Panic attacks while trying to quit smoking

I've been diagnosed with depression and anxiety in the past, although I am not taking any medications currently. Recently someone I know was diagnosed with lung cancer and ive decided to quit a VERY heavy smoking habit. Most days I would have 25-30 cigarettes. Well,I wanted to cut down then quit CT. Today I've had maybe 5 and about 2 hours ago I THINK I had a full blown panic attack. I got weak, sweaty, hot, had to use the bathroom (soory but I did!) and Ive been having some heart palpitations and chest pain.. its crazy how I can not get this anxiety under control. Anyway, I am looking to see if anyone out there has ever experienced this same thing (FULL BLOWN panic) when quitting smoking.

Thanks

[man007586]

Well all these are withdrawal symptoms. You may even classify them as panic attack. First congratulation that you have taken the challenge of quiting smoking.

[mammo]

These are withdrawal symptoms from the nicotine, and if you can handle it they will pass. If it becomes too much, talk to your doctor about something to help with the anxiety until you are over this. Medication is much safer than the cigarettes!! I have a 40 year old nephew dying from lung cancer caused by smoking up to two packs a day, and will be leaving 4 children without a father.  Only 3% of people age 40 and under develop lung cancer this young, and he thought it would never happen to him.  People who smoke find it relaxes them because they have an addiction and always need to have the nicotine which eases the anxiety of the body needing the nicotine.   I would see a psychiatrist for help since you already suffer with anxiety, and quitting nicotine will make it worse as you are experiencing now.  CONGRATULATIONS on quitting, your lungs are already healing!  Get some help with your anxiety, and keep moving forward with a healthier lifestyle. I wish you all the best, and I know you can do this!  Take care.

[calrocco]

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[gizmolove]

thanks for all the posts and input. I am going to the doctor tomorrow to get everything checked out and hopefully she can give me some advice and or meds to get this under control!!

[gizmolove]

Well, last night it happened again, and I ended up going to the hospital for an EKG. They did that and blood tests and everything looked normal, so now I have an appointment to see my doctor again tomorrow... Hopefully I can explain the situation and they can put me on some medication so that it doesn't happen again. It was scary!!

[gizmolove]

well   i got .5 klonopin 2x a day and paxil. hope it works. Don't know how long ill be able to deal....