Panic Attacks continue

[EricaJean]

I posted a question last week about panic attacks that I was having which occured while driving over bridges and expressways and included tingling in the hands and head, trouble breathing, and lightheadedness.  I went to the doctor and was prescribed zoloft which seemed to amplify my symptoms.  During the 4 days that I took the medicine I felt even more anxious, like I could not sit still at all, ride in the car, or eat any food.  I stopped taking the zoloft yesterday and my doctor changed me to effexor which I will start tomorrow.  I am still unconvinced that it is panic attacks that I am having and not something worse.  I am hoping that this is just my anxiety telling me this and that this is all in my head.  Even off of the medicine, I am having dizzy spells when I ride in the car for a short distance. I have also noticed that I am extremely sensitive to light and sound. Is this normal or should I be concerned about another problem? The only thing that seems to help is keeping myself busy constantly.  (I think that I have gone through about every closet in my house)  Any advice?

[upsetwoman]

I have alot of symptoms and now realize with your help that the stress I've had over 7 years has caused me to worsen mentally.  I already had the tendency to depression and some anxiety.  I also was hit by a tractor trailer and scared to death on the highway/interstate 3 years ago.  The constant trauma I've had, I now see has changed by brain chemistry to a constant negative person and I have pain all the time too.  My chores are not getting done, and I don't like going to my part time job till I get there.  While I'm there if there isn't constant distraction, I am looking at the clock so I can get home and make popcorn and watch tv.  I have always jogged so that still goes with pain just like my life does.  I now see it is a sort of parallel.  Sometimes each step hurts me more and more where I was injured.  I soak in hot empsom salt baths and can't do weight training cause that hurts way too much.  I have found that faith building is helping.  Knowing there is a real God out there is a comfort.  I like studying the universe and going to science centres and museums and really getting into the information on how much there is out there.  This helps me more than drugs yet sometimes I need the drugs to go to the exhibits or shows.  Pain relief for the physical ex.strength tylenol/ibubrofen and the mental, ativan.  I cannot take ssri's.  That is established.  I think it is like taking a  big glass of wine and walking around the exibits.  i feel relaxed.  This is probably why it is addicting.  Sometimes I wonder if it isn't just fine being addicted to ativan.  I take it when I don't have to drive, one here and one there spaced out a couple days.  They say it's not good.  I don't drink, don't do recreational drugs, I'm a mom of three grown kids and have a ton of stress.  Any advice?  

[amber711]

Iv'e had a bad reaction to LExipro but I know others that had no reaction to it.  My friend is on Zoloft for depression and she has Xanax as prescribed for her "as needed".  After my bad experience I will not take any ssri's. I know its not good to start one drug and suddenly switch to another even if you havent taken it for long.  Your symptoms are anxiety symptoms> Anxiety causes panic attacks in some.  I found in myself I can't tolerate loud noises or my kids yelling.  But that only started when I started taking this Xanax.  Sometimes meds are a hit and miss situation.  As my dr. said, go and do something you like and just for YOURSELF and maybe it will help>

[Miranda529]

Although I'm new to the forum, you share very similar symptoms to my own (only mine occur while driving on freeways) and I was diagnosed recently with panic disorder.  I often wanted to believe that it was something far worse, because at the time of the "attack" I felt like I was dying.  The first time it happened out of the blue an ambulance was called and I spent several weeks of testing afterwards - to the tune of Panic attack.  

I experience the same difficulty with light and sound, also tightening of my scalp, difficulty breathing, and lightheadedness.

Have you seen a psychiatrist or a general practitioner?  I would recommend you combine therapy with the psychiatrist to get you on the right path.  Some drugs like certain SSRI's can actually bring about MORE anxiety and "trigger" panic attacks.  It is important that you find the right one for you.  

Good luck and keep asking questions!