Hyperventilation is ruining my life

I haven't posted in a long time. I often log in though, comforted to know I'm not crazy or the only one who feels like this.
Last few months I've been drinking heavily on the weekends, 1 bottle of wine a night, sometimes two. It helps me relax like nothing else I've ever tried.
Anxiety for everyone is at an all time high right now and those of us who were already trying to deal are especially drowning.
My kids have noticed, my poor daughter asking me not to drink and my son asking on Friday nights, are you drunk again?
Even that hasn't stopped me.
I was a binge drinker all through my 20's, spending every Friday or Saturday smashed, often to the point of blacking out.
I switched from using Paxil 30mgs to Escitalopram 10mg about 2 months ago.
I also take Tecta for gerd.
I tried Escitalopram at 20mgs but noticed I was getting palpitations. I only ever feel them in my throat.
I researched on Dr. Google and noticed that Health Canada issued a warning about Escitalopram increasing palpitations at 20mg and recommended that 20 should be the max dosage.
So I decreased immediately.
I told my doc about the throat flutters and we did an EKG and i wore a 24 holter. Both were fine.
But these flutters are still happening several times a day. At night when I'm drifting off to sleep they wake me up with a gasp for air.
Tonight I was sitting watching tv with my hubby and I felt like I just suddenly couldn't breathe. It lasted for 3 seconds and I gasped and took in air.
But of course with the panic that hit at the same time my heart was pounding, dizzy and a big yawn hit.
Is this a panic attack too?
I was pretty emotional about 45 minutes before this just happened.
Is anxiety that sneaky?
Any thoughts or similar experiences?

Thanks Hibee. I mentioned the drinking just wondering if that could also be the cause of the palpitations.
I went to my dr on Thursday and switched my meds to Celexa.
My sister had success with this one and he agreed the side effects were minimal compared to others.
I wanted to try prozac but he was hesitant about that one.
Trying to curb the drinking too.
Had one glass of red tonight. I have another beside me now but not sure if I'll indulge. If I do, that will be it.
I appreciate your reply.

Thanks Hibee and GB.
Yes self medicating is right. And not at all healthy.
I'm going to keep trying. Meditation interests me Hibee but I feel I just can't clear my mind no matter how long I try.
I also feel myself swaying and it freaks me out a bit
Do you chant? Use music?