Waking in a panic

Hello,

For the past year I have been dealing with awful nightmares, and flashbacks. I haven't been able to open up to my therapist about them as of yet, but she is aware. I am on anxiety medication, but I don't see the difference. My biggest sleep issue at the moment is waking up in a panic. It can happen any time of the evening. I wake up gasping for breath, sweating, heavy chest, nauseated, and sometimes barely able to move. I have had a sleep study done and they ruled out sleep apnea. They just said I have chronic insomnia. Anyone know why this could be happening? or have any tips on how to get over this panic?

Thank you

Sorry to hear!! What kind of anxiety medication are you taking, if you don't mind me asking?

Currently taking 250MG of Zoloft, and 5mg of Prazosin (for PTSD). I honestly haven't noticed a difference in my sleeping. I was actually hoping my sleep study would find something

That happens to me when "the nightmares" start in. Once my depression gets really, really bad, I'll start having the worst nightmares. If I remember them, they'll keep me up for days. At other times I might just remember that I had one, but no details and will wake up totally freaked out; instead of panicked though, I'll be agitated and angry. So once in a while I'll not remember the nightmare and still wake up furious and agitated.

My guess is that you're having the same issue; dreams that are causing panic attacks while you're asleep. I would definitely make sure your therapist all about your nightmares so they can help.

One trick I use is to get my mind "prepared" for sleep. If I go to sleep agitated, then the nightmares will come on. I make sure to focus on something positive, take my mind off negative things and do something mentally positive (I say mantras and prayers myself). That helps bring on the positive dreams for me.

From my experience, the Zoloft is definetly the problem, especially at that high of a dosage! And for PTSD, anxiety and sleep, I'd ck with your pdoc about Nefazodone its exceptional for all those and even depression! But I'd double ck with a pharmacist to be certain! Best of luck!!

Thanks. I will ask about Nefazodone. The sleeping issues started before I started the medication. The medication doesn't seem to have made a difference.

Sleeping issues, are due to anxiety, also you are feeling you need to get things off your chest. Do a reality check, and see if there is any thing causing anxiety for you in real life? Do what is suggested above, and see your Doctor.

Thank you Thunder Bow.