I had such an awful day yesterday, it was like a constant panic attack, or I guess that's exactly what it was. It started with the feeling in my stomach like butterflies, the feeling that something awful was going to happen. I called my Dad to make sure he was ok, (my Mom passed away in Oct), he was fine, I worried about my kids, thinking what if something bad happened to one of them. I worried that my husband is working too hard and that something will happen to him. I took my xanax, I didn't feel any better, I took another half, I felt ok for awhile then last night when I went to bed every panic symtom came the heart palpitations, the headache, the sweating, I didn't know if I would ever fall asleep, I took 2 xanax, which usually knocks me right out, nothing, I watched tv for a couple of hours trying to calm myself down, I almost got up and went to the ER, then I took another half a xanax and finally went to sleep. I woke up hoping that everything would be better today, I feel a little shaky and tired, but better. What really gripes me is that I haven't had one in over 2 months, I'd cut back on my meds, I felt like myself again, I thought I was going to be good again, hadn't had a period for 7 months, and then last week I had a couple of mild attacks, that I talked myself through, then I started my period Sat....I thought ahh that's what's going on, but I haven't had a panic attack as bad as yesterdays ever.....is this ever going to end?

(I'm on the lowest dose of xanax prescribedI know it's addicting but whatever helps me make it through the days.)

The Dr.s just seem to shove more pills at us, there should be more to help us, I live in a very small town, the Dr's here have all prescribed the same thing, I won't go on hrt, when I tried it I got worse not better. I feel this is a normal body function and we should be able to get through it. But I have to have the xanax just to survive the panic attacks.

I just want to feel sorry for myself right now, and this is the only place where there are others going through the same things, the only place where you understand. It helps to know I'm not alone. Take care everyone, hang in there, at least we know we aren't alone. Sending good thougths to everyone of you out there suffering through this, lets hope we can all overcome and become ourselves again.

Then feel sorry for yourself!

Then when you feel a bit better just write that day off as a blip. Don't dwell on it, it's gone,it's over. You can't change it.

I truly believe (being nearly 2 years post) that it's a build up of hormones that triggers the fight/flight syndrome. For me it got worse nearing the end (and I got migraines too). Now, I have odd days when I feel like that but not as often. (touch wood )

Take the Xanax and don't feel guilty about it! Use whatever gets you through it!

I agree with Alice; this gets better in post-menopause. We have the occasional "off" day, but nothing like those old hanging-on-by-one's-fingertips feelings.

DO hang on, Sweetie. The feelings are horrid, and so hard to endure, but they will pass in time. It's all just chemical changes, remind yourself of this every day.

(((HUGS)))

JJ

I understand your feelings exactly! For the past 3 or 4 days I have been so anxiety-filled it's made life absolutely horror-filled for me. I have xanax, too, have been taking it although I dont like to, but even with the med, the anxiety breaks through and has made my life miserable. I'm like you, I try to tell myself this too shall pass, but it's so hard to feel that way when you are in the throes of anxiety. Wish I had some answers for you--just know you're not alone!

You know it helps so much to know I'm not alone. I've been doing much better, still having to take 3 xanax a day, when I'd cut down to one, but I'm sure that will come again. Something did happen, and I'm not wondering if it was mother's intuition my daughter who lives in TX, so far away, is in the hospital and they aren't sure exactly what's wrong with her. I can't be with her and that in itself drives me crazy.

Anyway I do feel much better, and I know this will pass, it did before. Thank you all for your replies, it helps so much.