You know that rush,or surge feeling that comes over your body right before you have a panic attack?I have been getting that feeling without the panic....it feels horrible and happens out of the blue and only lasts about a couple seconds,anyone else have this?

I describe it as an adrenaline rush for no apparent reason. I love when they hit at 5 a.m. or so when I don't need to get up until 6 a.m. I find it interesting that so many women on these boards describe these surges, yet my former general doctor, my current internist, and my OB-GYN have never heard of this occurence. In fact, my former doctor told me that this just doesn't happen and I couldn't be feeling surges--yeah, like he knew. This is one of the many reasons he's my "former" doctor.

The panic has improved immensely since straightening out my thyroid. I still have days I feel plugged in to the adrenaline drip. Oh, I hate when my teeth will start chattering. I know it's the cusp of panic, but this is still miserable. The absolute worst panic attacks are the one's where I'm jolted out of sleep terrified I'm dying, or going insane. Totally catches me off guard. I gave up on the doctors. If you haven't been there, you just don't get it!!! Also feeling the beginnings of a panic attack, but not having acceleration into a full blown attack could mean you've become better at controlling it. The beginnings still beat the either I'm going insane, or I'm dying feeling in a full blown attack. Just a positive spin on some shared discomfort.

What mine feel like is a "sinking feeling". Like everything is being pulled out of me. I hate it - especially like y'all, in the middle of the night or as I wake up in the morning. Then I think oh great, this is going to be some day.

Chris, When you are jolted awake in the middle of the night, do you get the teeth-chattering and feel cold? This has happened to me about 3 times in the last couple of weeks. I've never had it happen in the middle of the night before. It's terrifying to say the least. Thanks & take care, Tina

The weird part is my teeth chatter, but I don't feel cold. I just feel terrified. My teeth never chattered before this MESS. I'm sad, weepy and not certain I'll make it this morning. This sleep deprivation makes if worse. Oh, I gotta ride it out again. Where did my life go??? Yup, it's stinks Mattia. I'm thinking sex change, affair, or cult.(kidding)

Chris, When I'm hurting or having alot anxiety, I think of you and wonder how you would handle it. It is through your experiences that have taught me alot in how to manage these problems and new symptoms. I am glad I didn't do anti-depressants (thanks to your info on various studies) for I am better now. My morning panic attacks will probably never go away - and it always starts in the morning shower. I now am back to work in a new job at Hospice so I am learning so much that I don't have the panic during the day as I did being home. Where did your life go? A question I asked myself so many times the last 3 years. It is the one of the most awful feelings in the world. I often feel like a loner, with no one understanding and that only makes it worse. I let it be known at work that I was depressed and it was totally understood. I am thriving on learning this new job and I hope it lasts. I get bored easily. Mgmt actually believes in me - it changed my life and brought me right out of the dumps. I am just praying God has put me back on the right track. I am happier, husband is happier, house is clean, and son is happy that his Mom isn't wacko as much It's the interaction with other people that motivates me. Take care Chris, I think of you often. Tina

Mattia, You are a sweetheart. I'm so glad you feel better. I get bored easily, as well. I also must engage myself mentally to escape the whirl of my mind. Tough in panic. I went to a picnic, but still feel weepy. I'm going to find a good stand up comedy video. I need some endorphins. Good luck in the new position. I'lll survive this damn menopause if it kills me.

Oh mornings, the absolute worst time for depression or anxiety.

I have felt that "rush" on and off all day today.....I admit,it's way better than having a full-blown panic attack,but still,won't all this crap ever go away?Even though the rush only lasts a couple/few seconds,it's still long enough to feel dreadful.anyone know how to rid yourself of this?

jadebear I feel that rush right now running like the current of an underground river. Not full panic but an uncomfortable presence and irritation. The only thing that works for me is progestrone. I take it in an oral capsule form and my system is not getting enough of the medicine. Most is washed out thru the liver. Waiting for my Dr to call Pete and get me setup with sublingual tabs. Of course the Dr's office takes their time. Oh they are sooooooooooo busy. When I get the right amount, the anxiety is gone. The other bad boy I deal with is depression. Fun Fun Fun. Sandy

Yeah, I have it down. I'm angry, sad, or agitated. Nope, no fun here. Hanging in there though. As my husband said, "Everyday's an adventure." Sleep helps immensely. Sleep deprivation makes every last symptom worse.

