Panic Attack

What is Panic Attack

Panic attack is when you suddenly feel very afraid, uncomfortable, or nervous (anxious). A panic attack can happen when you are scared or for no reason.

A panic attack can feel like a serious problem. It can even feel like a heart attack or stroke. See your doctor when you have a panic attack to make sure you do not have a serious problem.

Follow these instructions at home:

  • Take medicines only as told by your doctor.
  • If you feel worried or nervous, try not to have caffeine.
  • Take good care of your health. To do this:
    • Eat healthy. Make sure to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy.
    • Get enough sleep. Try to sleep for 7–8 hours each night.
    • Exercise. Try to be active for 30 minutes 5 or more days a week.
    • Do not smoke. Talk to your doctor if you need help quitting.
    • Limit how much alcohol you drink:
      • If you are a woman who is not pregnant: try not to have more than 1 drink a day.
      • If you are a man: try not to have more than 2 drinks a day.
      • One drink equals 12 oz of beer, 5 oz of wine, or 1½ oz of hard liquor.
  • Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

  • Your symptoms do not get better.
  • Your symptoms get worse.
  • You are not able to take your medicines as told.

Get help right away if:

  • You have thoughts of hurting yourself or others.
  • You have symptoms of a panic attack. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. Have someone else drive you or call an ambulance.

If you feel like you may hurt yourself or others, or have thoughts about taking your own life, get help right away. You can go to your nearest emergency department or call:

  • Your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.).
  • A suicide crisis helpline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. This is open 24 hours a day.

Summary

  • A panic attack is when you suddenly feel very afraid, uncomfortable, or nervous (anxious).
  • See your doctor when you have a panic attack to make sure that you do not have another serious problem.
  • If you feel like you may hurt yourself or others, get help right away by calling 911.
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