seriously need help!!!

[Jesse2121]

Im an 18 year old male. A year or so ago my doctor diagnosed me with anxiety because I was having this "strange feelings'. But in the past few weeks I have had an anxiety attack everyday. It makes me feel like im dying or gonna die at any second! I have had numerous test, EKG, echo, blood work, and all that stuff. Constantly and non stop im having chest pain, lightheadedness, fatigue, nasea, and this constant fear of dying. Ill lose my breathe and reach for my pulse to make sure my heart is still beating. I also have trouble sleeping because I wake up gasping for air. And this is all constant, no breaks. I feel like passing out all the time. I am on busaforine 10mg and xanex. 25 and it doesn't do anything. Please help me, its ruining my life I can't even go to work.

[Jesse2121]

I have not been able to go to the doctor to see if he can up or change my dosage. I thank you both for your advice, but now im scared again, I just had another attack, but this time my heart was not racing fast. I just had shortness of breath and my legs were numb. I feelt like I was gonna pass out, but I only had a pulse rate of like 70, is that normal in an anxiety attack? 80 is around my normal pulse.

[nursegirl6572]

I agree that you need to get in to see your doctor soon, and explain that your current medication regimen is not working.  You may need an antidepressant (like Zoloft, Lexapro, etc), and a higher dose of the Xanax (which should only be used short term).

Klonopin is a long acting benzo that is more appropriate for long term use, however, if you have never tried an antidepressant, I would ask the doc about that first.  ADs have helped countless people, myself included.  I went from being housebound, having almost constant panic attacks, to getting my life back, living with virtually no anxiety (outside of normal life stresses).  Just keep in mind that any new med needs time to work.  We all want immediate relief, but unfortunately, we have to be a little patient.  Your doc may be willing to bump up your Xanax a bit for a few weeks until you wait for a new med to start working.

Please update us!  Hang in there, we know how awful it is!

[Hydroco_Done]

Hey Jesse.  Sorry to hear you've been having so much trouble with this.  I had to live a week of that and it's pure hell so I really feel for you.  Do you have a primary care doctor.  Xanax has a short half life.  Ask your doctor about Klonopin.  It has a much longer half life and works better in my opinion.  Are you on an antidepressant.  That could also work wonders.