Need help with panic attacks

I have a history of really bad panic attacks to the point of fainting. I’ve hit my head on things and of course the floor, seizing out and stuff. It wasn’t happening for a while, but on Saturday, I had a really bad one while I was sitting up in bed. I was told to lay down when it happens cause of the blood flow, so that’s what I did. It only went away for maybe a minute or two and kept coming back. It was terrifying… right now, I’m in a bad living situation, super stressed, anxious, depressed.. just so much.. I’m scared I’m going to get panic attacks more often. And they always make me faint unless I lie down. Which I’ve only been able to do this one time cause I was in bed. My psychiatrist doesn’t seem to know how to help me with my meds. I keep getting stuff that isn’t made for that. She “wants to address all the symptoms in one”. Which I can understand but I don’t think lithium is going to fix my panic attacks. My current meds (gabapentin and seroquel) don’t help either. Literally was on those when that panic attack arose. What’s a good medication for panic attacks like this?

Your answer

Grog

1y ago

I take fluoxetine for my anxiety and depression. Have you tried it?

Mr._Dank

1y ago

I haven’t heard of that before. My doctor put me on buspar now. But so far it just upsets my stomach really bad

Motley

1y ago

Tori suggested propranolol but I'd like to point out that its main action is lowering blood pressure relatively quickly, so if you're fainting you would want to be extra cautious to make sure that's safe for you if you do consider it.

Mr._Dank

1y ago

I’ve already taken propranolol and it doesn’t work:/ So I’m gonna have to try something else.

serendi

1y ago

Yeah, gabapentin and seroquel aren’t going to help with that… I understand where your psychiatrist is coming from, but sometimes trying to minimize one type of potential harm does not outweigh the harm that doing so causes. Propranolol might help? For psychiatric use, it’s used to help prevent panic attacks, anxiety attacks, and PTSD episodes. Usually in low doses since it can lower blood pressure. My psych explained it as “Propranolol is to Prevent.” (I’m also on Ativan, which she explained as being meant to Attack [episodes].” So it may work as a maintenance/preventative med. Most likely won’t completely stop them, but it might help reduce the occurrence.

Mr._Dank

1y ago

I’ve taken propranolol before and it doesn’t work for me :/

serendi

1y ago

I’m also in agreement with Skipeople. It depends on your psych whether they’d prescribe that for you, but it won’t hurt to ask. I’d try Xanax or Ativan before ones like trazadone or klonapin because the latter two can make you super sleepy regardless of dosage. They’re sometimes used to help people sleep.

ToriAlexandra

1y ago

I’ve not fainted before so not sure if it will help specifically but I’ve found beta blockers like propranolol (taken both regularly or PRN) can be helpful with the physical side effects of anxiety (for me it’s the racing heart and tunnel vision to the point where I can’t make out things in front of me)

Mr._Dank

1y ago

unfortunately, I’ve already tried propranolol and it didn’t help me at all. :/

Skipeople

1y ago

While this is a better question for a trained professional and/or psychiatrist, a PRN may be needed for such times. Something like Xanax, Vistaril, Ativan, Trazodone, or even Benedryl. Something fast acting and short acting I would believe.

Mr._Dank

1y ago

thank you for the advice. I’m supposed to talk to my psychiatrist soon.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

About Alike Wisdom Blog FAQ Editorial Team All Conditions All Posts All Communities

Your Privacy Stories Community Guidelines Terms of Use Privacy Policy Helplines Contact Us Group Chats Guidelines