Health: Panic Attacks or something else?

Question

Suddenly had shortness of breath, chest pain, deep breaths caused pain (as in over-exertion). From 5pm through next (couple days so far). Went to Doctor and: My relaxed heart rate is high (100 instead of an avg 70s-80s for me). Tests showed perfect oxygen levels, EKG shows no irregular heart beats, blood pressure is OK and we don't hear anything in lungs or heart. Sugar was perfect.

Only measurable oddity thus far is the high resting heart rate.

Doc suggested panic attack and gave me xanac and a breather to try. Not much help. Any ideas?

Taking: Cymbalta, Adderall for some time without incidence and now Xanax and Advair

Answer 1

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Answer 2

I would have to say this was a panic attack. Anxiety drives up your heart rate. Considering you are on Cymbalta, I assume you have depression. Depression often times goes hand in hand with anxiety. Do you take Adderall for ADD? Adderall can certainly cause the symptoms; however, if you have been on it for a while, probably not.

For anxiety, you MUST exercise aerobically as this will dissipate the anxiety. Learn meditation/relaxation techniques. No caffeine.

I am not familiar w/ Advair-you might want to read about the side effects.

You might want to see a psychiatrist-not your family doctor ( as people often do ). Family Docs, with all good intentions,often don't get the meds right-so, see a specialist.

Best of Luck!!

Answer 3

Are there any thoughts or deadlines coming up that are triggering the anxiety attacks?

Chiropractic therapy, massage and meditation helped me to get off the meds. I also stopped drinking too much caffeine--switched to decaf tea and coffee.

I get attacks occasionally, but usually some irrational thought precedes it. When I analyze that, I start the yoga breathing exercises and they help.

I also started taking GABA, Lecithin and Calm Child, and Melatonin for insomnia and they all really helped. They are all food supplements. I'm not a doctor but if the meds aren't helping, you might have to try something else.

Answer 4

I am glad the xanax is not working, it is addictive.

I have the same story, went to an ER, diagnosis was

"non-cardiac related chest pain." They kept me there for 12 hours, just in case I coded.

I'm on Atenenol for high b/p, but I gave it to myself.

Perhaps a therapist for awhile for you?

Anxiety attacks are horrid. If this continues, you may need different meds.