How do I stop the panic attacks?

[Supbrah]

Ill start by saying that Ive been smoking for about 2 and a half years and it seems like I just cant enjoy weed like I used to. I remember when it used to be just a blissful feeling but it seems that all I get now is a 10 minutes phase of panic before I start to come down and maybe feel a little good but still might be panicking a bit. Ive had a history of a few pretty crazy panic attacks when I smoked where I just literally didnt know what to do with myself.

sometimes i can get a pretty fulfilling and fun high but alot of times its just a mental battle.

Now I am well aware that anxiety it is partially a thought trigger and also a product of serotonin receptor downregulation. But I hardly even smoke as much as I used to. Most of my hits are a less than full pinch hit and im at the point where I am too afraid to ever hit a bong again. Maybe it is that I am afraid but this is just something i cant seem to get past.

Alot of me tells me its just me being paranoid, but it seems to be a hit or miss thing. Sometimes its good sometimes I could be having a good time and then next thing you know I feel a drop in my gut and my heartrate goes crazy which just makes me freak out more.

It seems to be getting worse and I want to blame it on the physical side affects of smoking.

Ive tried taking breaks but that just makes the panic more intense when I return to smoking. Maybe I subconsciously make myself nervous before i smoke but i just cant seem to convince myself otherwise.

I know I have an anxiety disorder and ive been put on ssris before which seemed to help at the start but after quitting taking them I felt totally normal if not better than when I was on them.

need some tips

Supbrah Reviewed by Supbrah on 09-07-2011. How do I stop the panic attacks? Ill start by saying that Ive been smoking for about 2 and a half years and it seems like I just cant enjoy weed like I used to. I remember when it used to be just a blissful feeling but it seems that all I get now is a 10 minutes phase of panic before I start to come down and maybe feel a little good but still might be panicking a bit. Ive had a history of a few pretty crazy panic attacks when I smoked where I just literally didnt know what to do with myself. sometimes i can get a pretty Rating: 5

[CanGroIt]

Try to do an activity to keep your kind from thinking about anything that might make you panic or feel the need to panic.... Also, know that it is all mental when it does happen.... I know I've had to stop myself and say "WTF am I worrying about....", then the uneasy feeling goes away and the normal effects take over....

It's all mental....address it, overcome it and the panic attacks should stop....at least they did for me....

CGI::::::

[LetsSeeYa]

I for sure agree with the above post, but something that helps me with that paranoid feeling is to wait till im relaxed. Most times im in bed watching tv or checking my plants. But truly feeling relaxed before partaking may help you as it does me. Now iv never been that bad, but i really do notice the diference when im chilling at night maybe watching a movie or something. Also a good Indica that works more to the body might help more then a heady Sativa. At least for me these things help, but like iv said i have never had a panic attack, but at times in the day time, i will feel that paranoid feeling. But never at night:stoned: which its 10:30pm and my time to roll one with my new rolling machien, so good luck my friend and remember, you are strong and comand your mind. Just look for a strain that works for you and try the evening thing.


LSY

[painretreat]

Supbrah-a rapid heart rate is a side effect of pot. If it bothers you that much, you should consider medibles! I quit for a few years and started back by making my own brownies with cannabudder! It rocks! You may want to try that. The receipe section will help you. And when I buy my edibles-it is mostly men that make them, you can do this!

Cannabis is the best remedy for your medical condition and most likely, as you suspect: you are bringing it onto yourself sub-consiously. Don't think so much and just do it.

Do not use Sativa based cannabis! You need Indica (as LSY stated). A really nice one I tried recently, with a group, was Tahoe OG-really good during the day and does have Sativa. This is nice and a full body feeling during the day, and long lasting.

For evening-Any Indica without reported Sativa. I love the Blueberry: You may be pleasantly surprised with it! It is very smooth and relaxing. Last night I tried a Purple that did make my heart beat harder and slightly faster. A new feeling for me. However, not alarming!

Perhaps, todays pot has too much THC for you. YOu may consider a blend with lower THC in it!

If you peek into this section and other threads, you will find many have the same problem and over-come it. Or, it isn't that often. Just relax and go with it. Enjoy the good Bud, brah!

I am sure a few others with panic attacks may check in and let you know. I personally, have never had a panic attack. My sister did while I was with her a few years ago and I pulled out a joint for it! It worked! I use basic Indica and never more than a 30% blend of Sativa (during daytime). At this point, I am not a frequent user. Oddly, with the use of Cannabis-my medical problems are not as much of:bigsmoke: a problem as they use to be.. And I enjoy a happier and more full-filling life! I hope that for you, as well, my friend! PR

However, I do feel you will be delighted with medibles! Hopefully you live in a medical marijuana state!

[boaz]

great advice on this thread. hopefully your in a free state and can find a good indica strain or medibles and avoid the panic attacks altogether. but, just in general if anyone ever does have a panic attack try to remember that your body is much bigger than your brain, so relax your body and the mind will follow. take deep slow breaths try to tense your muscles as you breath in and relax each muscle as you breath out, repeat. watching tv seems to help, too.

[Medicaldelivery]

smoke better weed with less chemicals...

[canadianhemperor]

Take a ativan before you smoke! after you have smoked one and there is no paranoia it will probably go away. Try strawberry cough it might help you calm down more and also remember that paranoia is always in your head . And part of the buzz from cannabis is all in your head , mj does not make people freakout! people make themselves freak out!!Nobody overdoses on cannabis so why worrie? The worst thing that can happen is falling asleep! so hang in there!

[RedLocks]

great advice on this thread. hopefully your in a free state and can find a good indica strain or medibles and avoid the panic attacks altogether. but, just in general if anyone ever does have a panic attack try to remember that your body is much bigger than your brain, so relax your body and the mind will follow. take deep slow breaths try to tense your muscles as you breath in and relax each muscle as you breath out, repeat. watching tv seems to help, too.

Few months ago I went to a new doctor with anxiety that was giving me physical ailments and she told me to do something I never thought I would hear a doctor say... she told me to meditate.. While she is talking about meditation techniques I was just sitting there thinking to myself "I got a cool doctor!" lol..

[Gia]

Few months ago I went to a new doctor... she told me to meditate.

This! And you can try something called "paced breathing". I would recommend Googling it, as I don't want to give you wrong information on how to do it, but basically you calm your mind & body by controlling your breathing. My mom used to have severe panic attacks (nothing to do with weed, she is just a very high-strung type of person). She was scared to go on any kind of anxiety meds. She somehow stumbled on this paced breathing thing and it really helps her. It gives you something to focus on since you have to count your breaths and pay attention to the physical act of breathing, so you don't have as much brain power to focus on what is upsetting you and the deep breathing is calming and healing in itself.

[rcpilot04401]

I use to get the panic attacks all the time when I first started, then I just started watching cartoons...and after awhile, they just went away...now it seems like I can't get very high anymore.