[respiratoryqeen]

Hi,
I just wanted to get some info from psyc. nurses. I suffer from panic attacks and am on 20mg paxil. I have done really good over the years and put myself through college. I even work at a hospital.
Well, last week I was hit with influenza and very high fevers. My doc decided to put me on levaquin. First day, felt dizzy taking it, seconds night. OMG I woke up feeling a very warm sensation and I felt like my heart was coming out of chest. I called the pharmacy. He told me that levaquin can cause a stimulating effect. I stopped taking it and he sent me to a psyc. doc. The psyc. doc told me that The levaquin indeed neutralized my paxil and that we would have to wait for the paxil to start working again.

I guess my question is.
What is a psyc. ward like? Does anyone know how long it takes for the paxil to start working again. I feel very agitated alot. I just want to be myself again and go back to work. Excuse my typing. I am very shaky. I just took my 5th paxil. I know you cannot give medical advice. I just need to know what it is like.I am considering putting my self in the hospital if These panic attacks do not go away.
I guess I watch to much tv. I have a vision where they tie you down in a padded room and drug you up, and right now I am terrified to put anything in my mouth but a paxil. Thanks for any comments or support you can give me. I am also in the medical profession and am used to taking care of people.

[luvschoolnursing]

I am not a psych nurse and of course, we can't give medical advice, but I am a nurse and I have suffered panic attacks. Most terrifying thing I've ever gone through. If you're suffering as much as you sound like in your post-get to your doctor! You're not going to be admitted and tied down, but there are meds that work quickly that can relieve your symptoms while the paxil gets back up to a theraputic level. YOu shouldn't have to suffer like this.

[aloevera]

Good advice from luvschoolnursing.....I am a psych nurse and at our hospital we assess new admits, they are seen by MD first, then Psychiatrist.....Meds will level you out and I have never seen anyone tied down !!!! Usual stay is 5-10 days......depending on treatment needed.....

[rn/writer]

I don't know what has happened in the two days since you posted this, but you really need to get in touch with your doc and discuss your situation. If possible, the psych doc and the primary doc who prescribed the levaquin should confer and come to some kind of understanding about this and future prescriptions, so that this kind of problem does not come up again.

Please, speak to your doctors. This is not the kind of decision that you should make on your own even when you are feeling at your best. It certainly complicates matters that you are currently vulnerable and anxious.

I would also encourage you, when you are feeling better, to choose a couple of close friends or family members whom you trust to be your support system for times like this when you need people you can lean on to help you sort out your options and even perhaps call your docs when you are too stressed to do so on your own. If you have a plan in place before you need it again, you are that much more likely to get what you need when you need it.

I wish you the best. Please let us know how you are doing.

[atomic1976]

Psychiatric units are very restrictive and I wouldn't recommend it unless you are having thoughts of harming yourself, otherwise you may actually find that the hospitalization will actually exacerbate your condition. The padded rooms and restraints are reserved for those patients who are out of control in a violent or self-injurious way. But you will have limited access to phones, visiting hours are restricted, your personal belongings are locked up, and there's very little privacy. Plus, you are locked in!

Hopefully your Paxil has kicked in by now. Let us know how you're doing.

[KrissyPRN]

I agree with atomic1976. I hope all is going well with you. Let us know how you are doing.

[angelchick]

You poor thing, I also suffer from panic attacks, but hese seem to be under control with meds. I have been in hospital from Overdoses in my earlier years and wouldn't recommend them for what you are requiring. If you can find a quiet place for a few days with a supportive friend/partner you should be okay, sometimes hospital can just add to your anxiety. And hospital isn;'t all that bad, perhaps if a total rest is what u need , it may be a good thing. Gentle blessings and all the best!

[TerpGal02]

Im still a student, so bear with me, but I am also a panic disorder/bipolar disorder sufferer, and have been through MANY MANY meds and many providers. I am very surprised that your psychiatrist didnt at least give you a temporary Rx for a benzo. I dont like taking them myself, but if you know its going to be a temporary situation, thats the first thing I would want to do

[respiratoryqeen]

I wanted to thank each and everyone one of you from the bottom of my heart. I am doing much better and actually feel like going to work each day. But, my doc wants me off until the 6th. He thinks I really need to rest. He said my body has been through so much. I think he is right, but it really bites for the finances. I looked at my schedule and my first day back is a 12 hour shift. ouch!

Anyhow, thanks again. Panic disorder is real and very scary and I wish more people were educated about. I really plan to help people in this area with the disorder. because with proper treatment you can do anything you set your heart too.

Again. a big thanks to you all!

[luvschoolnursing]

Respiratory queen,
SO glad to hear from you. I have no idea who you are and of course have no way to get in touch with you, but I was really worried. I was hoping you got the help you needed. I was praying for your wellness. Glad you're feeling better. Take care of yourself. And YES, panic disorder is very real.