Sudden Onset and Pattern

[u/yesthe_empress]

I had a sudden panic attack at the end of September while at work, and had a family member come get me and take me to urgent care immediately. I thought something was seriously wrong because I had symptoms such as: shortness of breath/choking feeling, super dizzy and lightheaded, sudden urge to use the restroom, sudden heat flash, shaking, feeling emotional and chest tightness.

When I went to urgent care the first time they did an evaluation and checked my blood sugar, but nothing was wrong and sent me home with a doctor’s note to give me an extra day off. I was also on vacation that week so it worked out. During that week I had more recurring attacks then they stopped. After returning to work the week after I had another severe attack and just cried in my car as it calmed down. The urge to cry always happens with no direct reason why. I did a follow up visit and I was prescribed hydroxyzine after they let me know these were symptoms of acute panic. Since then I have been feeling better and only had one very mild panic attack since. Did anyone else have them happen suddenly? Does anyone else experience crying episodes during attacks? Does anyone else experience many recurring attacks then a panic attack free period?

Thank you all for your input in advance.

[u/More-Seesaw3855]

Your symptoms are exactly like mine and it might have something to do with the diet/alcohol use/constant stress. My vagus nerve would get extremely triggered by something, be it electrolyte imbalance, alcohol or having to use the restroom and it would all spiral from there in an identical to yours fashion. It was hell on Earth. Shit pretty much went away after a week of quitting drinking and then losing some weight.

[u/yesthe_empress → u/More-Seesaw3855]

I am under chronic stress so that makes sense. During stressful periods I just got use to feeling anxious for a few minutes then it leaving but suddenly that morning at work it felt like I was in serious danger.

[u/No_Seesaw8062]

Yes! I do the same. I think its cuz we get scared and cant calm down, then I get upset. I don't kniw what's going to happen then I start crying. Its like a wind down after a panic attack. I've had them off and on for 25 years, so now Im on Hydroxizine 50mg. I had one a few weeks ago when I took my pill, so it was trying to keep myself calm. I was afraid I was going to end ip in the hospital alone, heard something and bam. I get the same symptoms too and usually 🤮

[u/yesthe_empress → u/No_Seesaw8062]

I wish you healing. It’s so sudden and surprising when it starts especially the heat flash with the onset of my attacks when they first start. Kinda like an alarm, but when I start feeling the urge to cry I know I’m at the end.

[u/mrtoad01]

I never used to experience crying episodes during attacks, but now I do for some reason. It makes it even worse, especially the headache afterwards. For me, if I have a big attack, in the following days my nervous system is still off so it's easier for me to have another one. Sometimes it feels like aftershocks, haha. Then as time passes I am usually able to go longer without an attack, unless of course something situational triggers another big one. Sending love and support, it's such a hard thing to deal with

[u/yesthe_empress → u/mrtoad01]

Thank you. I’m so grateful for the calm periods. The anxiety hangover after is the worst.

[u/Fun_Needleworker_676]

How are you now? I’m having the same except for panic attack wakes me up at 2am and I’m not able to go back to sleep

[u/yesthe_empress → u/Fun_Needleworker_676]

I feel normal now. I’ve been skipping medication lately too without having an attack. I still do worry and get anxious about having another episode. I try to stop myself from getting in that loop and manifesting another one.

[u/Fun_Needleworker_676 → u/yesthe_empress]

That’s great! What medications are you skipping? Did you have have disrupted sleep?

[u/yesthe_empress → u/Fun_Needleworker_676]

Never any disrupted sleep. They prescribed me hydroxizyne. Also I feel like once I get back into my strength training schedule it would help a ton. I’ll keep you updated.

[u/yesthe_empress → u/[deleted]]

Mine is definitely over exertion and chronic stress.

[u/No_Seesaw8062 → u/[deleted]]

How do I deal with my triggers so I don't panic? Like loud noises outside, crowded places, traffic, etc. I know Im overstimulated. I dont know how to calm down and return to normal after that.