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Panic attacks while sleeping


21 years ago 0 31 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I will say this..one of the worst attacks I had woke me from a dead sleep. It felt like somebody was choking me to death with their hands...the muscle around my throat got very tight. I new I was going to die..thats how bad it was....it makes me very sad on one hand that other people have had that happen to them. Its the worst feeling..I wouldnt wish it on an enemy. On the other hand it gives me some comfort knowing that other people know what I am going through. As far as would the meds do that..I'm not sure. I wasnt taking meds at that time. it was only the 3rd attack..but that was the one that sent me to the ER for the last time..I began to get help afetr that. -Jay
21 years ago 0 33 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Susan i too have had the nocturnal panic/anxiety. i was off of celexa for about 2 months and the symptoms would wake me up in the early morning and really set the tone for the rest of the day. there is nothing worse than waking up will full on panic, i definatley feel for you. i have since gone back onto the celexa and the nocturnal PA have pretty much stopped, the occasional lingering anxiety in the morning but once i get up and get going it seems to subside. this panic is tough stuff but with the group and panic programs we call all cope. stay good.
21 years ago 0 15 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hi Susan- I really don't know if I am going to help, but I read your posting and I felt I had to reply since I have the same problem.(althogh there are some differences)I used to wake up with slight anxiety/panic thinking I wasnt breathing. Three weeks ago I started Lexapro for my panic attacks and since the first night I started the meds(I took xanax the first week with the lexapro) I woke up with the worst case of panic/anxiety I have ever had while sleeping. I would wake up out of a sound sleep gasping for air because I thought I wasnt breathing, and I also had this weird feeling kind of like "where am i?" They have been so bad since I started the medication. I talked to my doctor and he said that he thinks it is from built up anxiety. So I really dont know if its from the meds or if its just from my built up anxiety (the constant thoughts going through my head before I fall asleep)but I just wanted you to know that I have the exact same problem. If I could give you my personal opinion, I would say that it is from slight withdrawls, maybe, from going off your meds. If thats the case, nothing will heal that but time. But I'm not a doc...thats just my opinion...I hope I have helped somewhat...keep me posted with your progress.
21 years ago 0 50 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I've finally finished the Celexa for about 4 weeks now and getting only residual symptoms. I have great hopes for how I will be feeling so hope I won't be disappointed.....I was sure that taking Celexa made me more anxious and started different phobias etc. Anyway, I got a really bad infection on Friday and saw the doctor who gave me penicillin. Well, since then, I haven't been able to sleep without waking up with the most awful panic attacks....can't breathe and feeling of dread etc. Does anyone else suffer with night time attacks. Now I don't know if these are becuase I've stopped taking Celexa or if they are a reaction to the penicillin. I;ve had panic attacks waking me up from sleep before but never as bad as these...they were really scary.

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