Well, yes - I also have been experienced these sensations, although I was more fascinated than scared (was maybe not intelligent enought to understand that I was supposed to fear this, hehe), so instead I used these most exciting sensations as a kind of...drug?...surf...I began to try to pursue these sensations (around the age of 16,17,18 like) and most often I fell asleep. I even used them as a way to fall asleep (stupid, stupid me).
Now, personally I am more into controlling the dream state itself, that is: waking up into a dream, the reality of the dream. But that is my path; doesn't have to be your.
Anyway - although I don't think of me as any kind of master - as NOWIAM is (
http://www.projectavalon.net/forum/member.php?u=1454) - she has also a few forums regarding OBE.
Me; I think that my path is not the same as your path - but after these initial disturbances, fears, buzzez etc - expect that they will diffuse as soon as you
change your mood from fear into interest. Then your next state/phase most probably be silence. Stillness.
This is your logic half last outpost: "Well, nothing to see here folks! It was just nothingness. OK. Let's go."
Your last logic task will thus be patience. Wait this phase out. It could take weeks or even months...or just minutes. Pursue this awaiting with all your patience. Observe your inner self - not your body - try to shift focus.
Now, a few most practical tools:
1 - You really must stop think. Stop the words! Words are the most important way for your logical self to fixate this world. World/Word - get it?
2 - Try to observe yourself and the sensations without too much interest. The most efficent way of helping your intuitive self on the way is to just calmy reflect of what is happening - NOT analysing it. Just be with it.
3 - Humour will also help you here. Be not to serious. Those who always are super-serious are really missing out a lot and tend to be rather afraid. Be like Lao-Tse or Winnie the Pooh. Happy like the fool of the Tarot.
Finally: Many, many shamans and more have done this before you. Many with the help of their masters, but also many alone. You can do your own travelling! Become your own spritual travel agency, so to speak.
Good luck Merlin!