Yes Julia, We've all experienced panic attacks friend. Most of us anyway. It all starts with one tiny thought or feeling, that are sometimes difficult to even recall. Brain, sends signal to glands, sends signal for chemical dump, sends physical body into "protection" mode, flight or fight, all blood rushes to core to protect vital organs from a certain dread and doom, yet, there's nothing there to cause us any harm to begin with. Yes, an instant wave of heat. Had them many, many times. Standing in lines while shopping, sitting in a tiny office conference about tough subjects, waiting for someone to stop reading labels on food packages so I can get the same thing I always do,..etc...etc.. It can be unbareable. Get away from the intense panic causing event, it subsides, then analyze why that even happened? Lexapro is a pretty good option, probably give you some energy too (at least that what patient reviews say) and I hope it helps you too. Generally taken in the am, unless your Doc specified otherwise. And with food, to ease any stomach issues. Never been to an ER, I knew that panic attacks have never killed anyone, and in fact, they're vital for survival if you're a Soldier and under threat. Quicker reaction times, quicker response times, alert, aware,... Lexapro (as well as all other Ad's) can slightly increase anxiety at first in certain people, you just never know if that's going to be you or not. We're all different. Our attacks are generally the same. Just try to avoid the ER visits. Nothing can be done for panic attacks anyway. At your next follow up visit to the Doc, ask for an anti-anxiety medication (lexapro is a dual action but takes awhile to work) like ativan, xanax, klonopin. (benzo). Also, if your BP is high, ask for a beta-blocker (adrenaline blocker) like atenolol. It makes the physical effects of panic not so noticable to anyone else, but you still may feel them. Don't feel guilty about the hospital things yet, youre still figuring this out. Just don't let it continue to alarm you. Step away from the situations, events, and get some fresh air, glass of ice water to lower core temps, and sit down...breathe. That's about it, our only defense until meds kick in. You've got friends here, were all in this same predicament together and we all learn ways to cope with it too.. See you around Julia! E-Man.