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How do you know you're having a panic attack

Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: Feb 5 6:16pm | Replies (26)

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@user_ch783e933

I have a pulse oximeter, I don't have panic attacks like you're describing. I don't know I'm having one. My brain produces the biological fight/flight effect while my mind is preoccupied worrying about something like numb toes or cold feeling in my legs. I can breathe fine, my heart is not racing, I'm not having PVCs, I'm having a feeling of spaciness. So twice during these I didn't know it was a panic attack, I thought it was a symptom of high blood pressure, and of course I'm freaked out when I'm taking the BP and it is sky high because I'm freaked out. Then I'm more freaked out because I"m sure I'm going to stroke out. That's why I called 911 the first time. The paramedics told me it was anxiety. I'm old enough to stroke out. I just don't happen to be a present candidate apparently or I already would have. I have to stop the subconscious panic attacks. I think medication is the only way, I hope the psychiatrist has something I haven't already tried that messed meup. TY for your reply.

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Replies to "I have a pulse oximeter, I don't have panic attacks like you're describing. I don't know..."

It sounds like medication might be a good place to start. Your description of subconscious panic attacks makes me understand what you're dealing with more accurately. I hope your doctor's can find a med that helps you. When I first started having them, I was in my early 20s without any health problems so went to my PCP from childhood and he put me on an old tricyclic antidepressant called tofranil for 6 months to stabilize my brain chemistry. Not sure this is a standard med but might be a starting place to talk to your doctor about.