Posted by shadows721 on May 29, 2004, at 1:09:32
In reply to NEED REASURING PLEASE :-S, posted by crazychickuk on May 28, 2004, at 6:41:44
Hi crazychick,
Since you have had a cardiac work up, it is safe to say this is a paniac attack. Usually there is a trigger (a situation, no meal, chocolate, caffeine, too much sugar, and/or fatigue) that sets off the cycle. Then, the flight or flight response is started muscles tense, breathing gets rapid, pulse rate and blood pressure goes up. People may experience sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and/or trembling. These symptoms are the bodies reaction to a perceived threat. Since no physical activity is engaged, one focuses on their symptoms and assumes the worst. Statments such as these are common - "I CAN'T BREATHE. I AM GOING TO SUFFOCATE. I AM GOING TO FAINT. I AM GOING CRAZY. EVERYONE CAN SEE I AM FREAKING OUT. I CAN'T WALK. I AM GOING TO DIE FROM A HEART ATTACK." These thoughts can prolong and increase or intensify the symptoms of paniac.
Here are some things you can do to help reduce your paniac symptoms.
1. Recognize what is really triggering your anxiety.
2. Practice deep breathing (Use that tape I recommended for this)
3. Do something you enjoy
4. Express your feelings with a person or in a journal
5. Do a physical activity
6. Practice progressive muscle relaxation
7. Tell yourself that these sensations are normal and that you aren't in any danger
8. Reduce the amount of sugar, white flour products, processed foods, and caffeine that you eate.
9. Eat a snack or a small meal every 3 hours.
10. Break the habit of perfectionism
11. Use affirmations. Here's an example, "Even though I have anxious thoughts, I still completely and deeply accept myself."
12. Stop overanalysis yourself.As I was writing this, I was wondering. I have heard that people crave sugary foods on Remeron. If that is the case here, that could definately trigger a glycemic spike and drop. If you are eating foods high in sugar and chocolate content, this could explain the paniac attacks. I really don't believe this is in one's control on that med. I have read the cravings are just overwhelming. Do you have this?
What may help you is to take a medication like Topamax. Topamax would curb cravings and help reduce the weight increase from Remeron. It may also help balance out the mood. But, as with all meds, it has side effects too. Is it available in the UK?
I feel the valium can still be used on an as needed basis. In regard to the beta blocker fear -Yes, your heart rate can slow down as you stated. If you did have a heart rate of 50, they would just adjust your dosage. But, believe it or not most people don't feel that bad when their heart slows down to 50. Patients usually complain when their heart races, because they feel that.
In regard to having a heart attack, they can tell by EKG and by drawing your blood for cardiac enzymes. On the EKG, they look at rhythm and rate primarily. You can have a fast heart beat and a regular rhythm. They will just observe you for that. Many people think that a palpitation is an irregular beat. It's usually the heart just beating extra hard from a lack of oxygen from hyperventilation.
How soon are you going to see your pdoc?
poster:shadows721
thread:351400
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040527/msgs/351745.html