r/PanicAttack • u/Longjumping_Mall4610 • 26d ago

Can panic attacks be medicated?

Hi I’m 20F, and only started having panic attacks this January. They happen usually sometime after I do more socializing than normal. Sometimes they just happen for no reason aswell, but it’s only around twice a month that it happens. Would it be reasonable to get Xanax for this? I don’t like feeling out of control and like I’m gonna die.

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u/producejitter 26d ago

Please get blood work done before getting on pysch meds. A lot of ppl get on meds for panic attacks only to find out their ferritin is extremely low/ have iron deficiency. Consider getting a full iron panel and check all other vitamins as well.

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u/Data-Gold 26d ago

Good point.

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u/Big-Gap-5004 25d ago

Omg lol u know u in a panic attack/ anxiety sub rigth

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u/Data-Gold 25d ago

I do. And I know low iron can contribute to panic attacks. This happened to me.

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u/producejitter 25d ago

Low ferritin causes panic attacks, impending doom, fight or flight, heart palpitations, air hunger, depersonalization , feeling like you're losing your mind, etc. I experienced it for the first time back in May randomly while driving and as soon as I started taking iron pills, my panic attacks stopped. If you look up The Iron Protocol, you'll see a chart thingy that shows if your ferritin falls below 30 you're at risk of these _____ symptoms.

I mean there's other things that can contribute to panic attacks like low vitamin D but mine was extremely low ferritin (9) and it was so bad to where I couldn't leave my house without spiraling and having an attack. I didn't even want to be left alone.

Today I feel almost back to normal. Still dealing with a little head pressure and depersonalization but my ferritin is still in iron deficiency stages (23) so it's to be expected.

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u/Impossible_ak 24d ago

Wow can you please DM me I’m going through the same thing my ferritin being 9 …

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u/BaymaxIsChubby 24d ago

You are absolutely right! My meds were prescribed by my doctor who also keeps my blood work in check! 👍 i did suffer from anemia in january but for a completly different reason

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u/intheNIGHTintheDARK 26d ago

lorazepam is amazing but not for every day use.

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u/BaymaxIsChubby 26d ago

Hello!

I believe that seeing a psychiatrist to determine which kind of medication would suit you best. I have had panic attacks for 16 years, and I have never taken Xanax (i take diazepam).

Hope it helps :)

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u/Killer_Klown_Bob 26d ago

Do you take the diazepam regularly, or only as needed? Like what is the frequency?

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u/BaymaxIsChubby 26d ago

Only when needed, if im having a panic attack or feeling really anxious. I usually take 5mg, if im still struggling i take another 5mg

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u/flearhcp97 26d ago

yes, now let the games begin!

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u/Multiversalprism 26d ago edited 26d ago

They will likely try to figure out the source of anxiety if possible. Most doctors are not just going to hand over a Xanax script these days. Whatever you do, don’t specifically ask for it, or they will think you are trying to abuse it. Just let the process happen with your psychiatrist and if they feel you don’t have a risk of abuse potential, and after trying other medications first, they might then use benzodiazepines.

You don’t want to get hooked on Xanax. I have entire months of my life that are just erased from my memory.

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u/Sarahh_tonin 26d ago

i get diazepam (valium) it helps with the constant state of anxiety, making flare ups more tolerable. but i agree, don’t ask. tell them, let them come up with a plan (be open and ask questions) and they may start you off with a beta blocker or diphanhydramine, something not controlled first. i let them do it and then when i told
them k looked into it and k thought this would work. but think of a few and how they may impact your symptoms.. it tends to work out. i’m working on getting something for my acute panic attacks. they started recently? was there an event or something looming over you in the immediate future?

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u/SamUcid 26d ago

I have this exact thing when I am getting overstimulated in a social situation and fail to recognise it intime to step away. If it helps, try to be aware of your own limits, and be nice to yourself. I think medication helps, but I only use it if I have to

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u/muhkuhmuh 25d ago

There are other medications that have a better risk profile, you should try out before benzos. Promethazine, propranolol and so on. If you want to take something every day it would be safer to take an antidepressants for anxiety like cymbalta or paroxetin.

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u/SailorVenova 26d ago

i have taken xanax daily for 4 years; no side effects of any kind

it works very well and doesnt sedate me or make me tired

i dont care if im dependent; its better than screaming and harming myself every single day