How can I overcome panic attacks effectively ?

I got my first panic attack late in september and since then, it’s becoming a habit ! I’d like to know what I should. I’ve already gone to the doc, and he prescribed me some medications that can cause hallucinations. I’ve taken it for 3 days only.

The only way that I have ever found to battle panic ( anxiety ) attacks is to very quickly try to distract myself. That only works if I can manage to do that the moment I feel one coming on. If you are not recognizing the signs of one starting yet, try to pay closer attention and you will discover there are little warning signals. For example, I will get an odd kind of nausea, not be able to focus very well and feel " spacey’ shortly before they hit full force. What works for me sometimes is intense physical movement of some kind. I’ve taken off for a fast jog, put music on and danced, grabbed a bucket of soapy water and started scrubbing walls, anything that uses up some of my concentration and keeps my body moving. I have found that baths, reading and especially driving will actually make them worse. ( I don’t know why ) Occasionally, if they were mild, a heating pad and the t.v. would be enough of a distraction. At times they are so intense that nothing will work. I then resort to either going to sleep or taking Ativan. ( it’s a mild tranquilizer ) I only take the Ativan as a last resort because it leaves me feeling crappy the next day.

As for the medication that the Dr. prescribed you, you need to give it more than 3 days to know if it is going to work. With most drugs for depression and anxiety, it is about 6 weeks before you will know the effectiveness for you. ( unless of course you are experiencing any of the warning symptoms that should be explained in a write-up that comes with the prescription) It is not uncommon for someone to have to try several different drugs before finding one that works for them.Everyone metabolizes drugs differently and will have more, different or no side effects compared to the next person. Hopefully something I’ve suggested will work for you as well, panic attacks can be hell.