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Suggest Remedies For Severe Panic Attacks And Insomnia
Posted on
Sun, 20 Mar 2016
Sun, 20 Mar 2016
Answered on
Tue, 31 May 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi my name is XXXXX
I suffer from severe panic attacks and insomnia. I have a hard time leaving the house, but have a granddaughter being born in a few weeks and do not want to miss it. Can you help? I have tried every homeopathic remedy; as well as herbal supplements. Every Doctor I have seen says it is nothing, but to me it feels like a life sentence.
I suffer from severe panic attacks and insomnia. I have a hard time leaving the house, but have a granddaughter being born in a few weeks and do not want to miss it. Can you help? I have tried every homeopathic remedy; as well as herbal supplements. Every Doctor I have seen says it is nothing, but to me it feels like a life sentence.
Brief Answer:
Treatment for panic attacks and insomnia.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX,
I have had panic attacks and insomnia and I know that they are not "nothing"! They can definitely be debilitating.
Given the frequency that you describe and that it is affecting your life, I think medical treatment will likely make you feel much better.
An SSRI medication, which is used for both anxiety and depression, can help for panic attacks. By helping the overall anxiety and feelings of stress, you will likely sleep better at night.
The SSRI Lexapro (escitalopram) is one of the most well tolerated and has a fairly quick onset of action at around 2 weeks. If you are sensitive to medications, you can start at 5 mg for the first week and then go up to the typical dose of 10 mg.
In the meantime, a benzodiazepine medication can help with panic attacks and sleep while waiting for the SSRI to kick in. Ativan (lorazepam) can be taken as needed at the start of a panic attack, and 30 minutes before bed time. It can be quite sedating so try it sometime when you don't have to go anywhere.
Both of these medication types require a prescription.
If you are having a lot of situational stress or worries in your life, in addition to the medication, you might want to consider going to a psychologist/counselor to talk through your concerns.
Regular exercise can help anxiety as well.
Be sure to get enough B vitamins such as via a B-complex vitamin.
I hope this information helps and that you are feeling better soon. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Treatment for panic attacks and insomnia.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXX,
I have had panic attacks and insomnia and I know that they are not "nothing"! They can definitely be debilitating.
Given the frequency that you describe and that it is affecting your life, I think medical treatment will likely make you feel much better.
An SSRI medication, which is used for both anxiety and depression, can help for panic attacks. By helping the overall anxiety and feelings of stress, you will likely sleep better at night.
The SSRI Lexapro (escitalopram) is one of the most well tolerated and has a fairly quick onset of action at around 2 weeks. If you are sensitive to medications, you can start at 5 mg for the first week and then go up to the typical dose of 10 mg.
In the meantime, a benzodiazepine medication can help with panic attacks and sleep while waiting for the SSRI to kick in. Ativan (lorazepam) can be taken as needed at the start of a panic attack, and 30 minutes before bed time. It can be quite sedating so try it sometime when you don't have to go anywhere.
Both of these medication types require a prescription.
If you are having a lot of situational stress or worries in your life, in addition to the medication, you might want to consider going to a psychologist/counselor to talk through your concerns.
Regular exercise can help anxiety as well.
Be sure to get enough B vitamins such as via a B-complex vitamin.
I hope this information helps and that you are feeling better soon. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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