Panic Attack while sleeping

[Shannon Wyatt]

Gang, does anyone experience panic attacks while they sleep.  I think I do -- as I wake up shaking with my heart racing and sweaty palms.  Is this common?  I thought panic attacks would only occur when one was awake.  Thanks!

[Cat97]

You can absolutely get panic attacks while sleeping. My psychologist explained that when you are asleep, your body "lets down its guard" and that some people actually have stronger attacks while sleeping than while during the day. When I was at my worst, I was having them almost every night in my sleep.

[Shannon Wyatt]

Hey there -- thanks much for your reply.  I am having them every morning when I first wake up -- usually an hour or two before I have to get up.  Very frustrating to say the least.  So, my question is....how long did they last?  And how did you finally get rid of them?  Thanks!

[mia193]

I have been experiencing this new symptom just this year - it is AWFUL!!!  I really don't know how long it can last, as far as getting them- I would like to know the answer to that one too!
I do know that an actual episode can last up to an hour for me- i have to do a lot of talking myself out of my symptoms, and i deep belly breath, and go online, just to get my mind off of it.
what have you done to get past the symptoms?  

[Shannon Wyatt]

Usually I have to do deep breathing from the stomach too.  Sometimes I have to get up also.  Some mornings are mild, others (like this morning) was a bit rougher.  I talked to my dr. about this and he thinks it is the medication -- so we are trying to change the medication to the pm in lieu of taking in the am.  If that doesn't work, then split the medication into twice a day.  And if that doesn't work, then to reduce the dosage or change medication althogether.  I take Celexa 40mg for 2 months now.  It is very frustration as it always happens just before I wake up -- like one or two hours before my alarm clock goes off.  Hopefully time will tell.

[mia193]

I hope it works out for you!  It is such a drag-i never thought my 40's would be like this!