Panic attacks

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Mar 23, 2008

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 · Mar 24, 2008

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, RN · Mar 24, 2008

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 in time of crisis.

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

atomic1976 · Mar 26, 2008

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 · Mar 27, 2008

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

angelchick · Mar 27, 2008

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, ASN · Mar 28, 2008

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 · Mar 30, 2008

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:coollook:. 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! :yeah:

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Mar 30, 2008

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.:uhoh21: I was hoping you got the help you needed. I was praying for your wellness. Glad you're feeling better. :wink2:Take care of yourself. And YES, panic disorder is very real.

TerpGal02, ASN · Mar 30, 2008

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:coollook:. 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!

You know sometimes taking some time off is exactly what we need to get well again. I was taken off for 3 weeks by my pdoc a few months ago, and it was exactly what I needed. Gave me time to focus on me, get a little more intense with my therapy and to get stabilized on some new meds. And I know how sucky it is to loose that income too. Luckily DH is doing really well financially right now, so it didnt hurt TOO much, but still.

I had to d/c all meds cold turkey because of a suspicious looking rash of unknown orgin. PCP said drug reaction and with the timeframe of me starting on my new meds, could have been either one, so I had to d/c both. And let me tell you there is a REASON they warn people not to d/c any psych meds suddenly. Was having near CONSTANT severe panic attacks from with withdrawl. My pdoc did not offer a benzo at all, and it was sheer hell. If I were in the same situation again, I would DEMAND a benzo. Obviously you should have something in place, either a maintenence med or therapy in place to manage day to day sx, but we ALL have breakthrough sx at one time or another, its VERY helpful to have a benzo around. Its like being asthmatic kind of I guess. You have your maintence med but youd also never want to go around without your albuterol. Obv if you are using it everyday, something needs to change with your maintence therapy, but having that rescue or emergency med really is a godsend when you need it.

atomic1976 · Mar 31, 2008

Glad to hear you're doing better. Resist the temptation to go back to work before your dr thinks you're ready -- you'll just end up stressing yourself. You deserve a break!