What can panic attacks feel like?

[What_Can_Be]

Hello, does anyone know if there is such thing as a minor panic attack? I'll list my symptoms... Just tell me if it is a panic attack or not, I need to know.

- A lump in my throat.

- Usualy occurs at night.

- Sometimes dizziness

-nauseous

-My mouth gets sour

-I grit my teeth

-my legs shake

-I can't drink or eat anything unless I really try

-sometimes my stomach hurts

-These keep me up all night

I also suffer from Emetophobia, the fear of vomiting. The nauseous symtom really makes these last long. I worry that I have the flu when I really don't. Can someone please help me?!

[BonnieSue]

I wouldn't call this a panic attack, I would say this is an abnormal amount of anxiety that needs treating by a doctor asap since it's keeping you from sleeping. A panic attack is a full blown fight or flight rush of symptoms where you have adrenaline rushing through you and you are on full alert as if there were some emergency but there isn't one. You can look up the symptoms yourself and see that they would be more severe than yours and last a few minutes rather than all night. I wouldn't call it a minor panic attack due to the duration of it. Certainly it's a miserable state of anxiety.

This is my opinion as an experienced medical professional but not a psychiatrist. I have GAD but don't get panic attacks. Here's a definition I looked up for you: "A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying." --Mayo Clinic

So rest easy, you aren't having panic attacks, but your anxiety must be treated. The sooner the better. You might not sleep right away when you begin your 1st medicine, but after taking it a while, your anxiety will respond and you'll start evening out in your response to the meds. Please see a Dr. asap and start to get your life back in order. You'll feel so much better when you get straightened out. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

[What_Can_Be in reply to BonnieSue]

Thank you, I'm glad it's not a panic attack.

[AileenT in reply to BonnieSue]

For me, although I too suffer terrible, near-constant anxiety, no doctor will prescribe anxiolytics, or anything else.

What meds are others prescribed for severe anxiety?

[BonnieSue in reply to AileenT]

When you say "no doctor" will prescribe anxiolytics or anything else, what exactly do you mean? How many psychiatrists have you seen?

I'm on clonazepam/Klonopin. Drs. currently try to prescribe drugs like SSRIs and others that have anti-anxiety effects to avoid the problems seen with taking the type of drug I take, which is strictly an antianxiety drug.

[Raven620]

Could it be acid reflux? I have that as well. It can make you anxious if you start thinking it's something else.

[What_Can_Be in reply to Raven620]

It could be, but if It was acid reflex it would freak me out because of the whole "Scared to puke" thing. So it wouldn't just be acid reflex it, it would also be anxiety. Ugh, I need to see a doctor. 😂

[Mommadee]

Oh I have similar symptoms...I have both anxiety and panic attacks and worry constantly about my health. Physical symptoms of panic and anxiety and nausea are intolerable and so scarey at times. I get nauseous and feel like I may pass out. But the constant feeling of anxiousness is upsetting. I miss out on so much since I am not able to take part in many activities. Currently taking .5 Xanax 3 times a day but doctor wants me to take Lexapro. Didn't start that yet since I have some other minor medical issues and need to be on antibiotic Cipro...which I swear is making my anxiety worse. I hope this starts to pass because I am disgusted.

[AileenT in reply to Mommadee]

What is Xanax, please?

[Agora1]

Hi AileenT, Xanax is an antianxiety medication. Works fast in relieving symptoms but highly addictive if on it for a long time or taking higher dosages.

[Aazz]

That sounds more like general anxiety which can produce many distressing symptoms, panic attack are much more intense and only last a little while before going back to general anxiety.