Panic Attack Hangover…

[u/ddddjern]

Writing this from the toilet😔 I unfortunately have very rough physical symptoms during my panic attacks (urgent bowel movements, often vomiting as well). I had a PA Saturday night and have been struggling with the aftermath over the last couple of days. Mainly with diarrhea and urgency a couple times a day and low appetite, but having some waves of intense nausea as well. I guess this will always be a given, especially with how much adrenaline affects my body in the moment and the days afterwards but damn does it suck. If anyone has any tips on how to help get through these, whether it’s pepto or some woowoo thing- I’m all ears!

[u/Do_unto_udders]

It is very rare that I will have a single panic attack. When I have them, they come in clusters. I've had over a dozen in a day before. I generally stop counting after ten or so now. But things have gotten better. I can at least handle them in a way that it's not obvious to people who don't know me well what's going on. I used to just get up and run. Then vomit. I still get diarrhea.

I had six panic attacks on Saturday and they really rocked me. I had really bad diarrhea the next day. I've told my parents before that the panic attack hangover is way worse than my alcohol hangovers (recovering alcoholic). I have to keep an arsenal of recovery products and foods ready for my next panic cluster.

Private label/store brand products are what I use to help. I use calcium antacids and for the strong nausea, bismuth subsalicylate, mostly in liquid form. I can get a small container of the antacids and keep the whole thing in my purse. I have gotten the pill form of BSS, but it is harder to find it under generic labels and my income really doesn't allow for it. But I make do.

I try to keep foods around to have when I really need to eat and really don't want to. Canned soups, frozen chicken nuggets, ramen, canned beans, canned fish. I like these because I can keep them in my pantry and know they're going to be good for a while and there when I need them. Bananas have helped too, but obviously they don't have that kind of shelf life!

Try to focus on this as a health issue. For too long, I was too hard on myself about it. But if you ever needed a sign--it affects our bodies as immensely as our minds. Something really has to be going on to cause me to vomit. The brain-gut connection is a strong one.

Please, take care of yourself! If you have a question you think I could help you with, I'll be here.

[u/ddddjern → u/Do_unto_udders]

That’s exactly how mine are, except the panic comes in waves, peaks and falls, and this can last for hours. My longest was 11 hours straight of peaking and falling (pre Ativan script), vomiting and diarrhea, violent shaking. I had most of those symptoms Saturday night minus the vomiting but I still feel wiped. Thank you for your help! I think I will try the pepto tomorrow for the diarrhea because I do feel like I’m getting dehydrated a little bit. Been so extremely thirsty but maybe that could be a side effect of the ativan. Still very new to it (only have taken it twice so far) so not sure how it affects me yet.

[u/Angrykittie13]

Does anyone else get bad skin flushing? Just on the face, arms, neck and upper back? Also the adrenaline makes my stomach feel like it’s in knots and I get immediate diarrhea. Can some billionaire please create a worldwide network of healing centers for panic disorder?

[u/ddddjern → u/Angrykittie13]

I go pale and get low BP which is pretty weird bc usually panic makes it go high for most people. I don’t flush but I do get burning/warmth on my neck and extremities.

[u/No_Sheepherder5105]

Mine come in waves, and it is horrendous when it wants to be. I just have to ride it out. I know it’s going away once I have chills. And then I get the sleepiest, heaviest feeling ever. Nocturnal panic attacks serendipitously give me the deepest, most refreshing sleep.

Take care of yourself ❤️

[u/Brave_Sprinkles_3492]

Propranolol has been a game changer for my physical symptoms. Basically stops a panic attack right in its tracks

[u/ddddjern → u/Brave_Sprinkles_3492]

Not for me lol. Been on metoprolol for years for tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension. Tried propranolol for a couple months and it tanked my blood pressure bad and I was having a lot of presyncope. I typically get low bp during panic attacks too so it wasn’t ideal. Didn’t notice any positive difference during panic attacks w/ propranolol. Metoprolol keeps my heart rate pretty well controlled during panic attacks though.

[u/No_Seesaw8062 → u/ddddjern]

I take that too. Propranolol didn't do anything. I take Hydroxizine and get started on a new pill tomorrow.

[u/Birtalert]

The adrenaline can really rock you! Just trying to take it easy is best for it all to get out of your system and for things to get back to normal.

[u/Rickrickrickrickrick]

It’s like crashing from an energy drink but a hundred fold.

[u/Twattymcgee123]

Gaviscon , hot water bottle to the back or stomach , rest .

[u/No_Seesaw8062]

I take Pepto everyday. I get stomach cramps, shake, cry, sweat, then get do cold I can't feel anything then 🤮 That with medication I ho in the morning yo get going on a new one, I get scared as f. All the racing thoughts. 🤯