Question:
I talk for a living. But, if I am down to the wire and and have to run
and get in my place with seconds to spare, I can't get control of my breathing.
There's a lot of stress where I work right now and last year I got really sick
from being in an indoor pool watching my daughter swim, and somehow the two
things combine to make a panic attack. What I need is something that can be
inhaled or dissolved under my tongue. Breathing into a bag is out of the
question because of the noise it would make. I need something that will work
within 30 seconds; something to use until I can break this cycle. My doctor
says he doesn't know of anything. But maybe someone here does. It's the
nature of what I do that I can't always be sitting, calmly, when it's time for
me to do my thing. I see my doc Tuesday so any help would be greatly
appreciated.
Answer:
I know you wan't a quick relief - and what would do it, is a fast acting benzo;
but I implore you to find the cause of your panic - it could be a number of thing
and unless you discover what it is, it will be with you like an albatross around
your neck for the rest of your life.
There is nothing that works in 30 seconds, sorry. If you find
something that does your fortune is made.
Benzos can be prescribed to prevent the attacks...if you can identify
and avoid the stress that causes them, that is better.
From what you describe I'm not sure you are having panic attacks,
though...it may be asthma.
something that won't knock you totally on your ass but will chill you out would be
ativan. now, 30 seconds is asking too much from anything. If you use something
that strong, you'll be flat on the floor. I would have panic attacks or be
experiencing extreme anxiety and take a small amt of ativan under the tongue and
within 15 minutes be chilled out. Just ask about it-it can't hurt. If you have
this problem regularly he/she won't recommend benzos, but probably a serotonergic
drug to combat the panic disorder which is being found to be exceedingly helpful.
Have you tried valerian? About 10 drops of athe concentrated version under
the toungue might have just the effect you are looking for... Helps me when
I am panicky anyway... Check with pharmacist though, for counter-effects to
current meds because it is a very "mild" antidepressant. Also, might want to
avoid caffeine if you can...
