Francine, I too suffer from panic attacks, but they are much less frequent after my counselor suggested several ways to nip them in the bud. I use her suggestions a lot and also, if I know I might get into a situation that would through me into one, I take 1/4 mg of extra xanax. Right now I think I'm regulated on my meds, my counselor says I'm doing great, and of course a lot of my stress melted away when I retired. I had a panic attack standing in front of the crowd staring at the Mona Lisa!! My husband recognizes the symptoms and he helps me through them if he's around, reminding me to breath and to just sit or stand away from other people and just BREATHE>