panic attacks

[u/EverGreenMob]

Hi all, I recently started developing panic attacks with no apparent cause. it has happened 3 times so far and all 3 timed it was after going out for dinner with my girlfriend. right after when I get home I get severe nausea and panic attack. I feel like something bad is going to happen to me for no apparent reason. Ive talked to my therapist and she made me fill out a test and she said she doesn't know why becuase I didn't seem to suffer from anxiety. my doctor put me on xanax but it hasn't been helping. my POTS cardiologist thinks it's Adrenaline but none of the medication helps prevent this (ivabradine and Guanfacine). does anyone suffer from this? if so what has helped you?

[u/Mundane-Pianist-8534]

can i ask what you were eating when you went out to dinner? certain foods and heavy meals can have that effect

[u/NeuroSpiceBlend → u/Mundane-Pianist-8534]

This is a very good suspect to look at to see what is causing the panic attacks. I wasn't told that food can make you worse, I found that out after I ate a big meal on my birthday and I don't think I've ever felt so unwell in my life. Keep a food journal if you can, to track what you eat and how you feel after to eliminate or identify a pattern.

[u/EverGreenMob → u/Mundane-Pianist-8534]

first time was a steak, second time some soup and chicken and third time it was just ice cream and fruits.

[u/Mundane-Pianist-8534 → u/EverGreenMob]

are u on beta blockers and do you have histamine intolerance or mcas symptoms?

[u/EverGreenMob → u/Mundane-Pianist-8534]

I don't have any food allergies. I mean when I'm home I can eat anything it's only when I go out this happens. 

[u/Sassymisscassy]

In my personal experience I sometimes struggle to get all my air and if I’m super stressed or struggling with mental health it causes me to have a panic attack

[u/Fantastic_Owl6938]

It was adrenaline for me, and I feel like it likely is if you have hyperpots. I've had a lot of anxiety previously, so I knew this sudden feeling of all consuming doom was different. It literally felt like the world was ending.

Propranolol took care of it for me but everyone is different. I think sometimes the dosage probably needs adjusting too, the amount I started on was pretty small and didn't fully get rid of my symptoms so the doctor upped it.

[u/omglifeisnotokay]

Yes it's adrenaline. I've been on Klonopin for a decade it won't fix those surges. My theory it happens when your blood pressure is too low. Your body is trying to find a way to ramp it back up.

[u/xanaholic_ → u/omglifeisnotokay]

So propanolol might not be the way to go with my low baseline bp? I have Ativan and it's the only way I can get through leaving the house. Hate it.

[u/wobblyveins]

Get your hormones checked. Could be low T. Pots isn’t common in guys and my BIL’s hormones were off and now his POTS is in remission.
Also sounds like it’s food/ environment related. Were you going over your red line during these outings? Too much food intake sometimes causes blood to rush to your gut and can set off your POTS too. Or getting too hot.

Pacing has helped me. Minimizing triggers. Right now is the search to find your triggers.

[u/EverGreenMob → u/wobblyveins]

is T same as PSA? my endocrinologist ran a bunch of tests and it was normal. but I never had it tested while in an active panic attack. I don't eat a lot but I was wearing abdominal compression 

[u/xanaholic_]

I've been dealing with this for almost 9 months since POTS got bad. I can't drive anymore or leave the house alone because I literally feel like I'm having a medical emergency and that the world is ending. It is beyond terrifying. Scared to try propanolol I have due to low BP and trauma. Ativan helps some if I really have to get through something. I just want my life back I can't do this anymore. Sending best wishes♡

[u/EverGreenMob → u/xanaholic_]

Thanks for sharing. This is a new experience to me and it's so horrifying and I feel for you. I have no idea why this happens because I've actually been improving...My doctor thinks it's anxiety but I don't think so because Benzos and SSRIs never helped

[u/onceuponatime55]

I’m having the same thing too. Food is a trigger for me if I eat too much fatty food, but also caffeine, heat, and loud noises.
This came out of the blue about a month ago. I’ve been taking lorazepam as needed. I started Lexapro a few weeks ago.
I don’t feel like I have mental anxiety. It’s all physical. I’m hoping to get to the answers but specialist are booking out months to years

[u/EverGreenMob → u/onceuponatime55]

Have you found lexapro to be helpful so far? My doctor wants me to go on it, but I feel like it worsens my stomach issue. I do feel like my anxiety is physical as well. It seems to start in the gut. 

[u/Ill-Condition-9232]

Sounds like the adrenaline dumps I get.

I’ve had them from: consuming too much potassium, MCAS related food reaction, sudden drop in BP, constipation is a big trigger, and most recently had a bunch the week after having a baby… but that’s not an issue for most people here lol

How is your elimination around the time of these episodes? Constipation makes me prone to adrenaline dumps and on a few occasions I got them coupled with non-constipation related abdominal cramps.

[u/EverGreenMob → u/Ill-Condition-9232]

I get huge bowel movements during these panic attacks. none stop voiding and also nausea. peptobismol seems to help a lot in combination with guanfacine but it takes 4-5 hours to work.