A little over a year ago, I developed panic attacks and then what I believe to be classic, full-blown panic disorder. I didn't understand what was happening to me until I had them enough times to be able to establish patterns and cause and effect. The thing is, as long as I stick to, say, 2 drinks, I'm ok. Otherwise, I'll be worse for the wear the next day and I CANNOT get out of bed until my hangover is over b/c of the fear of getting a panic attack from being out and about in that state. It's horrible -- when I realize that I'm having a panic attack I feel like I'm going to pass out, throw up, have a heart attack and need to flee all at the same time.

It's great to know that there are people who understand b/c most sympathize but try to tell me to "understand that nothing really bad is happening" -- I've tried to coach myself through them but unfortunately for me, once I start having the symptoms of one I gotta let it run its course and hope for the best. My BIGGEST FEAR is looking like a FREAK in public or at work -- I've been really good about not making a scene in general but 2 incidences stand out that made me feel so awful: 1) I had some drinks at a concert and went to sit down and saw that I was smack-dab in the middle of a row. THE HORROR! and 2) sitting at an expensive steak restaurant and not eating b/c I lose my appetite during them. The waiter was so irritating b/c he kept asking if I liked the food and if it was prepared to my liking as if I wasn't eating b/c the food sucked! The last thing I want when I'm going through one is someone talking to me and demanding all these answers from me when I'm not exactly in the mood to talk.

If there is a bright side, I would say that having these conditions has made me more concerned with having a healthier, less frenzied lifestyle.
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Jessica6626 said:
One more thing, about the caffeine and alcohol triggering panic attacks, that is an absolute YES!! I have been free of caffeine for 8 years, this include chocolate and anything that has coco in it. Also Tea, unless decaf. Caffeine and alcohol can also trigger heart palpitations and other arrythmias. Anyone who has an anxiety disorder needs to completly rid their diet of caffeine and alcohol because it's like adding gas to a fire!! If you can't cut out caffeine, chocolate, and tea from your diet then your obviously arent suffering from panic disorder because if you were you would be willing to do anything for just a slight relief. You are probably just suffering from genrealized anxiety disorder.

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