Adywhu
28-01-12, 10:08
Hi all,
I started getting panic attacks 12 years ago, really bad debilitating attacks that would last for sometimes days, sometimes weeks, sometimes just a few hours.
I was prescribed various medicines, eventually Cipramil seemed to work best for me. My worst period lasted 3-4 years until I stopped medication and I then seemed to recovered, in the end I think I became sick to death of suffering them and seemed to overcome the worst of it.
I have suffered from time to time over the last 8 years but never as intense as my worst periods, and have been able to almost shrug them off. However I have noticed in the last 6 months they have reared up again more regularly and are getting worse, at present I am suffering with one that started yesterday afternoon, it started with the usual chest pain followed by fear and anxiety, I don't have any medication so a few large reds seemed to take the edge of it, however as we all know that is a temporary measure and sure enough at 5am I woke with my heart jumping out of my chest, which it still is now!
I have a wonderful family, 3 fantastic kids, and a very good job, I am terrified to go back to how it first was, and I do not really want to take medication regularly, my doctor did prescribe me Valium in those early days and even on my worst attacks I never resorted to them, however I feel they might be right for me now!
I am aware of St Johns Wort but wondered if anyone had any other suggestions? My sleeping pattern is awful, always has been which is a major contribution, so any advice would be appreciated.
Sorry for a rambling first post, but it has helped to calm me a little as I lie here!
I started getting panic attacks 12 years ago, really bad debilitating attacks that would last for sometimes days, sometimes weeks, sometimes just a few hours.
I was prescribed various medicines, eventually Cipramil seemed to work best for me. My worst period lasted 3-4 years until I stopped medication and I then seemed to recovered, in the end I think I became sick to death of suffering them and seemed to overcome the worst of it.
I have suffered from time to time over the last 8 years but never as intense as my worst periods, and have been able to almost shrug them off. However I have noticed in the last 6 months they have reared up again more regularly and are getting worse, at present I am suffering with one that started yesterday afternoon, it started with the usual chest pain followed by fear and anxiety, I don't have any medication so a few large reds seemed to take the edge of it, however as we all know that is a temporary measure and sure enough at 5am I woke with my heart jumping out of my chest, which it still is now!
I have a wonderful family, 3 fantastic kids, and a very good job, I am terrified to go back to how it first was, and I do not really want to take medication regularly, my doctor did prescribe me Valium in those early days and even on my worst attacks I never resorted to them, however I feel they might be right for me now!
I am aware of St Johns Wort but wondered if anyone had any other suggestions? My sleeping pattern is awful, always has been which is a major contribution, so any advice would be appreciated.
Sorry for a rambling first post, but it has helped to calm me a little as I lie here!