what is an anxiety panic attack?

[collaboration]

im asking this because one day i had what thaught to be a panic attack that lasted 3 hours,
I was in a dreamy like state, heart pounding like 189 bpm could not relax no matter what. i felt a sort of racy feeling like everything was speeding up and tingling sensation in the stomach. i went to the hospital and they attached red sticky things to my body, a bag with water like substance going into my body/ veins, after that i started to relax. dunno if it was because i was in a secure safe place or the substances they had on me?

[Answerprancer]

That is EXACTLY what I get from weed (and have also had from magic mushrooms) it's a bad reaction. I've heard it referred to as "throwing a whitie".
For me, the effects are exactly as you describe, I go white - shallow fast heartbeat and ultimately - BANG, outcold, then wake up sometimes vomiting !
That's why I don't take weed/hallucinogens - although I hasten to add, I don't condem use of them, some people get on with them ok - I don't.

[Answerprancer]

ps. People I've met who have had similar experiences (myself included) are what could be described as a little 'self absorbed' ;-)

[Answerprancer]

..pps. the effects are very similar to a hypoglycaemic attack (low blood sugar) the bag probably contained glucose.

[snags]

''im asking this''

Again? Suffering from short term memory loss too eh...

[karenmac60]

My friend has panic attacks and they don't sound like what you are describing. She can't breathe, often has pains or numbness in one or both arms, feels very claustrophobic and as though there is no air in the room and has to get outside. Her tongue often goes tingly or numb, her heart races and she often becomes convinced she is having a heart attack or a stroke. Before it comes on she gets very restless and paces back and forth or goes out as she cannot settle at all, and then things just go downhill from there.

[boxtops]

What karen describes is more like a panic attack than your description - I know, I used to get them. They only last a few minutes though (although it seems like ages at the time) - not three hours.
What did the hospital say it was, there must be something on your medical notes, your GP would be able to tell you.
Are you diabetic?

[saxy_jag]

I had a couple some years ago. Leastways I described them to my GP some time later and he said that's probably what they were, given I was physically OK.

I suddenly found myself having to make more effort to breath, and heart racing, and I felt quite shakey - a bit like that feeling you get when you've just had a near miss on the road. I became desperate to just get home and calm down, and when I did get home I was half scared to go out unless it happened again. Remembering that someone once said this was how agoraphobia can start, I forced myself through it and I'm so glad I did.

[boxtops]

saxy_jag - yes, you get to be afraid of it happening again. The fear of fear is a terrible thing.

[Jemisa]

Your symptoms are like the start of a panic attack, what made things worse the fright, It frightened you and your pulse was racing because you were actually frightened of the un-known. Then you begin to dehydrate, thats why when they put you on a drip you began to feel better, it was saline to re-hydrate you. Also being in a hospital you felt safe, you knew there were people there to help,
If it happens again you'll have a bit of knowledge and talk to yourself "OK Jane I'm going to be fine, this is nothing to worry about," then take in some deep breaths, and sit down, 10 mins & you'll be fine. Its a case of mind over matter lovely.

I've been there believe me. -- Good Luck.

jem