Try breathing deeply through the belly, or the Claire Weekes floating technique. Time will likely work best!!! Or drugs.

Y'know progesterone makes me bawl, but try everything!!!! Well, within reason.

I had that rush/surge once again off and on today...so bad this morning that i thought i might end up having a panic attack from it.This evening,i was watching a sad movie and i always cry during sad ones,and when i went to cry,there were no tears,only that rush feeling.It was like my tears were replaced by that complete body rush....it felt so horrible....then i did start crying,and i couldn't stop.......now i feel better...weird,hu?what the heck was that???

Same Chris - progesterone made me depressed.....

Jade, These days I can't cry when I want to; start crying when I least expect it (at the grocery store while picking out lettuce) - I laugh at inappropriate times, etc. Feels like being a teenager all over again! I am remaining calm, and telling myself I'll be more stable in the future. What an act of faith this is! Sister, I hope those annoying surges leave you soon - they are a pain, aren't they?

This morning while i was lying in bed,i was having that rush feeling again....this time instead of jumping up out of bed,i just stayed in bed and breathed slowly to see if it would go away....it did go away after a few seconds,but the back of my neck felt like it was on fire....now i'm wondering if this could be hot flashes....can hot flashes change in the way they feel to a person?I've had lots of flashes before,but not like this......can a person have an adreneline rush right before or during a hot flash?

Jade, I did notice a correlation between hot flashes and adrenaline surges - one usually preceded the other. Also, along with hot flashes, I often feel like my body temp just isn't right - I don't cool down as quickly and efficiently when I get overheated, say by mowing the lawn. Like the thermostat's out of whack. Fun, fun!

Today in the grocery store,i started having that rush/surge thing again....but i didn't freak out or leave the store or anything,i just fanned my face(i have been carrying a paper fan with me at all times)....the rush feelings went away and i started having a hot flash and was sweating,and i kept doing that over and over(rush then flash,rush then flash).So,am i just experiencing an adreneline rush before i have a hot flash,or is it anxiety and how do i know the difference?I feel so stupid asking this question,but i honestly don't know. joliejacq,is that what you were talking about when you said one preceded the other?

Jade, One seems to set the other off in varying "surge/hot flash" patterns. Like the thermostat suddenly kicks into reset mode, and it triggers the adrenaline rushes. It doesn't happen every time I have a hot flash, but often enough that it's noticable. I don't know how to tell the difference between an adrenaline rush and anxiety - there does seem to be one, as the rushing can come on when I'm calmly doing something else. I find rushes so uncomfortable, that I immediately become anxious! It all feels intertwined. Waiting for it to just STOP! (And it IS better since I've been on antidepressants.)

I have been getting the rushes while i am calm and not anxious...then they're followed by a hot flash.I am getting pretty good at not freaking when i feel that rush now....so i am just gonna assume that sometimes i just get a rush beforehand....it makes me less anxious to think to myself"I'm just gonna have a hot flash now,i'm not having a panic attack".

I have suffered from Panic Disorder for 18 yrs. No amount of meds even touched it. The thing with a panic attack is that it's considered a vicious circle that doesn't want to break. But needs to be broken. Scenario: You start to feel the panic....you get scared.....you get more panicky....then you get even more scared....thus the circle. What has worked for me it deep breathing exercises, imagining myself on the beach listening to the gulls....etc... You need to get your mind focused on something else other than the panic. It will not go away over night and it takes practice, practice, practice. I rarely have an attack anymore and when I feel it coming on, which isn't often, I talk to it as a child and tell it to go to sleep. Sounds odd? Well it works!! Once you have panic disorder you have it for life, you need to find a way to control it. Hope I have been some help. Ms.Beaner

Hi Ms.Beaner,the things you said have been helpful. You said "once you have panic disorder you have it for life".....are you saying it won't go away once the hormones settle down?

