Hi, bucslife. So glad you got your insurance! I've had panic attacks since I was about 11 years old. Nasty things, they are. One thing I've learned that works well for me is when I have one, to get up walk. Just a few steps usually stops it. I learned that from a doctor. He said that if you stay still, the panic just grows and freezes you. Try walking, and see if that helps.

As far as medication, I took Xanax decades ago. Now I take Lorazepam. They're 1mg tablets. I usually break them in half. Takes about 20 minutes for it to work.

I have COPD, too. It definitely can cause panic attacks and anxiety. It's the shortness of breath that does it, so please use your inhaler. I use Symbicort 2 puffs morning and 2 puffs at night.

From what I understand, the treatment for anxiety from COPD is the same as any other cause. Anxiety meds like Xanax or Lorazepam, and finding a trick like the walking trick. A friend told me her trick is to get up and make a cup of tea. Walking to the kitchen and concentrating on making the tea stops the panic attack. I use that too.

Best wishes to you,
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