Panic Attacks

[Pat1956100]

What seems to help everyone with panic attacks during withdrawals from opiates and benzos?
They are a major issue and not really addressed.
Please post what helped you through them.

[Elmijack15]

Yes that's a panic attack,  the Vistaril makes you sleepy at first so if you work start them on Friday and by Monday you shouldn't get sleepy. They also come in 25 mgs so you can get those and take 2 if you need it or only 1 during the day until your body adjusts. After a while, they calm you down but you will not be sleepy.  If you take it
daily it will prevent the panic attacks. I was
prescribed 3 to start and then with 2 a day I was
fine. Hugs to all

[LosingPete]

Hi all. Pat my Dr gave me Buspirone or generic Buspar 30 mg every 8 hrs. It is for anxiety but it is not a benzo, non addictive and worked really well for me.

[lulu747]

Deep breathing.  In through the nose for 6 counts, out through the nose for six counts.  This slows your nervous system down.  EXERCISE!  Personally, I do yoga every day plus an hour of cardio.  Meditation.  Your panic is caused by your thought processes, if you can change your thought process, you can eliminate your panic.  It takes A LOT of practice.  I practice every day and in the past 6 months of sobriety I have eliminated my panic attacks and learned to work through my anxiety, drug free.
Be gentle with yourself darlin', treat yourself with love, and take lots of those deep deep breaths.
Sending support...
Lu

[Pat1956100]

They do last an eternity.  Years ago when I first had them after my brother died, I went to a doctor and then went to a therapist.  I just kept saying "Just make them stop".  He wanted to get into deep rooted issues but I knew that I was afraid I was going to die like my brother died.  I was afraid everyone I knew was going to die.  My doctor prescribed something that I took when I had them.  I didn't ever become addicted to whatever it was but it worked.  It made me very sleepy though and that wasn't good when I was at work which was mainly when I had them.  I also found eating something helped, even a piece of bread helped.  Putting something healthy into my body.

[minn66]

I'm going to ask about the Vistaril too. When I have anxiety attacks I feel like my heart is going to explode out of my chest and I can hardly breathe. They feel like they last an eternity.

[Pat1956100]

Yes they are. They are brutal and scary.  I feel like I am starting one just thinking about them.  I'm such a drama queen these days.

[NowOrNever43]

The panic attack I had last night caused me to shake uncontrollably(not sure if I spelled that right) and also couldn't catch my breath and my heart was racing. Are these normal symptoms of a panic attack?

[Pat1956100]

I have not been to the doctor since you first mentioned Vistaril.  I have to go soon to refill my blood pressure meds and I am going to talk to him about it.
I think it's a great idea and it's non addicting.  
Akita get the melatonin today and if you can go to your doctor and tell him you are having panic attacks, we don't even need to go into our story if we don't want to, because alot of non detoxing people have panic attacks, ask about the vistaril.
That is a great idea Elmjack.  It seems so long ago that I had forgotten you telling me about that.

[akitagurl12]

yeah, like right now i feel ok again.  But a little while ago i was about to run to the ER.  So I guess it was a panic attack and I wasn't dying or having a seizure. It's just when u are in the middle of one of those, it is hard to think straight & realize what is really going on. And then, to make matters worse, when all u are used to doing is popping some pills to make it stop & you no longer have those pills....well, it feels like the end of the world. Melatonin has been mentioned to me at least 4 times already, so maybe the universe is trying to tell me something.... I will go get some.

[Elmijack15]

Guys I've posted before about a non addictive, not a benzo anxiety med that really works, it's called Vistaril, get a script for that from your doctor, they gave me 50 mgs 3 times a day to start and yes they make you sleepy at first until your system gets use to them. Try it!! May not work for everyone but it's worth a shot.

[Pat1956100]

Oh I know sweety.  It's not dealt with enough on this forum and it's a major issue.  When we are having a full blown panic attack it's like we are in slow motion and nothing else is happening in the world but our panic attack.
I wonder how long they last. I'm thinking around an hour.  I know it's long enough to make a phone call, if you know what I mean.
We need to find something that helps and helps quickly.  There has to be something.  Have you tried melatonin?

[akitagurl12]

thanks for asking this pat. :)  Akita + anxiety = A hot mess. lol

[Pat1956100]

I am not experiencing them right now but I know that is the reason I started pills again on day 10.  I have a small amount of ativan for them this time.
I just know they are a major issue with alot of people and hoping everyone posts what helped them through to help everyone.
The breathing does help for sure.  It's like the breathing while in labour.
Melatonin may help some people too.
Just ideas.

[Teri9498]

hey...try going out for a walk when you feel like that..it really helped me..also focus on your breathing..breathe deep in through your nose and count to 6..then out through your mouth and count to 12..hope this helps you...the anxiety really does suck!!...but just know with time it will get better!!!!...

[minn66]

A while back, hubby found one of those relaxing sound gadgets at a yard sale. If I can, I go to the bedroom and turn it to Spring Rain and practice deep breathing exercises. There are apps you can get if you have a smart phone that do the same thing.

I know how difficult the anxiety is, believe me. I am so sorry you're going through this, Pat. I am thinking of you.

Hugs,

Minn

[NowOrNever43]

I had a panic attack last night, is scared me real bad. I would love to know what helps people with panic attacks!

[selfinduced]

Those were my worst symptoms and still trying to lose ativan. 7 days without and I still feel jittery, heart racy, headachy. Sleepytime tea helps, hot soaks, believe it or not aerobic exercise is the best for me. Listening to music and tuning things out helps. I'm interested to hear more thoughts here.