I think i had a panic attack?

Question

ok so i went to my local gamestop today to buy Call of duty 4, anyways, when i got up to the counter all of the sudden i started gettin really light headed, and sweating, and my hands were shaking really bad, i could barely put in my pin number, was really embarrassing, what happened to me? when i walked out to my car i was still a little shaky, but i was fine.

this has never happened to me before for no reason.

Answer 1

I've had a couple of panic attacks. Did you feel your heart beating up much faster than usual? Did you feel any tingling sensation in your arms or legs? Did your vision become blurry? Were you short of breath or hyperventilating? Did you feel nauseated or had chest pain? If you did chances are that you had an attack. I had these symptoms and the doctor said it was a panic attack.

It helps if you carry a paper bag and breath into it.

Some panic attack sufferers and even some doctors recommend breathing into a paper bag as an effective short-term treatment of an acute panic attack. This balances the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Too much oxygen and too little carbon dioxide, caused by breathing too fast or too deeply through the mouth, contributes to the chain reaction of symptoms that occur in a panic attack.

If it gets out of hand it can also be treated  using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and/or anti-anxiety medication or antidepressants.

Answer 2

Sure sounds like one to me.  Albiet, a minor one.  A real good one has you convinced you are facing immenient death and you need to flee the scene.  Scary as h**l!

Lots of meds for this.  Fairly easy to treat.  Just be aware it is unlikely to go away.  Panic/anxiety syndrome can get worse, much worse.

See your doc and talk it over.  The meds are fairly cheap and very effective.  Having one while driving can be very dangerous.

Answer 3

Anxiety attacks are usually more prolonged, and you'd feel like you couldn't breathe deeply enough to get the air you need. Also, they will last anywhere from ten to thirty minutes before abating.

I suggest you start a health concerns journal in a pocket-sized notebook. Record date, time, duration, and your exact symptoms. Then, if there is a pattern, you should consider having someone seek medical help for you. Be aware, and keep track.