Panic attack - how long do the effects last....

When I have one - thankfully not too often - I usually get what I call after effects, mild anxiety and just not feeling well in my own body, which can last a day or two.

@lma84 I am glad you realize that you can recover and go on after a panic attacks. But it sure feels offputting while it's happening, right!?

All I can suggest is to be gentle on yourself. Deep breaths, rest well, eat healthy, do something that brings you pleasure. Perhaps getting outside for a walk will help ease your mind? It's getting to be spring-like and flowers blooming. Write out what you are feeling, and get those things out of your mind, might be a good way to help yourself.

Being mindful of your panic attacks was a sign you are in touch with yourself, always a good thing!
Ginger

I started having panic attacks in 2014 when I was caring for my brother and my father …both dying. I understand so well the horrible physical feelings….you would chew off your own arm if it would make it stop. My doc gave me clonazepam “ just in case I couldn’t handle it and to help keep me out of ER……..I scoured the internet for help and found the D.A.R.E program by Barry Mcdonagh
You can get his book on Amazon and download the app for free. I swear it is the only thing that helped me! I have given his book to several friends . His belief…the more you run from your anxiety the worse it will be and he is so right! The free app has daily recordings . I hope you will check this out and I hope it helps you ! Sending a hug your way

@ ymca49
Wanted to add. I very seldom have to take the clonazepam…my doc said as long as you know you have it as a last resort…you won’t need it and she was so right! It’s just my security blanket but I can handle it on my own now thanks to D.A.R.E

@ymca49
What is D.A.R.E.? I 'm having break through symptoms (very unpleasant) and want t to get of .5 mg of clon after being on them for four months. I can't find any to give me a taper schedule that seems safe. I am 81. How did you do it?

First of all the clonazepam was given to me for emergency’s only so I didn’t have to taper off….knowing I had them made me work through it myself. So I would sometimes take 1/2 pill. But nothing on a daily basis at all. Google D.A.R.E with Barry Mcdonagh…….Barry suffered from anxiety for years…tried everything and finally came up with this program himself. I ordered lots of books off Amazon looking for help but nothing made a Difference until I found this one. There is a paperback inexpensive on amazon ….there is a free app that has lots of info and stories and affirmations…..I listen to it every night as I fall asleep…..I hope you will check it out and I hope you can find some peace……I will add the one line I read in the book that helped me the most was “the thought of a tiger…is NOT a tiger”. It’s just thoughts…nervous energy……..you are safe.

Hi @gunshy - very unpleasant breakthrough symptoms do not sound fun at all, nor does not feeling as though you have a safe taper schedule.

I've personally found the pharmacist who dispensed my antianxiety medication very helpful in not only knowing what to expect ramping up onto the medication (e.g., how long till it works, what side effects and for how long I might expect them to last) and for tapering off and what to expect. I'd suggest trying them.

Have you by chance asked the pharmacist? If so, what did they suggest?

Not yet, but I will do so.

@ymca49 Thank you so much for this recommendation, I have downloaded it and started listening. I get so consumed by my anxiety and stuck in my own head & thoughts, I find it hard to even focus on every day things! Yet it all sits there waiting to be done! I am hoping this DARE approach will help.... thank you again

Stick with it. I read the book several times and highlighted things that were important to me and I listened to things on the app daily and it started to sink in and give me some relief … I hope it does for you as well. Keep me posted and if I can help I will.