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...
Hi everyone
I've have panic attacks since I was 18, and I've always "coped." Over the years this has lead to traumatic events that developed into phobias because I was always told to fake it until you make it, and "you'll regret not trying." Except often id walk away more traumatised then before. I think pushing myself to do things when I know I was going to have a bad reaction has meant I've been less able to "cope" then usual.
So, I've decided to try some daily medication. I'm thinking about trying imipramine, or tonafril which is the brand name, because I also have interstitial cystitis and it is actually a treatment for that as well. Has anyone had good experiences with TCAs...or just any experience? I'm a little worried because sweating is sometimes a trigger for me. But I need to do something. This panic disorder is now full blown agoraphobia, and I become panicked everytime I leave the house.
I'm also nervous about putting on weight, but I think I'd still prefer fat and happy, then slim and this hell.
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I'm horrified! I knew my insurance would go up due to getting a new car but I didn't expect it to go up over $2,000. I did have an accident with the snow/ice in the winter. I was just telling my brother that I have had my car since March 2, 2026 and have only spent $75 on an oil change. Now this! I called another insurance company and their quote was over $4,000. I guess I have to pay...
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I wouldn't worry about gaining weight. I have read so many things about how these drugs could put on weight, but I never gained any weight, and it's been 20 years. And 4 or 5 people that I know that take these types of drugs never put on any weight either. Just stick to whatever diet and exercise you've always been doing, and you will be just fine.
I hope the medication helps you! Also, there is an Anxiety Board on here that has more people on it, in case you want to check that out, too. They talk about some medications on there and also other coping techniques.
Best wishes!
Escitalopram AKA Cipralex/Lexapro and Lamotrigine are the medications that I take for depression and anxiety, daily. I have tried many others that haven't helped but I found these worked best for me. Ativan is also something I take only when I get anxiety/panic attacks.
Hopefully these medications will suit you too when you speak to your doctor.
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