When the panic button is pushed, I put on some "action" music and jump up and down like a wild thing and my mind and body forgets what it was up to! This is not recommended if you are at the supermarket........you might just get taken to the big house with the "nice" gardens ~ The Eagles "get over it" is a good one for this

jimi,at least in the big house i'd have a good excuse for feeling and acting the way i do....

acctually Jadebear....I think we are all already in "The BIG house" ....it's just that nobody told us - we were all mislead! The WORLD is a NUTHOUSE! and there is NO escape......... I am now going to jump up and down in the supermarket - what the hell

Jade, I want to comfort you right away by telling you that once you have a panic disorder, you DON'T necessarily have it all your life! I had severe agoraphobia/panic situations when my daughter was a baby - it made my life hell for about 1 & 1/2 years. At the time, I knew nothing about panic disorders, and was so relieved when I read an article in a women's magazine describing EXACTLY what I was feeling. That stuff passed by the time my daughter was 2, and has never returned (she's 32 now). This past year I was hit with depression, which I've never had before, but did not have the panic at all - more a how-do-I-get-out-of-bed situation. I'm on anti-depressants, and after 4 months am so much better. Throughout my crash and recovery, I can't say I've had moments of panic. Our hormones are all over the place (as mine were after the birth of my baby). I believe all this will settle down, and we're going to be fine. Ms. Beaner's advice to remain calm and not further frighten oneself during a panic attack is excellent. I especially love her notion of talking to the panic as if it's a child, telling it to go to sleep - clever! I never saw a doctor during my agoraphobia stage, but taught myself how to calm down (I'd actually focus on the tip of my "pointer" finger, studying the fingerprint for a few minutes- I know it sounds weird, but it totally worked!), and it did indeed go away. Hang in! Oh, and Jimi is SO RIGHT about the world being a nuthouse! No wonder we're all such bozos! Jacquie:cool:

Jade, Im sorry if I sounded like youll be NUTS forever.....You wont I promise!! I started panic back when I was 25.....I suffered through it for awhile before I went to counciling for it. I was told everyone experiences aniexty whether it's severe or mild and they don't even know they're having one. My best advice to you is to treat it like a kid, take your mind to a place that is relaxing, sing at the top of your lungs, (I wouldn't do that in a public place ) do anything to distract yourself from it. I usually get them in bed.....when I do, (please don't laugh ) I tap my foot and count.......after awhile I lose count and have to start over again, by then I forget and fall asleep. My doctor has also subscribed Zoloft for me (50 mil), which works wonders for depression and panic. One pill a day before bedtime!! Have a wonderful day and remember to "Share a smile" to brighten someone elses day!! Ms.Beaner

It's good to hear i shouldn't be this way 4-ever....i have come along way from the full blown panic attacks i suffered the beginning of the year.I still get anxious at times,but i am learning to manage it. I like the tapping the foot idea......i like to think of the words to an old song,it's hard to panic when you're thinking of something else. joliejacq,I appreciate the fact that you always take time to reply to my posts...you're a big help to me.

You're so welcome, Jade - your posts mean a lot to me, too. These little tricks are so helpful, aren't they? Thinking of the words of songs, tapping one's foot while counting, staring at a fingerprint. My older brother is prone to anxiety attacks, too (it's not just us hormonal women!), and if he's in a place where he can do it, he'll kick off his shoes, as walking in his stocking feet on the floor quickly "grounds" him. He's even done it at the grocery store!

Hi , i have been experiencing those rushes from my wrists into my hands lately. anyone ever feel it there? i used to feel it in my stomach or chest but it all went away for about a year and now its back. i had a panic attack this morning and im very scared of heading back in that direction after i worked so hard and so long to get better. also , does anyone have young children at home while suffering with panic? do you feel VERY guilty when going through this? i cry so much just from the guilt i feel for not being able to be the best mom that they deserve.

and another question i have is : has anyone suffered with panic for years and survive without taking drugs? i have had bad reactions to antidepressants and im afraid that i'll be doomed if i dont take something. will i be able to just learn coping techniques and be able to live my life?

I've suffered from panic/anxiety on and off for years and have been able to control my attacks without drugs. It's hardest for me when I under more stress than usual. Try learning some yoga poses that you can do at home, or wherever. I find that helps a lot. It gives your mind something else to concentrate on and helps to relax your body.

lcmc, what about the adrenaline-like rushing in my hands? ever feel that before? im glad to hear that it can be done to live with this anxiety without taking drugs!

Sudo, I went for several years without drugs of any kind until I hit peri-meno. I just could no longer tolerate the unremitting anxiety and panic attacks. I just started Lexapro and it's working at about 50% (I'm at a very low dose). I still get panicky and anxious, but I'm able to do alot of self talk to help move past the uncomfortable feelings.

