[greenday]

Could someone on this forum please explain to me what a bad panic attack is like? My mother who is 76 black out three weeks ago and we think she is having panic attacks. Despite NUMEROUS visits to the ER, nothing seems to be wrong. Dozens of tests come back normal. At least once a day she goes into almost a coma like condition. She trembles, shakes, breathes shallow and rapid, doesn't seem to know anyone is near her. She says she gets worried over dying and it seems to bring it on. (We have always thought she was a hypochondriac and think it is fueling the panic attacks, but want to give her the benefit of the doubt.) I was just wondering if these symptoms sound reasonable for panic attacks.

Don't be harsh about the hypochondriac thing, she was diagnosed a long time ago by two doctors, but my father found it too "embarrassing" to get her help due their social standing, if you can believe THAT!! Sadly it's true.

[erinkj]

Below are symptoms of panic attack.

Sensation of shortness of breath
Dizziness or faintness, Palpitations or pounding heart, Trembling or shaking, Sweating, chills, or hot flashes, Feeling of choking, Nausea or upset stomach, Numbness or tingling, Chest pain or discomfort , Fear of dying, Fear of losing control, Feelings of unreality, Feelings of detachment, Hyperventilation and Hypersensetivity.

Panic attacks are SCARY stuff! If you can get a Dr. or someone she trusts, to explain to her what a panic attack is and also, that it is very real but, not life threatening; it may help her be able to remain calm until the attack passes. These attacks are mistaken for heart attacks, etc, frequently and confusion and/or depersonalization are common with panic attack as well. Panic attacks are terrifying and, considering your mom's age, I can see why she would be especially sensetive to the "fear of dying." I hope this helps in some way. If you have any questions please, feel free to ask; I have been dealing with panic disorder for 11 years and am well educated on this subject...Good luck...Peace....Erin

[greenday]

Wow, what you described sounds exactly like what she is going through. It's terrifying to watch, much less go through it. They have given her Xanax and started her on Zoloft. Dr said Zoloft will take a couple of weeks to see effects. I feel so bad for her. Today my dad went to get her prescriptions and she had a bad panic attack over the fear of being left alone. (my brother offered to go to the pharmacy, but i think my poor dad just wanted to get out of the house for a minute).

Thank you so much for your post. I trust this forum WAY more than I trust the doctors.

I can't get over what you described. It's her to a "t"...

[greenday]

Erin,
Do these medications they have put her on sound reasonable? If not, do you know of any I can suggest? Doctors need prompting, I have found...for example it was US that told them we thought she was having panic attacks. Of course, then they readily agreed. It's like we have to do the thinking for them. In their defense, we live it and they only get a 10 minute glimpse so I guess they are doing the best they can.

[erinkj]

Glad I could help! The med's your mom was prescribed are very commonly used for panic disorder so, they are reasonable choices. Zoloft can be a bit stimulating for some people with panic attacks but, we all react differently to meds. (at least, zoloft was not a good med for me) Zoloft is in the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) family. Although this branch of anti-depressant med's is not without it's side effects, they are "thought" to be safer than the older meds. If zoloft works for your mom, it can take up to 4 weeks to reach its full effect although, she will likely feel some changes (good or bad) within the first week. Make sure that all family members who will be caring for her are aware of ALL potential side effects of her rx med's because, what she is going through may affect her ability to judge her progress or lack of. Xanax is the best benzo for a panic attack. Xanax has a short half life and works quickly. She can take a xanax at the onset of an attack and the xanax will "kick in" as little as 15 minutes which will calm her down and she will feel much better. Check the strength of her pills though. At her age she should be started at no more than .25 mgs which can be broken in half if it makes her overly sleepy. If .25 is not enough her dr can have her take 2 or raise her script to .5. I only caution the strength because, as we get older we tend to be more sensetive to medications and to much or to strong of a benzo(xanax) can make you feel like a zombie. Xanax is commonly rx'd at .5 for panic attack but, her age (again) deserves extra caution. If she is on any other med's, check for interactions (pharmacies don't always catch them and doctors constantly prescribe contradictory meds) There are more possible interactions with zoloft so, I would check that first. Let me know if I can help further....Peace...ERin

[erinkj]

One more thing. The best and most helpful thing that you and your family can do for your mom right now, is to listen when she talks (even if it drives you nuts ), hug her if and when she cries, don't leave her alone when she is frightened (this will pass and she will not need or likely want someone with her all the time forever but, for the time being until the med's can work, she will need that extra support). Under no circumstances allow ANYONE to try and tell her this is "all in her head", it is not, the symptoms are physical and very real besides, that will only make her feel worse. Your mom is in a very scary place right now. She is feeling like she will die or that she is going crazy and afraid she will be hauled off to a looney bin. It is common to feel depersonalization, like you are living in a haze of unreality; I describe this as if I am standing outside myself watching...you know, detatched. Re-assure her often that she is NOT crazy and that she will be ok....... She WILL get better, xanax will help alot...Peace...ERin

[greenday]

Erin,
You have been a lifesaver here. Thanks so much for all the info. They started her on the lowest dose of zoloft and said they can always go up from there if needed.

The pharmacist/doctors went over her med list pretty sternly looking for drug interactions. I think we are covered there, but you never know.

I think we are all just so stunned this started happening out of the blue and so often. She has one at least everyday. Plus, we all work so it's hard to keep running over there everyday or night she goes into the panic attacks. I live 40 minutes away and by the time I get there it's usually going away. Some help I am, right?lol

Anyway, thanks for sharing you personal story with me.