6th May 2006
Hi
I am a 43 year old male who has suffered from anxiety, depression, hypochondria, ocd, etc for as long as I can remember. I have also been an alcoholic and a smoker for the past 6 months but have cut back in recent weeks. I take Xanax or Lorazepam as needed for my anxiety/panic attacks and Atarax to help me sleep.
Having said that, last night after I'd had 5-6 beers and eaten dinner, I waited 2-3 hours and then took a .05mg Xanax and an Atarax and then crawled into bed. I was very sleepy and just as I was laying there and about to nod off, I had this sudden sensation that I had stopped breathing and so I immediately took a "voluntary" breath. At about this time my heart also started racing, I experienced intense fear and I had a huge adrenilin rush that sent me into full panic mode. I sat up in bed for about 5 minutes dreading the night before I finally collapsed into a restful sleep.
My question is pretty simple...does this sound like anxiety or a panic attack and has anyone else here ever experienced what I just described?. It was very frightening and now I am fearful of the night. Thank's a lot for any input I can get on this!!.
- Regards, LT
I am a 43 year old male who has suffered from anxiety, depression, hypochondria, ocd, etc for as long as I can remember. I have also been an alcoholic and a smoker for the past 6 months but have cut back in recent weeks. I take Xanax or Lorazepam as needed for my anxiety/panic attacks and Atarax to help me sleep.
Having said that, last night after I'd had 5-6 beers and eaten dinner, I waited 2-3 hours and then took a .05mg Xanax and an Atarax and then crawled into bed. I was very sleepy and just as I was laying there and about to nod off, I had this sudden sensation that I had stopped breathing and so I immediately took a "voluntary" breath. At about this time my heart also started racing, I experienced intense fear and I had a huge adrenilin rush that sent me into full panic mode. I sat up in bed for about 5 minutes dreading the night before I finally collapsed into a restful sleep.
My question is pretty simple...does this sound like anxiety or a panic attack and has anyone else here ever experienced what I just described?. It was very frightening and now I am fearful of the night. Thank's a lot for any input I can get on this!!.
- Regards, LT