Sudio, Sorry to hear you are having a hard time. I have lived with panic attacks for years, but I have never had the adrenaline rush you speak of in the wrists; that must be terrible. I do have restless leg syndrome at night which I know is different; just thought I'd mention it. I have tried about all the "modern" antidepressents that are out but to no avail. An old antidepressant that has been around for years works wonders for me; it is (Brand Name: Pamelor) and (Generic Name: Nortriptyline) it comes in 10, 25, 50, and 75 mg. I took it for years and got off it a couple years back. I have recently started back on it. I am taking 25 mg per day for now. It has worked for me like no other so called "modern" antidepressant ever worked. All the "modern" antidepressants made me feel like a zombie and decreased the sex drive. Nortriptyline helps my panic and at the same time helped my libido. Yvonne

I find antidepressants poop out. Nortriptyline can be more calming than the SSRIS. The last two months I've added 25mg., when I started having a SURGE in symptoms premenstrually. Unfortunately, it's not helping my sleep, nor the adrenaline surges, but I'm not as panicked, nor crying. Nortriptyline affect norepinephrine, which the SSRIS don't. When overwhelmed it's tough to get a handle on anxiety. However, if your have med phobia or the side effects are intolerable, the meds would likely add to your angst. Even with the meds, I find the hormones reign. 25mg. is a low dose of nortriptyline. I'll stop it after the period. I also take Effexor the rest of the month. This gets OLD.

Sudio, I'm glad my children are grown. Yes, I have felt guilty, which is a symptom of depression. I don' t know how old they are, but are they able to grasp the concept that hormones are exacerbating your anxiety. That mommy guilt is no fun, been there. One Cognitive Behavioral therapist told me she would treat me until I got drugs, as I was so panicked at that juncture. Last time I say her.

saw her. I dread bed and that feeling like I'm plugged into the electrical socket. Sleep deprivation makes the anxiety much WORSE.

the counselor wouldn't see me, I meant Riding out the anxiety helps.

At higher doses the tricyclic antidepressants(nortriptyline, elavil,etc.) have a MUCH WORSE side effect profile than the SSRIS. Tricylics alledgedly help irritable bowel and chronic pain, but this is off label use.

I took Elavil in the early 80's and (felt like I) was asleep until afternoon every day.

When I took Elavil for my gut it wiped me out. I didn't have the same reaction to nortriptyline. However, in peri the drugs seem to have decreased efficacy. It's getting better, however. I don't want the dark days of winter to come.

OK YOU GUYS! This is soooo weird! I read your posts about the teeth chattering last night and thought how odd that was. Nothing like that has ever happened to me - until this morning! Talk about the power of suggestion! My husband said that is just how powerful the mind is. He said you guys hypnotized me - LOL. My teeth were chattering so bad it woke me up! I felt like those fake teeth you wind up and let them go flying across the table chattering away. I felt like I was going to chip my teeth. It really freaked me out! And yes! I was freezing. Now that I think of it, I didn't have ANY hot flashes last night. My doctor upped my biest to 3.0 mg of (oral) estrogen. I wonder if that has anything to do with it? Weird! I am afraid to go to sleep tonight....

Oh God heebee, I'm sorry I mentioned that miserable symptom. I don't feel cold when it happens and actually chatt'ered more intensely when I upped the estrogen, but don't think it's connected. It's panic. I'm grateful it doesn't accelerate quite as badly as it once did. When my thyroid was whacked it went on constantly. I never had my teeth chatter from anything, but cold previously. A few other ladies have mentioned the teeth chattering too. Makes it tough to compose yourself.lol Suggestion is powerful. It calls to mind first year med school syndrome, where students envision they have every disease in the book.:D 2:20 am, another night of the dreaded insomnia. Y'all know how that makes everything more miserable. How do you work through this? I've pulled all nighters from the insomnia and cannot

OOOPPPPSSS. (continuation, laptop) sleep in daylight. I would have never thought I could survive on this little sleep. Maybe when I get my period, I'll sleep. My skin is crawling and I have the hormonal heebee jeebees. I laugh at some of the names people post under, as I can SOOOOOOOOO relate.

At least I'm out of the black hole of depression. Mood swings galore, though.

gLAD YOU ARE A LITTLE BETTER cHRIS. wATCHING aBBA THE OTHER EVENING HE WAS SAYING HOW THE SCANDINAVIANS SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION AND WRITE OF THE DARKER TIMES OF LIFE!Blame it on the genes! Oops -hit the caps key but am not going to rewrite this!

Bjorn -that was and he writes some of the songs... sorry if my post didn't make sense!