Hello
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
The condition that you are having is basically panic attacks. This is a disorder of anxiety and occurs cause of imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. especially serotonin, nor adrenaline, and dopamine to some extent. Medicines are the best options to take care of these symptoms but xanax is not the ultimate curing drug as it will only mask the symptoms.. Paroxetine is the the most popular medicine and my drug of choice. I generally prescribe my patients 12.5 mg per day at night which takes care of anxiety symptoms. Also certain medicines like propranolol and clonazepam can be give as required when there is a panic episode or expected situation where panic attack can appear. So, once you stop taking Xanax, which has not adeqautely controlled your symptoms, you will fell better, and won't face similar issues with your blood pressure.
Also there is an option of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This therapy is taken by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness.
Hope this helps,
In case if you have any further query, do let me know.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy
Patient replied :
So this is totally common with panic attacks? I'm not dying or anything? That's what I was afraid of. I thank u for your kind words. I can't enjoy my life like this . You seem to understand. I never have chest pain or anything just rapid heart beat when I get up which is scary. I know I sound crazy but I guess u are used to that. Ty
Hello
Yes such symptoms are very common with panic attacks. No, you will never die in a panic attack. You will get benefited with treatment.
Regards