Questions And Answers On Panic Attacks Symptoms

By Mark B

David asks…

How do you stop symptoms of Panic Attacks?

I just developed panic attacks and i fear that im going to die. I been having them for 3 weeks and about 4 times a day lasting 4-6 hrs everytime. It feels so bad so i want them to go away. Also the deep breathing makes it worse. The panic attacks seem to worsen right before i laydown or as im trying to fall asleep.
Songs seem not to help. Relaxation doesnt seem to work all the time.

Mark B answers:

I get this a lot before I’m going to bed as well. Suddenly I’ll start thinking I’m going to die, then I feel like my heart is racing, etc etc. Start thinking I won’t wake up and then it gets even worse! It’s a vicious cycle once it begins, but you know that.

You need to just tell yourself when it begins “This is just a panic attack. This is just my mind. This is all in my head so I cannot die.”

I know it’s really hard to get this thought process going when you’re in the moment, but you have to force yourself, basically.

Yes, deep breathing makes it worse because you end up taking deep, fast breaths which can make you light headed when you’re not even having a panic attack, let alone when you are.

You should also look into getting help. There’s a source for these panic attacks and you need to figure them out. Once you find why, you can start fixing it.

Mike asks…

how long does it take for symptoms of panic attacks to go away once meds are started?

if someone has severe panic attacks how long would it take for the panic attacks to start showing relief from medications ?
Effexor XR in particular ?
to poster NIA..
Xr is the extended release hence the XR label. As for you stating that any effexor is a ssri is wrong as it is a snri. You have to be careful what you post because you might lead people incorrectly.