Question:
For those who just tuned in, I experienced my first panic attack last
Summer....am now on Zoloft and Ativan.
Something I've noticed lately that's never happened before......when I go out
shopping, grocery store, department store, what have you,,,, I notice if I turn my head too quickly, or too much, side to side to look at things in the aisle, my head starts spinning, and that in and of itself is ususally the trigger to a panic attack.
Anyone else had a similar experience?
Answer:
First off what is pathophysiological?My dictionary is getting over worked
and Im giving it a rest 8-)
I know when ever I get dizzy anywhere I get panic symptoms following it.
But the dizziness that you are describing sounds like a inner ear thing.the
little hairs inside your ear and the water behind them keep you balanced..if
there is something off here when you turn your head it takes a minute or so
to get back on balance..note you feel dizzy.I had this several times in my
life and the last time I got a hold of a nurse and she told me to increase
my water intake.This helped on the first day trying it. when my husband had
it they give him a medicine to straighten things out.
Im thinking and mind you that it is only my thought..But SSRI tend to dry
people on them out.So it might help to go up a little on your water intake.
I do know on Zoloft a side effect is when you stand up to fast it can cause
a light head.
Or it could be a slight increase in your breathing off setting your intake
and out take of oxygen.Worth paying attention to anyway.
If this spinning sensation only occurs in those places you mentioned
(inside stores) it is most likely a symptom of anxiety. If the spinning
sensation also occurs no matter where you are (such as at home where you
feel the most comfortable), it could be an inner ear problem.
Any sensation can set off a panic attack if an individual is fearful
enough of that sensation.
I used to get dizzy feelings in stores (but not spinning) which was
related to feeling closed in and trapped. I still do when my anxiety
level is up. Also I get an unreal feeling as if the colors were too
bright or unnatural.
If you are having panic attacks now, you may need a medication
adjustment. Your doc may suggest taking an Ativan before entering stores
so you can get desensitized to them. Then you could try stores without
the extra Ativan beforehand and see how you do.
