Expert: Coninyah B. Dew - 9/2/2008

Question
Hi.  I was recently diagnosed with panic attacks.  When the episode comes on, I can't be still.  I rock back and forth and all the muscles in my hips and legs tighten.  I feel out of control and have actually asked my husband to just shoot me during an episode.  I feel like my skin is crawling, I can't concentrate, my heart races and I can't breathe in deep enough.  Sometimes the attacks last for days, even if I take my Xanax (2mg).  When the episode comes on, I'm not in a stressful situation, in fact I'm usually relaxing with my family watching TV or a movie.  I am 5 months pregnant and my OB wants me off the Xanax at 28 weeks.  I am to the point where I only sleep 2-3 hrs a night.  I've had acupunture before for my back and I was wondering if it could help me with these episodes so I can get off any kind of medication.  I also take 50 mg of Zoloft daily.  Does this sound like panic attacks and if so, what do you recommend?  I'm desperate, been going through this for 3 years.  Please help!

Answer
Hello Kelli,

I first have to say that I am unable to provide allopathic diagnoses. However from the limited knowledge I have of panic attacks, it is certainly consistent with the symptoms of panic attacks. The duration however, "Sometimes the attacks last for days", would be atypical. It is quite common for the attacks to be non-associated with stressful conditions and can occur without warning even during times of rest. I can say there are several acupuncture therapies, to include auricular acupuncture, that can help to systemically relax the body. Some practitioners would resort to the usage of ear seeds that would enable a patient to stimulate these acupuncture points during an episode. Given that you are pregnant, however, I would not recommend this therapy and most acupuncturist tend to shy away from treating women who are pregnant. The reason for the caution is acupuncture can be very stimulating to the body and can in some cases cause premature contractions. As an alternative in the meantime, you may want to consider different types of aroma therapy such as lavender in very modest amounts. Lavender has a calming affect on the body as well. After you have carried your child to term, I would then recommend making an appointment with a local acupuncturist for treatments. I hope that you have found this information helpful and I do wish you the very best. Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions you may have.

Regards,
Coninyah B. Dew L.Ac., M.S.O.M.
Acupuncture Stress and Pain Management Practices