I continue to have panic attacks. Am I going crazy?

Question

This all started one night when I went to the ER from having really bad chest pains and I was really worried. I was told I was having panic attacks and have visited my doctor and was given lexapro. I just want to know what is going on? I can't seem to stop this and it has been over 3 weeks. I think that this is being caused by my job because I am under a lot of stress but financially I can't afford to miss any days from work. What can I do? I have been feeling really bad lately. I have been praying a lot and I really want things to be better. Why is this happening?

Answer 1

One word: Stress. I was just in the ER, believe it or not, the other week. From the same thing, except no panic attacks. Anyway, I would say the number one thing is NOT to stress. Be thankful that you're not in a deeper situation with your financial problems. It's pretty common nowa'days for people to be panicky with their financial problems- especially with the economy getting f'ed up like it is now...Do things that you like, and don't be too consumed with work. I know you have to go, bc of money, but afterward, try doing something you really like/enjoy...like, Have a good convo on the phone, go swimming, go on a date, go to the park with a loved one, etc. something that can cause enjoyment without spending much money. I mean...the best things in life are free, right?

:) hope this helps. if you need someone to talk to, do so!

Answer 2

I suffered from the same thing and still do peridically. Since the main trigger of it is stress for me the only thing that really works is finding something that you really enjoy that is relaxing. Since you can't afford to take time off work (and your work is probably a huge contributing factor) finding a little something relaxing to do at work will be key.

Something small at work you could be doing is on your breaks just putting in some headphones and listening to some relaxing music. I highly recommend Misty Edwards. She really helps me when I need to relax. On a bigger scale I recommend taking a couple of hours out of your day every once and a while and going and getting a massage at a nice local spa. And of course keep praying (:

Answer 3

Thing about take a MAIO inhibitor like lexapro is that it has a loading phase. It can take up to 4 weeks for you to notice a difference.

I have PTSD for Iraq and I take Celexa and Xanax. Xanax is an immediate release. When I have a panic or anxiety attack I take a xanax and I feel better within 20 minutes.

Try to relax as much as possible. As you Lexapro starts to set in you will notice less attacks. Also you may only be taking 20mg of lexapro, your doctor can choose to increase the dosage.

good luck with figuring it all out. It took me six months to find the right meds and dosages to control mine.

Answer 4

I say it has to do alot about the chest pains, and the rest of it is deffently cuased by stress, if it was me, i try to find more time for myself to relax , go out for walks enjoy the sumer weather, and if work was to much,  it be hard   i would find some help either bye ei or something like disability,  not trying to sound like an idiot but   "i come first"   if i coulnd do the work and i needed a time out  i would find a way,  get a doc note, apply for ei / diability doen't mean i be on it for long, just means i need some help after all im human i have flaus

no offence,  i put in the system its time to take for a wile,  your alowed, its life

Answer 5

I used to get panic attacks also, and i would feel like i was loosing my mind and about to die. It was a very, very disturbing experience, as you probably know. Panic attacks sometimes seem like they are completely random, which really sucks because you never know when they're going to come, and ironically causes you even more anxiety. I would ask your doctor about Ativan, you can get these little sublingual (spelt right? I dont know; but you just pop them under your tounge and they dissolve quickly) tablets and when you feel the panic attack coming on you just take one and it helps quite a bit, but makes you pretty sedated (watch out, they're addictive). I think the problem varies quite a bit from individual to individual, You have to stop what's causing the problem and work on stress management before you can stop the panic attacks. Remember pills are just short term symptomatic relief until you start feeling less stressed. I would definately recommend seeing a therapist, and get some books on stress management. Also, (and you would know better than me if this is a good idea or not) possibly let your boss know that you've been extremely stressed lately, and see if theres some lighter work you can do for a little while (really depends on your job though)

The most important thing you can do in my opinion is to stay strong, confident and positive. As long as your seeking help for the problem, it will get resolved, panic attacks can be stopped.

