I used to feel that way. In fact, I generally have always taken medications to sleep, so I generally sleep hard. When I was experiencing what you describe I would wake up early in the morning (sometimes at like 4am) completely panicked. I could not calm myself down and get back to sleep. I knew I had a busy day with lots of things to do but I just couldn't settle down. I would take more medicine to sleep (within my prescribed dose), and do things like take a warm shower to calm down. When I get like that I call it 'climbing up the walls' because that is how I feel. One particular time I was so anxious and did not get much sleep. I was outside in winter with wet hair from my shower, smoking, so pumped up I didn't know what to do. I ended up calling in sick at work, and then taking a couple of lorazipam and sleeping most of the day. I noticed it started happening on a daily basis after a bit. I eventually ended up taking a full week vacation from work to deal with it. It just kept getting worse. Over a few months my problems continued and my depression got worse. I ended up going to a psychatric hospital for 6 days. While I was there I was put on Lithium, which helped me a lot. I had not wanted to go on Lithium because of all of the unattractive side effects. At that point though anything would have been better than the anxiety and depression. I also found that it happened even on weekends when I did not have a busy day at work facing me.

Don't get me wrong, I do not think your condition will put you in the hosptial like mine did, but consider the medications you take. Call your doctor and let them know your symptoms. If I would have just done that in the first place, I could have made the med switch and saved myself time and money. Plus I could have possibly avoided going to the hospital.

I have read a lot about bipolar disorder, medications, and side effects. Do you know that if you are on too high of a dose of antidepressants and other meds they actually give you the same symptoms you are trying to avoid? Anxiety and depression. So you have to find the fine line between what works versus what is not enough. The other comment I have about meds is- think back about what you are taking. Are you taking a mood stabilizer? They work really well with antidepressants. Lamicatal is a great one because there are fewer side effects. Lithium has been a life saver for me though. If you are feeling that much anxiety talk to your doctor. You might need to change your meds. Many of the antidepressants and mood stabilizers are also used for anxiety, so your doctor might be able to change around your meds to take care of both of your problems, especially if you are still have problems with depression. Sometimes it can take a bit for meds to make noticeable changes (up to 6 weeks sometimes), but in the long run it is worth it. I have taken most of them too! If you are not on medications, call a doctor! Bipolar disorder is a brain chemistry issue, and medications are needed to help the body's levels of dopomine and seratonin.

This is my first post in this support group, so I hope my answer was satisfactory. I would love to chat back with you if you have any comments.

When I was working, I would have panic attacks in the car on the way to work.
Actually, I think just about all my panic attacks start while I'm driving...
Nevermind.I need to make a log of what I'm doing or fixing to do when I get them.
I have noticed that the more stressed I am, the more painful the panic attacks. Like my chest will feel like I'm suffocating, and my head will pound with my racing heartbeat.

It's true what eellison said..sometimes when you have been on antianxiety meds for a while, you will get a paradoxical reaction to them...they will CAUSE anxiety, instead of calming you down.

I get middle of the night and early AM panic attacks, I have found that if I do some Mindful Thinking, and meditations , I generally calm down and can get back to sleep.

But this is an issue you should talk to your Pdoc about.

You may need a slight med adjustment, or maybe learn some different coping techniques ?

Good luck

thank you for your replies. I does answer some questions and something to research.

Anxiety hits me at the weirdest times. It makes sense that you would have anxiety at first awakening....especially if you don't have something to focus on. Could you plan something to do when you first get up.

I usually read a reflection while drinking coffee. Sometimes reading the reflection focuses my day. Maybe exercise as soon as you wake up? Nothing overboard but some yoga stretches or light weight lifting or maybe a walk outside around the block? Having things to look foward to usually help me.

Try to identify "why" you experience the anxiety........maybe the thought of spending the day alone or without content? Or, is it a day filled with too much? Maybe knowing you will begin to think of "worries" in your life?

Whatever it is, if you discover it, you can change it..............best of luck with it sweetie.........xo

Holy crap! I'm just "coming down" right now, Ive been this way since last year, im weaning off my benzos and its still happening ( worse now....but I think thats because I'm coming off everything)

I wake up on the verge of a panic attack, lying there paralyzed wondering how the hell will I get through the day....I hate this