So I've had anxiety and panic attacks for 12 years that has varied in severity (I'm 26 now). But today I had the worst panic attack I've ever had. And I've had some bad ones, but the difference is that this one lasted for like 2 hours! I could NOT calm down. I could NOT turn my brain off. My heart was going nuts, high blood pressure, then less high, then high again, then irregular heart beat....all of which led me to being more anxious. I felt like I was going to die any minute. I almost called an ambulance. I had my hand on the phone.
I eventually laid down and took a half an Ativan (never taken it before, just had it as a backup). I don't know if it helped or if I just calmed down over time.
My main question is this: after it's over how long do people usually feel symptoms? I'm calm right now, heart rate normal, but I still have a lite weird feeling/pain twinges in my chest periodically, and am EXHAUSTED. How long do these feelings last? Has anyone else experienced lasting effects?