Panic Attacks

[JennyM250]

My problem is that I have been having panic attacks since I was about 13.  At age 14 I was put on medication (Adderall (adderrall) XR 30's) for ADD.  Even though the medication helped me greatly in school, the panic attacks became more frequent and more aggressive.  Every day after school i would get home and start to feel my fingers tingle, my face go numb, get really dizzy, then have problems breathing. Id have to lay down and just try to fall asleep to get rid of all of it.  At the time I thought it was panic attacks that I was having but was not yet diagnosed.  After I had 3 or 4 really bad panic attacks that literally left me feeling like my body was shutting off and i was going to die.  I was sent to a neurologist.  They did some sort of test, I still have no idea what it was called but they put the pads on my head and had me close my eyes while they put a strobe light in front of my face. then had me take deep breaths.  Apparently, everything came out normal.  They didn't recommend any other treatment or tests, just sent me on my way.  My family doctor prescribed xanax to me to take when i felt a panic attack coming on.. Well, that was fine for a little while. after I realized that I controlled my panic attacks i was having less. But now, I can't control them and I have them while i am at work, I work as a chiropractors assistant and I don't believe Xanax and work mix well! Anyways, do you have any suggestions or advice, or maybe know of any medications (with VERY little side effects) that could help me?! thank you very much for your time and help.

[boi1]

Hi I'm sorry to hear about your struggle.
I've had a few panic attacks myself.  What would happen to me is I would be upset about something and I would take to far and go into a attak but never as bad as what I just read. Try to relax and the things you are feeling will go away. You do control them it just depends how upset you will allow yourself to get. I noe it's easy to tell you that but it ism't so easy to relax. I've been there. The dr gave me adavant but I don't use it.  Maybe you should ask the dr for that and see what happens.
Good luck with everything. Keep in touch
Boi1

[JennyM250]

I can control them up to an extent.  Now that I know I'm not going to die while have one I can just tell myself that and breathe. But while I'm at work, I'm really busy and there's no time to take care of myself, or have a seat and catch my breath.  Or by time I get to sit and relax, it's to late and my fingers have already begun going numb and im extremely dizzy.  You mentioned Adavant, is it a medication to use everyday, or just when you have an attack.  Why don't you use it? Not much need for it or bad side effects? thank you for your advise, I will certainly look into the adavant.

[Paxiled]

Are you still on Aderall?  Most drugs for ADD are stimulants and can cause anxiety in people, especially those whose diagnosis was incorrect.  If you're off it, then try therapy before meds, try natural remedies before meds, save meds as your last resort if you can't function without them.  They all have side effects and potential problems stopping them, and though many sail through, some don't, and they don't cure, they only treat symptoms.  So get a good therapist who specializes in treating people with anxiety and panic.