Pregnancy and Panic Disorder

[albells]

Into my 6th week of pregnancy. . .all of a sudden, my panic attacks are full-blown.  Sleeplessness, puking from my nerves, nausea all the time. . .I've been on Lexapro for years, and it had worked well for me.  Why this?? Why now??  Does anyone understand what I'm going through?  I am so scared for the baby.  Please help.

[princessren88]

I think I know what you mean now, I depended on medication to help my Anxiety too and when I decited to stop them it was very hard and many times I felt I couldnt deal with it. I personaly have medication I take if I have an attack, it calms me down and relax me it really helps but its known to be addictive so I really try not to take it unless I really feel like I cant relax on my own. I really dont think its safe for pregnancy though. Thats whats the hard thing for you is that not many meds are safe when pregnant. I also found Gravols calmed me down too check with your doctor and see if there is anything you can take or do to help your situation as long as your not harming the baby! I hope you feel better soon and I hope you soon find a good way to cope with the Anxiety. Remember Anxiety will never go away but it can be controled... I know when I start to feel like I am losing crontrol I try to tell myself that it will all be over soon and that I will be OK! As horrible as it is when it happends it does go away. I also sometimes nap after an attack it helps me get over it faster! If you have any questions or anything please feel free to message me!

[albells]

Thanks for the advice.  I have had panic attacks and panic disorder since I was a child.  I thought that being on Lexapro during pregnancy would "protect" me from the attacks.  Now, I'm terrified because I see that's not the case.  I see my psychatrist today, but I am afraid she'll tell me that there's nothing else she can do.  I am trying breathing techniques and walks, and they sort of help when I am doing them, but when I stop (to try and work, eat, etc.) it all starts again.  I felt like the Lexapro was going to be my safety net.  Now, what do I do when I need a safety net for my safety net??  UGH!

[princessren88]

I think your pregnancy and all the hormones are responsible for your anxiety. Did you previously have anxiety before your pregnancy? I myself suffer from Anxiety, panic attacks for over 4 years now and planning on starting a family but worried about my Anxiety and being pregnant/being a mother. Are you scared and worried? Maybe you should try talking to someone and take walks, it helps me calm down when I feel sick to my stomach from my Anxiety. I hope you feel better soon. I don't think your Anxiety will hurt your baby, so try not to worry to much. Try to take good care of yourself and try to relax...

Sorry if I wasnt much help but I thought I would try...

[AnxietyGuy1976]

http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/posts/how-to-treat-anxiety-symptoms-during-regnancy/

You might find the first paragraph particularly on topic.

As a man, I can't properly comment first hand, but your body is going through a lot of changes, that's for sure. Hormonally, physically, and mentally. And then add in all of the stresses....

I don't know if that's at all re-assuring to you, but it sounds like a common occurrence, and is worst towards the beginning.

Hopefully someone else can comment that's been through it, to re-assure properly, or you could find a psychiatrist to talk to you about what's causing this recurrence, all of a sudden, on a level that's both therapeutic and biologically informative.