Have you tried taking a mg of Xanax when you are having a panic attack? My psychologist told me that the bitterness of it will relax you some as instantly as possible, either by swallowing it whole (the way that it is recommended because of the taste), or letting it sit underneath your tongue (I have not tried this, personally take a total of 3 mg of Xanax a day, and would always & forever suggest the swallowing the pill method). Anything that will calm your breathing and slow your heart rate. Xanax is very popular for that.

I think that just knowing that I have a "magic bullet" with me that I can turn to if all else fails would be helpful. I am trying to avoid taking something every day, though. We are all different and there is no single answer. I feel a sense of "rising dread" almost literally starting in my chest and flowing up into my head. I am consciously aware of the panic attack arriving, and unfortunately I seem to be experiencing an increase in the number of "triggers" that set me off. Is Xanax "quick acting" enough to take the edge off of "I might know I'm not dying, BUT I AM SURE I AM DYING" terror? I have found that a combination of listening to a familiar and soothing audio book while playing Angry Birds on my iPhone has been a life saver on a flight. It seems like overwhelming my "higher brain" with inputs distracts me anough to get through an attack. Still horrible. I live in fear of the next occurance. It's a viscous cycle. If I have to resort to a daily med, I will at some point. I don't have an answer for you LadyBug95, but letting you know that you are not alone and sharing some thoughts can't hurt.

I too have anxiety with panic attacks. I am taking xanax which takes the edge off but just having it makes you nervous and scared too. It's hard to get moving and going during the day like I feel frozen. I try to lie down and do deep breathing but that doesn't always work. I too say Shhhhh in my mind and focus on each body part and say that my feet are calm and work my way up my body. This can help at times. I try to think of only positive things and shut off the negative. I know how much energy you have to take to do this. Peace to you.

Are any of you on anti depressants for your panic? They do work wonders if you find the right one. I am currently in a transition of meds bc my panic came back due to some severe stress recently so I'm suffering taking Xanax daily while I wait for the new meds to kick in.

What medicines are taking during panic attack? I don't have that situation but I think it's horrible feeling. Isn't it?

I quit drinking coffee about two weeks ago and have pretty much eliminated caffeine. No more blended red bull drinks. I have had a couple of moments where I honestly feel that an attack was brewing but the fuse just didn't quite "get lit". I am hoping that this combined with better diet and exercise will help me manage this nonsense better. Just thought I would share. I miss the morning ritual, but I don't miss waking up foggy, and the headaches and feeling never quite right. It's liberating.

Your panic attacks sound exactly like mine. Lightheadedness, throat feels tight, like there is a lump in it, feel like I can't breath, although I am. I shake all over. Intense feelings of fear and panic. It's a scary situation when its happening.