Panic attacks and Cipralex

[Wellsian]

Hello everyone,

I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for about six years now since going through a stressful period in my life. I have tried CBT and counselling, and also had a course of breathing retraining with a respiratory specialist (my anxiety/panic is centred around my breathing, and I have been diagnosed with hyperventilation syndrome).

Three days ago I started taking cipralex (10mg), after running out of patience with non-medical interventions. Things seemed to be going okay, and I was noticing very few side effects and was looking forward to the beneficial effects of the drug kicking in. However, last night just after I went to bed, I was hit by the mother of all panic attacks - which went on for about two hours.

Usually once I slow down my breathing and manage to take that deep fulfilling breath that hyperventilation syndrome sufferers will be familiar with, the panic subsides and I calm right down. However, this time it didn't - the panic just kept coming, which obviously freaked me out and the vicious circle began.

In the end I was so exhausted that I think my body didn't have the energy to panic any more. But now I'm concerned. Is this what I can expect for the foreseeable future on this drug? Because if it is I don't think I've got the strength to deal with panic attacks like that. It was seriously scary.

Thanks for reading, and I hope someone can share a similar experience and reassure me that this was perhaps a one-off? I don't want to stop taking the pills before they've had a chance to work.

[Tufty]

:welcome:
Panic attacks are more common when starting any SSRI like Cipralex and it can take a few days for the level to build up in your system before you get these side effects. 10mg is the standard dose but often you are advised to start at 5mg to minimise these side effects, it may be worth reducing the dose to see if this helps. Sometimes drs will prescribe some Diazepam to help with the start up of the drugs, if you check out posts on Citalopram/Fluoxetine you will find that increased panic attacks are a common side effect and Diazepam is often prescribed to help with this period.

I've been on SSRI's and experienced increased, terrifying panic for the first week, however it does reduce if you stick with the medication. Try to keep busy, distract yourself as much as possible and remember that it is just the effects of the medication, nothing bad will happen to you, try to float over the panic - I know this sounds impossible but fighting it just adds to the panic.

Take care
Sam

[Wellsian]

Thank you very much for your reply, Sam.

I appreciate what you're saying, but to be honest I'm seriously considering stopping the pills. I know these side effects will probably wear off, but I don't like the way this drug is messing with my head.

My anxiety/panic typically doesn't occur on a daily basis, so I'm wondering if I can get some tablets that I can take when I've got a trigger event coming up (like flying or public speaking), rather than taking something all the time.

Thanks again for your reply. It's not easy to deal with this alone (family & friends would be sympathetic but probably wouldn't understand).

[alwaysanxious]

Hi Wellsian so sorry that this attack scared you half to death:hugs:but i kind of chuckled when i read your post Only because ive expericend the same. when i was on cipralex and thought i was going to die at that moment i frightend myself so much it made me worse... it took me 6 weeks for the 10mg of cipralex to get in my system without causing any side effects after that time.. long time i know but ssri always heighten our panic and anxiety for a little time . But believe me its well worth it in the end . io was on my meds 2 years had cbt and mindfullness clasess it help so bloody much. Ive been off my meds 4 months now and starting to feel a little anxius again but i dont know if its because i know i havent got my meds???? hope you feel better soon it might not take you that long depends on how much you scare yourself ..

big hug