I dont know alot about panic attacks. I would suggest you talk to your doctor.

But I do know from my own quitting experience that anxiety and even depression can be common when we quit.

My suggestion is to learn some relaxation techniques to use to help stay relaxed.

Distractions like exercise, aromatherapy, taking a bath or a nap, are all good ways to relax when you feel stress.

Changing your attitude too is important. Read Allan Carrs book "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking"- it helps w/the attitude part. You need to be ready & prepared, both physically and mentally. So get prepared, pick a quit date, and go for it. This board is a great place to come for support.

Good luck.

if you make a good plan, it shouldn't be. make a list of things to do. sure you will have some withdrawal symptoms. i found that water and lots of it and exercise does help. a nice walk... projects around the house.... keeping busy....

i also suggest you talk to your doctor and see what he suggests to help

Welcome Julia Lee. Smoking isn't going prevent you from having a panic attack anymore than not smoking will cause one. Panic attacks are response to extreme anxiety and stress and believe me smoking won't change your anxiety/stress level. Many of us thought that smoking "relaxed us, calmed our nerves" when it does the opposite. Do deep breathing and remind yourself of how happy you will be when smoking not longer hurts you, costs you, and controls you. You can do it. Hell week is difficult for sure but its a lot easier than living with COPD or other illnesses. We're rooting for you! Hugs

i noticed since i quit its only been a week i don t have the heart palpations that i did when i smoked,which caused my anxiety, hang in , in the long run yiu will feel better and stronger, take 1 day at a time don t look down the road focus on today and do not smoke just for today , you can get though this we are here for you!

I know a panic attack wont kill ya, but if you think you can't make it, your Doctor can help you there. Preparation is a good way to start the journey of quitting. A lot of times if we think we can't do something...sure enough we can't. Keep us posted so we can support you on the journey.

Julia, The 1st day I quit I had a few panic attacks. But, they did pass. I took the advice of the others....Relaxation, deep breathing, a nap, and most important.......come to ds all the time talk to us we are here for you. I also have two quit partners and we have a coach and it has helped to talk to them, encourage them, and just be there for each other. I am now on my 16th day of being smokefree and believe me it feels good.

Hell week I think is what you make of it...when I laid them nasty things down...I felt excited! because I was turning a new leaf and gaining freedom from something that has held me down. Sure cravings are still there often...always will be, but knowing that I can succeed is much more important than puffing away my life. Good Luck on Your Journey! Here if you need an ear!

It is tough in the beginning because you are second guessing yourself as to whether you made a good choice or not. Let me assure you, you have done the right thing in quitting, easy or hard, you will start to notice a lot of good out of quitting. Focus an the good, not the bad. Ask all the questions you want, chat with anyone and everyone. Main thing is to stay committed. You can do it.

Welcome to the family Julia...no one said this is easy but it is so worth it. I smoked for over 35 years but with the awesome support I got here I am now over 1 year smokefree. You have to tell yourself that you CAN do this. Here is a great post for you. There are many very helpful posts at 'Good Posts' read all you can

Ooooops.. sorry..here is that post. lots of luck and stay strong.
Hugs for success, Mayberrry

Posted on 09/25/09, 02:41 am
quitsmokingsupport.com:

Stage 1: Agitation
Anxiety, muscular tension, irritability,difficulty sleeping, high craving. You've probably already experienced this innumerable times during your smoking career (this is when you root through the ashtrays looking for butts). It generally begins a few hours after your last cigarette and lasts for a day or two.

Stage 2: Slump
You feel depressed, fatigued, jittery, are forgetful, short-tempered, and emotionally volatile. You may also have trouble sleeping. You continually crave a cigarette. This may last for several days

Stage 3: Honeymoon
Somewhere in the first 10 days after your last cigarette, you start feeling better. A lot better. Your mood improves and your energy returns. Craving is still present but manageable. The danger is you'll become overconfident.

Stage 4: Second Slump
It's hard to pin down, but for most of our patients,this second slump begins two to six weeks after the last cigarette. Craving may return along with episodes of nervousness, irritability, sleep disruption, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue.

Stage 5: Second Honeymoon
Begins four to six weeks after the last dose. Improvement in the above symptoms leads to the conclusion that danger of relapse has past and withdrawal is over.

Stage 6: Relapse Phase
Most ex-smokers experience at least one more noticeable "slump" during the first four months of abstinence.Craving returns, and with it, the risk of relapse. To get through it, you have to avoid exposing yourself to risky situations.

Stage 7: Stabilization
Once the last of the initial slumps has ended, things stabilize. Craving is largely the result of conditioned responses (e.g., to smells, activities) which can be avoided. Abstinence is fairly comfortable with the exception of periods of unusual stress, recurrent craving, and occasional strong memories of pleasures associated with smoking.

Originally posted on DS by Grannie .

Hi Julia,
I had chronic panic disorder for 10 years where basically had no quality of life BUT for the past 8 months i have been almost panic free.

today I am also 8 months smoke free. quitting smoking was one of the main things I can put down to my HUGE improvement with my panic attacks

goodluck, you can do this xx

I just quit today(for the millionith time) and I have MAJOR panic attacks and I have no insurance and cant afford anything for them, I cant take pills due to ulcer. So I just cry,and cry, and after I feel better, or I run or ride bike. I take shower. Physical exercise or motion only thing that help.

Hi there
I have issues with anxiety too so I am wondering whether discussing the quit with your Doc would help. He may be able to prescribe something for the anxiety in the early stages of your quit.
Prepare well for your quit. Do some reading on whyquit.com because knowledge is power when you are battling this addiction. learn some deep breathing techniques they really help when you are quitting. Choose a good quit method for you,I used the nic patches and found them good and come here to the group daily. We will help you and answer any questions you have. Remember no question is a silly one and we all need support from others on our quit journey.
You can do this
Hugs Deb