Panic Attacks Support Group

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...

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waddlesworth06 10/31/2012

I was wandering how long do others' panic attacks usually last? How long for a really bad one? What are of your symptoms? How do you ease them and get through them?

I have had a few that have been extremely severe to the point that they have lasted several hours. The longest was 5 hours.

Most of my symptoms are feeling like someone is standing on my chest, hard to breathe, dizzy, nauseated, shaky, going to pass out, and out of sorts.

I have recently been discharged from the hospital and was not prescribed anything for my anxiety. I have a week until I see my Pdr. I'm hoping she will prescribe me something. I have also cut back on my caffeine intake because it was making my attacks worse. The hospital dr. changed some meds. and started me on new.

WishKittie 10/31/2012

Most of the symptoms you described are most common for panic attacks. They can last a few minutes or for a couple hours it all depends on what triggered it.

Cutting the caffine and sugar down will help. Try taking multivitamins and going for walks to help clear your mind and get you some fresh air.

This could just be some slight sideeffects from your new medication if the symptoms get worse I would go back to the hospital or call a 1 800 number for health advice.

Good Luck

Take Care * hugs*

harry3333 11/01/2012

for the panic attacks, valium as needed helps a lot, ALSO PROZAC CAN HELP A LOT

deleted_user 11/01/2012

I don't recommend prozac because if you get off of it, it makes all of your symptoms a lot worse. (Trust me, I'm still withdrawing and it's the 4 week.)

deleted_user 11/01/2012

There are so many symptoms of panic attacks and they are all scary. I've had all that you mentioned plus numbness in my arms, my face, my eye twitches and I get really hot. I've had attacks that last less than and hour and some that last most of the day. I also completely cut out caffeine, even though I LOVE coffee but it does make anxiety worse. I take Xanax for the immediate relief of symptoms and have tried 3 anti-depressants so far, none have worked and today I was put on Celexa so we will see. It can be hard but the best you can do is keep trying until you find what works for you and remember to breathe. I wish you the best.

blonde5224 11/02/2012

I find that when I do have a panic attack it also lasts for at least an hour but then I feel lingering effects for a couple of days. My most telling symptoms are difficulty breathing, heart racing, feeling shaky and weak but my number one symptom is the belief that I am at immediate risk of dying.

I usually have to pace to help ease them and I try to reason with myself. I guess I'm not great at handling them in the moment. I meditate and have found it to significantly reduce their occurrences but when I am actually having an attack the thought of meditating is overwhelming and absurd.

Good Luck at getting your anxiety under control! I know it's a journey but we have to keep trying.

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