Anxiety with panic attacks

[ltk123]

Hello guys. I'm looking for some advice. I'm suffering from severe generalised anxiety and panic attacks. Was prescribed Sertraline but 4 days in I have had to come off it. Have been increasingly anxious since I started and today been on edge of panic all day since having panic attacks last night in bed.

Not sure where to go from here. Doctor said let's see in a few days. Feeling like I'm really losing myself.

I've always been an anxious person but the past 4 months it's gotten out of control and is having big effects on my personal life.

[JAYnLA]

Hi ITK - it's not uncommon for doctors to prescribe a sedative like ativan when a patient is starting Zoloft. I'm doing exactly that and it helps with the increased anxiety at first. Have you asked your doctor for a tranquilizer?

[Hidden]

I had to come off as well. Even with heavy sedatives I couldn’t bear it. I know it’s a great drug for most and I’ve been told I should of stuck it out but I just couldn’t do it. I came real close to losing my job.

There are other alternatives, so I would call them back up ASAP. If they say it’s an emergency, then go to the ER if you need to, I did.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

What Bryan said. Sertraline did me no good. It made me feel so weird and made me feel horrible. For medication, there are other routes to take. Your doc can help you with that.

My panic got out of control in February. Mostly from stress that just turned into it. Our bodies have panic more when we panic more. Our sympathetic nervous system gets accustomed to our amygdala freaking out, so our new normal becomes bad chemical overload.

The natural route: You’ll keep panicking naturally unless you combat it with serotonin, endorphins, dopamine... all of which you can get from exercise. Meditating does help. Get the Pacifica app. Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a life saver... do it before bed. That being said — this stuff is a process. Therapy is great (cognitive behavioral therapy).

Do you know why you’re anxious?

[snflwrgrl]

I’m so sorry you are going through this. I’m glad you reached out! Anxiety is a terrible feeling!! Big supportive hug! I saw a Christian counselor who went through an anxiety workbook with me. The workbook helped me recognize the anxiety when it was first coming on and I learned to be able to talk myself down from it instead of up into a full-blown anxiety attack. I have been there. Don’t lose hope!! With a little work it can get better. I’ll be praying for you this week. Have you considered seeing a counselor?