pgrandmaof2 why were you on neurontin? I was on it for neuropathy- it didn’t help. They told me it would help with anxiety- it didn’t. I take lyrica for my neuropathy and feel much better. Meds are tricky. I went off of clonazepam. It was hell. Why did the cut your dose? Even a minor dose reduction can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms. Drag it out. Taper 0.10 mg’s Every other week. 20 weeks per mg. That’s the best way that I’ve heard of. Helped me when my dr finally started listening to me that I was in serious withdrawal. Be careful getting off of that stuff. I made it, but it was 1.5 years till I started doing better. Make sure to keep a bottle that has the prescription on it. In case you run out or do have withdrawal symptoms and have to go to the hospital- they will not help you unless you have that prescription bottle.

Hi Bradley,

I really relate to your experience with constant shortness of breath and a pounding heart. It's quite frustrating to be told your physical symptoms are "just' a panic attack. It doesn't make them feel any less real or painful. I'm glad to hear you're feeling better. I hope the medical marijuana is something that can continue to help you.

Do you find that there are certain situations that trigger your physical symptoms more than others? Like being outside of the house, in public, or is it just constant? I use to feel "safe" from anxiety and those physical symptoms are home, but lately it's all the time, even when I'm at home in bed. Which is so depressing. Not feeling like I have a safe place where I can be calm and find relief..

I’m sorry to hear all that you’re going and have been through. Seems like we are living the same life. I can relate to almost everything you’ve mentioned. I’ve been trying to deal with this for almost 20 years. And just seems to get worse. I have attacks that seem to last all day and the attacks are every day. Seems like I get no breaks. One thing I did do myself was I stopped with the meds. I had been taking several different ones and as they all were, a temporary fix or just something to knock me out. And in the long run all they would help me do is mess up my liver or whatever for that temp fix... ? Ive tried yoga, meditation and breathing techniques but nothing seems to help me. Maybe I’m doing it wrong. Idk I recently bought me some CBD oil. Anyone have any experience with the CBD oils?

Nicole26 and Purgatorysaint,

I know the frustration all too well. The stress. Most of us are told, if u feel chest pains, heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath- the worst- as well as other symptoms- that we are having panic attacks. Mine can last hours upon hours and can end me up in the hospital with seizure-like episodes. One almost killed me in November. Heart skyrocketed and I almost went into cardiac arrest. Stress is definitely a trigger, and I’m stressed all the time. What I deal with is constant. I go to sleep-if I go to sleep-feeling symptoms. Usually the breathing issue. I know I have to stay as calm as possible and keep an eye on my heartrate. They do give people Benedryl at the hospital to help with anxiety. It hasn’t helped a whole lot, but it’s worth a try. It’s pretty safe. Just makes u a little drowsy. Music tends to help. Taking a hot bath. Exercise- I was told that when we push our heart rate- our anxiety decreases. You’re giving your body a reason to feel the way it feels. I just go for long walks. Also, do whatever u can to always remain as calm as possible. Even when it gets bad. It totally seems like I get no breaks, also. It’s exhausting, and overwhelming. I got off Clonazepam, and am not taking pills- it was a horribly long experience. I’ve tried it all, too. I tried CBD, and it didn’t really help. A place here had a contraption, and I could inhale it. It helped some. Now I’m on medical marijuana. It helps some, but it is so expensive, and I’m out. I can’t afford any more for 3 weeks :( so I drink. That just makes me feel horrible the next day, and it exacerbates symptoms. Don’t give up! Glad your here!!