Anyone with Panic Attacks who work in a hospital?

spaniel · May 31, 2005

Yes, easier said than done... but try if at all possible to stay in the situation. This is really not easy but escaping can be problematic in that it tends to reinforce it. With that said, there are some people who find that psychotropics are an immense help.

sandiLa · Jun 1, 2005

Thanks for the response. Can you elaborate on psycotropics for me? What types are their out there for p/a's. Right now my Dr. has me on Xanax which is doing ok but not real sure about taking it at work. I'm not having any side effects from it now, at first it made me real sleepy. Also an anti-depressant once a day. Thanks.

Sandy

EDValerieRN, ASN, RN · Jun 1, 2005

I have been diagnosed with panic disorder, and I have had panic attacks at work and during clinicals. Above it is suggested to stay in the situation, but I found that was not possible for me. When crying, freaking out, and thinking you will die.... I would have probably frightened the patient :)

During my first semester, my professor had to practically drag me outside and sit with me for about 20 mins.... all because I had a typo on my careplan (stupid things usually set me off). Luckily my instructor was one of the greatest women in the world.

This is what has worked for me:

I take Zoloft every morning, and I was also prescribed Xanax BID. Rather than take Xanax on schedule, I will only take it at the first sign of a panic attack. I'll cut one in half and put it under my tongue. Yes, it tastes horrid, but it kicks in quickly and doesn't snow me as much as taking a whole one would. I am still able to continue work... I just remove myself from the situation, pop a xanax under the tongue... wait it out... prey... and then I am able to go back to my business. I've been through only about 15 xanax in a whole year, so I'm doing pretty well I guess (compared to before).

This was all done under Dr's orders, and I know every case is different. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best.

Kitty-MayRN, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2005

Hi sandiLa, :)

I have panic attacks too. This is something that I'm really needing to watch. So far, I've only had 3 incidents at clinicals that I just barely kept under control by hiding in the bathroom for several minutes.

However, I've noticed in my life in general that they are getting more frequent, which concerns me because I'm going to be starting a new job on a med/surg floor soon.

I find that I can sometimes nip it in the bud when I start breathing fast and my heart starts racing by getting away for a couple of minutes from the situation. Of course I can't always do that...

Do you panic over certain things? I know I have agoraphobia which I fight consistantly. :crying2:

Take care and keep in touch,

Kitty-MayRN

:nurse:

NurseforPreggers · Jun 1, 2005

I was diagnosed with panic disorder right about the time I graduated from nursing school last year. I think one of the important things to recognize is what sets you off. For me it was ... new places, new people, new things. I thought it was mostly due to graduation and stress, but it eventually got so bad I couldn't leave my house.

I had to leave my new job a few times right at the beginning because I would have attacks so bad I couldnt stay. I started on Klonipin and Paxil.

After a couple months at my job and on my meds they have settled down quite a bit. I haven't had an attack in several months now.

You can do it, hopefully you are working with people that you can trust and be honest with. Understanding people make it sooo much easier.

HannasMom · Jun 1, 2005

I have had panic attacks, but "lucky me", I only have them at home, after being stressed for long periods or starting something new and scary, like a new job. I seem to be able to handle crisis real well, at work and at home. It's like my body finally needs to let go of built up stress so I have a panic attack. For me I have been on Effexor XR and do have Xanax to use when I have a panic attack starting. I rarily need the Xanax. I also take only a 1/4 of a pill or 1/2 a pill, when I do take one. Maybe once a year I need a whole one.