changing panic attacks...?? - Anxiety and Depre...

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changing panic attacks...??

duchess1226 profile image
15 Replies

Has anyone ever had their panic attacks change?? Like, I knew I as going into one because my breathing would change, I felt like I could not take a deep breath, then followed by dizziness, shaking, etc.. Now, my breathing seems fine, but my mouth goes bone dry, feel like I cannot swallow and then comes the dizziness, shaking, etc. Please note, all my panic had been contributed to hormones as I am waist-deep in perimenopause and its kicking my butt pretty good!! lol Thank you all! xoxo

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15 Replies
MFM008 profile image
MFM008

mines being made worse by anemia were having trouble getting control of.i get heart palpitations, chills, dizzy.

Yes panic and anxiety can change its face, its presentation.

One day you can get a headache then a backache, chest pains, heart freakout,

however Peri-menopause and menopause can cause problems just like that.

talk to your Dr. dont suffer.

duchess1226 profile image
duchess1226 in reply to MFM008

Thank you so much for your response. I feel like I am ALWAYS Teledoc-ing with my doctor..lol I have an appointment in 2 weeks and I will tell her this new dry mouth thing. Luckily I just had bloodwork done so I know its not diabetes or anything else. Perimenopause is a rough thing. The first thing I had to get under control 5 years ago when this started was my anemia, it does help. xoxo

Doggie123-UK profile image
Doggie123-UK

Dry mouth is one of the side effects of anxiety, I agree that you should chat with your GP about it, in the meantime when it happens take small sips of water or suck a boiled sweet (I normally use Jakemans throat & chest menthol sweets) as it will help to hydrate your mouth

Otaku12 profile image
Otaku12

I definitely get a dry mouth when I'm anxious and it only started about a year ago, and mainly in social situations since I have social anxiety. Lately though, it has been less dry mouth and more "gunk" (for lack of a better word) in my throat. I keep having to clear my throat which makes it sore. I've recently started drinking Throat Coat tea and it seems to be helping. It is primarily licorice and slippery elm so it's supposed to help sooth sore throats and it does help if I have a dry mouth since I'm consuming more water now. My dad has dry mouth (not from anxiety) and he uses Biotene brand toothpaste and mouthwash. It's formulated to help with dry mouth so you might want to give that a try. Also, I don't know if you've tried it already, but my mom used a supplement called black cohosh when she went through menopause. Do a quick Google search if you're not familiar with it and it'll tell you all the symptoms it helps. My mom also was prescribed a low dose of prozac to help with her irritability during menopause (don't know if that's one of your symptoms but just in case). Talk with your doctor of course and see what they say. Hope this helps some!

duchess1226 profile image
duchess1226 in reply to Otaku12

Thank you!! I am actually chewing gum and have purchased the Biotene spray as well to help at night. xo

Otaku12 profile image
Otaku12 in reply to duchess1226

Yes, gum is always a quick fix for dry mouth!

Barbie72 profile image
Barbie72

Yes, usually my heart starts racing and then I say, here it comes again and try and catch it before it gets worse by doing breathing exercises that I learned in yoga and also progressive muscle relaxation. Never used to believe in either, but sometimes I can stop the panic with these. I have to really concentrate to breathe slowly. Sometimes pressing on one nostril when you breathe, it slows things down b/c how can you breathe fast that way, huh? The muscle relaxation thingy is that you start at the top of your head and work your way down......relax eyes, mouth, neck, chest, arms, etc. etc. Again I really have to focus on that instead of increasing panic symptoms, but I can now stop a few of the attacks, not all, but at least know that I can do it. They're actually distraction techniques. At the dentist, I count the holes in the ceiling tile squares while I'm laying back. I use counting a LOT......Good luck, I'll be thinking of you!

duchess1226 profile image
duchess1226 in reply to Barbie72

I love all of your techniques!!!!! I actually started learning breathwork a few months ago and its great... but for my attacks, if I try to be still they get worse. I talk 100mph (lol), speed walk and do lots of yoga stretching to help.... I never believed in that stuff either but it TRULY helps!!I like the counting thing too, I will try that too... hopefully won't have to for a while...lol Best of luck to you too and I will keep you in my thoughts as well!! xoxo

ThatgirlPF profile image
ThatgirlPF

Hi duchess, I can relate totally to having your panic attacks changing into a different dimension. I went through that some months ago, and at first it was hectic for me because I didn’t know how to adapt to the change. All I can say for now is study the change, learn how to control it so it wouldn’t control you, and talk to a professional. I hope this helps you or anyone.

duchess1226 profile image
duchess1226 in reply to ThatgirlPF

Thank you so much and thats great advice! Its so different and I let my doctor know and they said it can happen, especially since the root cause is the damn hormones and they may have shifted again as well. Stay Well everyone!! xoxo

Larachez2102 profile image
Larachez2102

Hi there Iv been getting really bad panic attacks and palpitations for the last year really bad they started of only the week before or when I was on my period? I’m 30 so I’m finding it hard to think that it could be the menopause.

duchess1226 profile image
duchess1226 in reply to Larachez2102

It still may be hormone related even if not perimenopause or menopause. I started this at 36.. I am now 45 and doctors figure I will be in full menopause by 50- 53 ?? My WORST attacks that sent me to the hospital were always the 5-7 days before my period. Once my new and fabulous gynecologist explained that, its helps because I can kinda look at the calendar and say "ok you are not dying, your period is coming'. Hope this helps!! xoxo

Larachez2102 profile image
Larachez2102

Can I ask what caused you to go to the hospital because my palpitations go into svt 210 bpm it’s terrible it scares me to then have panic attack xx

duchess1226 profile image
duchess1226 in reply to Larachez2102

The palpitations would take my panic to an insane level, suddenly I couldn't breathe and I would get chest pains and back pains.. AWFUL. You could not tell me I was not having a heart attack!! 4 hours later, all kinds of heart monitors and blood work and I would leave with 2 Xanax and a pain pill. Then I did the FULL cardiac work up with a cardiologist (echo, stress, Holter monitor etc) and picture perfect heart. So many other things can cause palps, dehydration, thyroid, hormones, anemia ( I have and if I get too low the palps are awful) etc... bloodwork might help. :) xoxo

Larachez2102 profile image
Larachez2102

Yeah that’s the same as me I’m adamant that I’m going to die. Do you know what your heart rate would get to if you don’t mind me asking. I have blood test on Tuesday xx

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