I sufferered alone for so long, now it it is more in the open. I still feel as if i will die . I can not be alone. The symptons are like a nightmare.

And for those who do not have them they still make fun. They say just calm down your ok. But they have no idea

For 3 days we were there, and it was unbearable. When we got home, I went to me doctor and she told me I was having panic attacks and prescribed me paxil, with no warnings. For the first couple of weeks of using paxil, I experienced terrible side-affects – constant vomiting and nausea, extreme middle-of-the-night panic attacks, anorexia (the sight of food made me want to puke), and the worst symptom was the constant thoughts of desperation and suicide.

Eventually after a few weeks, I started to to feel back to normal but it was not an easy road. I stayed on paxil for 10 years. During that time, I still had bouts of depression but for the most part my feelings were numb, monotone. I kinda felt like a zombie. 2 months ago I finally decided to wean myself off the paxil with the help of my doctor.

The withdrawal symptoms were horrible!! Feelings of unreality, suicidal thoughts, crying spells, migraine headaches, low blood circulation, heart palpitations, anorexia, extreme eye pain, and the most intense itchiness you can imagine for weeks on end. After 7 weeks I started to feel back to normal.
Yay! I was off Paxil!

Then one night I went out and drank a little too much, which resulted in a massive hangover the following morning. I was sick, as anticipated, but I also started to become panicky as well. The next day I started a new job, and I suffered through the day, feeling anxiety the whole day. When I got home, I became VERY panicky, and the next morning I went to see my doctor because I felt like I was dying. It was horrible.

He gave me Lorazepam to calm me down, and prescribed me Cipralex to help control the panic attacks. I made it very clear that I did not want to be doped up on a dangerous SSRI again, like paxil. He told me the side affects of Cipralex were minimum, maybe a bit of stomach upset.

I read the fine print when I got home. Yes it is an SSRI, and there are many symptoms, such as suicidal thoughts, possible manic episodes, etc etc etc just like the paxil!! So I don’t want to take them obviously but I also can’t live like this either. I just got this new job and I’ve called in sick 2 times already because I’m having a panic attack.

I will not be able to pay my bills with no job, which also causes me mad anxiety. It’s a horrible catch-22. My question is: is there an effective way to control panic attacks and general anxiety without the use of SSRI’s?

I have tried holistic tablets – Gaba, St.Johns Wort and Happy Sense. I also exercise hard and faithfully.
What else is there?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated!!!!

I do not exibit any symptoms in a closed space or small area, I’ve had two experiences where I was unable to escape (a room, and a truck with broken door handles) and I’ve become extremely emotional with increased heartrate, heavy breathing, and frantic thought processing.

This lasted 10-15 minutes till I was able to get my emotion and thoughts in check. Other than those two times I’ve never experienced any type of fear of that kind.

Is this still classified of Cleithrophobia?

I’d like to know.

I’m not a psychologist, but I have some words that may help. Phobias are something that affect a lot of people, especially situational phobia. I don’t know a cure for it, but I do know words of encouragement.

You mentioned heaven, so I think it’s safe to assume you believe in God. You don’t have to worry anything about heaven.

Remember that when it’s your time to go, and you get there, all your fears, your pain, your sorrow will be washed away and replaced with nothing but God’s love and love for Him.

Though the fear might hold you back from things on Earth, don’t ever be afraid of God’s gift of eternal life. Heaven is the safest place you could be, and God, by his power and grace, will remove that fear from your heart.

For now, keep in mind that He will also help you to get past this fear while you’re here. I would recommend seeing a psychologist about it, since they know best, but also always know that God will help you overcome your fear.

Trust in Him and there’s nothing you can’t do.
Philippians 4:13 says “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” And that means ALL things. You can do it!

I really hope this helps, even though it’s not really psychology-based lol. Good luck, and God bless

Taj Burrow
Antianxiety-Drugs.com