Anxiety/Panic disorder medication for beginner
Hi everyone,
I would really appreciate any advise you have.
Since last year August I’ve been experiencing bad panic attacks, they sometimes occur without any triggers. I have also developed health anxiety, a huge trigger is my heart rate being elevated. It has gotten to the point that I can no longer wear my smart watch because I will constantly check my heart rate.
My anxiety/panic attack symptoms include: chest pain and tightness, dizziness, hot flushes, nausea and feeling very emotional. The lasting effects of a panic attack are draining and often take me days to feel myself again.
I have always had anxiety but I have never experienced panic attacks since last year. I do not know what has triggered this.
I have had an ECG and everything was good except I do have a faster heart rate which has been linked to the anxiety.
Last year I went to a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with anxiety and prescribed Serdep 50mg - I was told to take half a pill daily to start. After taking my first pill within 2 hours I was extremely happy and almost like a “high” feeling. After this I started not feeling well and went into the worst panic attack of my life- I threw up, struggled to breathe and honestly felt like I was having a heart attack.
Since then I have been afraid of ANY medication but, I am starting to see it may be impossible to avoid if I want to live a normal life. I have scheduled another ECG (because my chest still feels tight most days) and I will then be discussing medication options for my anxiety.
I am afraid of being on something long-term and would prefer a calming pill I can just take when I feel a bad panic attacks but I don’t know what is the right decision.
If anyone has any advise on medication, your anxiety journey, your anxiety symptoms or any advise at all I would highly appreciate it.
Posted Jun 27, 2026, 7:22 AM UTC