Great description, Mr. Hangover. Those were definitely panic attacks. Although panic disorder is categorized as an anxiety disorder, it really is a whole different beast. About 50% of people with a diagnosis of panic disorder also end up with a diagnosis of agoraphobia. They begin to avoid public places for fear of having a panic attack. The more they avoid them, the more they fear them.

While benzos are good at alleviating the intense discomfort of a panic attack or acute anxiety, they are terrible for treating the disorder long term. When they wear off, they lead to a rebound of anxiety that is more intense than it was before taking the medication.

Antidepressants are effective for 70-80% of people suffering from the issues you are describing. In combination with cognitive behavioral therapy, the success rate is as good as it gets in the psychiatry world. A therapist trained in techniques for treating panic disorder can be extremely helpful.

Panic attacks are the result of being too aware of normal physiological responses to physical stress (i.e. racing heart, rapid breathing, claminess, dizziness, etc.) which leads to increased anxiety, then increase physiological responses, etc. It's a cycle. In a controlled environment, a therapist can evoke the physiological responses that trigger an attack and help you break the cycle.

The bad news is that it will only get worse without treatment. The good news is that it is very treatable now days. The key is seeking out the right professionals. In this case a psychiatrist for the meds and a clinical therapist trained in CBT, particularly in techniques specific to panic disorder, are the people that can help you.