication to help with your anxiety. It is unfortunate that you have started developing panic attacks out of the blue. It is difficult to know if it is a result of the medication or therapy but my best suggestions would include the following:

[Nurse_Jenn]

Continued....

Suggestions would include:

1. Keeping a record of your panic symptoms, time of day, what was happening at the time of the panic attack and in that day (like a journal)

2. Make an appointment to see your GP - they can assess you and assure that you are not reacting badly to the medications that you have been prescribed and do an assessment of your physical health

3. Don't adjust medications or stop them suddenly without the advise from a medical provider or GP

Panic attacks can be tricky as they can arise out of nowhere and then can stop just as quickly. I do hope that the stop for you. I am sure that there are some people on the forum that can post about their experiences with having panic symptoms once starting an SSRI but in my experience, it is not normal. There are however many side effects that SSRIs can bring about and this will depend on what you Doctor has prescribed. It is best you discuss your symptoms at your appointment and where they can offer some reassurance.

Wishing you the best possible outcome,

Nurse Jenn

[Doolhof]

Hi Dermona,

Welcome to the community here. You have expressed yourself very well. You mentioned that English is not your first language, I am wondering if you have any issues when talking with your Dr about your health issues?

Do you find it easier to write English than to speak it? If so you could write how you are feeling and show that to the Dr.

Nurse Jenn has offered some good advice about recording how you feel when you have a panic attack. My Dr asks me, and I can't tell him because I don't fully remember.

Recently I have had a reaction to some medication. Some people are more likely to have an issue than others. It can take a while for the body to get used to the medication.

I do suffer from panic attacks now and then. For me, I try to find ways to reduce the length of the attack and the impact it has on me after.

If I worry about it a lot I may cause another attack, so best to try and deal with it the best way you can at the time.

It sounds like you are trying to understand this issue and get the help you need. Another visit tot he Dr will be helpful.

Wishing you all the best from Dools

[BumbleBumble]

Hi Dermona,

There are some really good suggestions here. Well done seeking help here and with your GP. Just to add a few more thoughts

1. Is it normal to experience panic attacks as a side effect of taking an SSRI? Yes experiencing a brief period of agitation or anxiety is not uncommon when first starting an SSRI. These feelings should lessen with time however for some they persist. If you continue to experience panic attacks please see your GP about switching to another type of antidepressent or reducing your current dose.

2. Why am I getting panic attacks now? This is a hard question as there are many things that can cause or worsen anxiety. Your GP is the best person to help screen for other causes of anxiety such as; heart conditions, low BSL, asthma, withdrawal from alcohol, too much coffee during the day, stressors in your life, lack of sleep etc.

3. How long until they work? SSRI takes roughly 1-3 to have an effect with maximum biological effect in 6 weeks. Your GP will be able to go over the finer points of your medication.

4. Did CBT trigger by anxiety? CBT is hard work and can trigger distress/anxiety. The increase in anxiety initially is something that you will be able to work through with your clinical psychologist. Please talk to her/him about this at your next session as they will be able to adjust the session for you. Nice job using relaxation strategies such breathing technique already.

5. English. Your English is great and there is nothing to apologize for. I wish you all the best on your journey.

[Doolhof]

Hi Dermona

Hope you are able to follow up on some of the suggestions and ideas and you have a better appreciation for how you are feeling and why. Hope you receive the help and assistance you require.

Bumble Bumble,

I'd just like to welcome you to the forum and the community and wanted to comment on the wonderful advice and suggestions you have written here.

Hope you both feel comfortable and welcome on the forum!

Cheers All from Dools