Answer 6

I used to have them too and asked the same question.  Mine started when I got exhausted and had a dizzy spell at work, then I worried would it happen again, and it did and I got into a spiral of worsening attacks.  I went through years of it, at the worst, I was worried I would become housebound because as soon as I would leave the house it would start up.  I finally lucked up on an accupressure thing called EFT.. Looks totally stupid, feels totally stupid at first, but it honestly and truly fixed my anxiety attacks after only two tries.  I can help you learn it or if  you are a self starter, try www.emofree.com where you can get free instructions.  Please don't hesitate to contact me as well and I will help in any way I can.

Answer 7

don't sweat the petty stuff,pet the sweaty stuff

Answer 8

something unconscious is going on. So I would try to find a therapist that could hypnotize you and open up what is bothering you and see if you can bring it to the surface more.

No you are not going crazy.

Answer 9

You need to see your doctor again.  

The lexapro may not be working for you, each person is so different and what works for them is different.   It also takes a while for a drug to get into your system and fully start to work - like 4 - 6 weeks sometimes!!!

If you continue with the panic attacks - you may be prescribed xanax - it really helps with panic attacks.

You need to sit down and figure out what's causing this before you do hurt yourself physically and get ulcers to boot!

If it's your job, start looking for another job, maybe you can talk  to your boss or human resources about something less stressful.

Good luck.   Please speak to your doctor again...  Panic attacks feel awful.

Answer 10

I've had these, and I understand how debilitating they can be.  May I suggest you ask for a beta-blocker in order to reduce the frequency of these (propranalol is considered the best).  It should help in the short run, but you need to work on this in the emotional-psychological context.  

I have just gotten an Emwave, which helps a person reduce the blood pressure/heart rate, and therefore reduce anxiety.  My therapist recommended it and kept after me until I got it.  It's really good--many times it stops the "panicky" feeling immediately.  You can add your prayers in the portion of the process where you think positive/appreciative thoughts.  

Check this out--it really works.  It's been on sale at Amazon, called Emwave from Heartmath.  It IS worth the investment, and it forces you to calm down.  I would also recommend some yoga exercises, as well as slow swimming, as both will reduce your anxiety and stress.  Also, take breaks from work, walk around the block, pray/meditate during the year.

Listen, I went through this and eventually I had heart problems and had to reduce my work and get a heart operation.  This is NOTHING to fool around with.  You MUST deal with the stress.  I also get chiropractic and occasional massages, as this really helps reduce the stress' effect on my body.  I am still dealing with it, and am still seeking out what works.

Answer 11

First of all do some research about lexapro. My brother took lexapro and it made him go nuts, if you are not feeling better after being on the meds quit taking them. My suggestion is not to take any meds. All that does is make you feel crazy. When I was 16 I had panic attacks. You should keep some calming music with you. When you start feeling like you can;t breathe and your insides are coming out go to a quiet place clear your head take deep breaths, and listen to your music. You know something else that might help you is meditating. You should do some research on it. Sounds like the stress is getting to you. Have you been through anything traumatic in the last year? Has anything terrible ever happened to you that you might need to talk about? Instead of seeing your reg Dr. maybe you should see a counselor. Most times when your body gets stresses like this it's trying to tell you something and has been for  a long time. I am so sorry. That's the most terrible feeling. Think about what relaxes you and try to have that available at all times. You are not alone. there are lots of people who go through this sort of thing. Remember things always get better. :)

Answer 12

No, it will go away in a week or a week and a half. It'll wear off soon!

Answer 13

yes

Answer 14

Panic attacks are directly representative of the things you do everyday and the stress you encounter. My boyfriend was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and panic attacks before joining the Marine Corps. which made things really, really bad because he was under so much pressure. He's been out for 2 years and refuses to take meds but has had no problems. I try and calm him down when he may get one and he says smoking a cigarette when he feels one coming on really helps. I don't know if you smoke or if it would help but if you don't, don't start because of this haha! Also, he gets really bad if he smokes pot (he's only done it 2 times) but he gets horrible attacks then.

My advice is find another job that is less stressful. You can even get government assistance while you're between jobs because of your disorder. Find a job you love and that's right for your lifestyle! GOOD LUCK!!!

Answer 15

stay mellow. it relieves stress a bunch if you try not to panic and worry about the stuff that there is no reason to. try meditation. your not crazy man.