Question:
Since diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I have had many panic attacks. I was
wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem?
Answer:
No panic attacks here, but i'm on blood pressure meds (beta
blockers) that really help with things like that. Also noticed that on
the package insert that comes with paxil, that is was tested for use for
panic attacks, they claim with good results. I'd sooner take beta
blockers, they stop the adrenalin flow that causes rapid heart beat and
other symptoms that often accompany panic attacks. Paxil works on the
brain, and i'd rather leave that alone.
Since diagnosed with Fibromyalgia I have had many panic attacks. I was
wondering if anyone else has experienced this problem? Thanks Laura
This is not uncommon with fms. I had the attacks before my
diagnosis...almost had one last night but I turned on the T.V. and headed it
off..but some people can't do that and need help...there are medications
that help if you can't "talk your way"out of one.
They're pretty scary at first...you have no idea what is going on...I am
able notice the warning signals and get my mind on something else.
I don't know if my experience would fall into the category. I get really
nervous sometimes, usually because I'm afraid I'll give out ( not enough
energy or too much pain) before I finsh something--like cooking supper, or
driving home, or talking to my kids! I feel jittery, and I snap at everyone
because no one is helping. Of course, I haven't asked, and I'm yelling at
them.
I used to have panic/anxiety attacks often, usually just getting worked
up over a problem or a concern, and usually leading to insomnia and
irritability, as well as frustration and of course stress. After a while,
the spell would pass and I'd relax and calm down. I'm sure the attacks
were part of what contributed to me developing fibro, or perhaps were
an early sign of it, as I was only diagnosed (officially) in January,
after a year of continually-worsening symptoms.
Since I've been on Paxil, I very seldom have the attacks anymore.
Iam 35 and have been dealing with FM (at least the pain and fatigue part) for
about 6 years now. But when I was about 12 years old, I became what I thought
very ill...after sleepless nights and several trips to the emergency room, the
doctor tells my mom I was hyperventilating and having panic attacks and that
was all.
The hyperventilation and panic attacks continued all through my childhood and
through college, but my mother never talked to me about it when it first
happened and so i didn't really know why it was happening or that I could do
anyhting about it.
I learned on my own and by doing some reading how to control the attacks, but
they still come, however, very rarely. Now the most susceptible time for an
anxiety attack for me is a week before my period....Hormones? Diet? I don't
know.
As far as a link between FM and Panic attacks, i don;t know, but it makes sense
that there could be a link due to the fact that our bodies already have so many
imbalances and we don't seem to use certain nutrients effectively etc.
I had panic attacks for years and didn't know the reason for them. I tend
to think that they are all part and parcel of the fibro thing because I'm
sure I've had fibro for years too.
My panic attacts were so bad, I always felt like I was dying my chest
hurt like l was having a heart attack. Sometimes l would call my
daughter in the middle of the night and she would come and stay with me.
One night it was so bad ,and l was so afraid l told God THY will be
done and do you know l havn't had one since l was not one to pray much
or to go to church. l still can't go to church. l have several other
diseases that keep me home.l'm no longer afraid to die lt's such a
relief ! l know it's scarry to go through but God will help
My faith has been steadfast through many trials
and tribulations; I have had FMS for close to 25 years. Depression and
anxiety often can go along with FMS. I don't mean to sound like an
"authority" and probably others on the ng are tired of me saying this, but
lately it seems so many posts are dealing with panic attacks. Certainly,
God can take away your panic attacks if that is His will, but sometimes he
allows us to go through various experiences to teach us maturity and a
deeper faith and compassion for others. There are several excellent
antidepressants that alleviate, or even eliminate (as in my own experience)
panic attacks. Prozac and Zoloft, to name a couple; plus the trycyclic
antidepressants, such as Elavil and Doxepin. There was a time when I
couldn't even leave my home with suffering a severe panic attack; my doctor
prescribed me Triavil at that time, and within a short period of time, they
ceased. Today, I take Prozac and Doxepin on an ongoing basis. They work
beautifully in combo for me, in treating my FMS and clinical depression. I
really believe you should ask your doctor about these panic attacks, and
not "beat yourself up" over and over if they recur.
