Panic attack or something more serious?

Posted by taylor1998 @taylor1998, Feb 29, 2020

A little over a month ago I experienced chest pain in the back of the chest and It made it hard to breathe. This pain went on for only one day. I am only 22 so I dismissed it and tried to fall asleep but I was unable to and went to the ER as my chest pain and tightness began to worsen. They did an EKG, complete blood count and chest X-rays and concluded everything looked normal and that I had a panic attack. The pain was unbearable and I felt a warm liquid sensation spread throughout my chest and feeling like I was going to pass out along with chest tightness and left shoulder pain. I was so scared and had never experienced any of this before. I just can't help but think that there is something more serious going on as I was completely normal before all of his happened? I was referred to a psychiatrist and am taking Prozac to help with my anxiety and panic attacks as I have had more than this one episode. The next episode I felt a burst of pain in my left shoulder and I started hyperventilating but didn't have much pain trying to breathe. I am just wondering if this sounds like a normal panic disorder or if it could be something more serious that I should have checked for.

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sears | @sears | Feb 29, 2020

How long have you been taking the Prozac?

taylor1998 | @taylor1998 | Mar 1, 2020

In reply to @sears "How long have you been taking the Prozac?" + (show)

I have been taking the Prozac for about a month. It was helping at first and then it wasn't and I felt so much anxiety and pain again. I just got my dose adjusted to 40mg so I'm hoping that will help. It is treating my major depression as well.

sears | @sears | Mar 1, 2020

Sometimes a dose increase really helps or you may need a different med. Hoping the Prozac works for you, it’s such a hassle to switch meds.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Mar 1, 2020

Hi, @taylor1998 - I can imagine that the pain, feeling like you were going to pass out and other symptoms would feel scary, like you mentioned. I've had the chest tightness from anxiety before and also had some chest pain. I think that members like @jimhd and also @johnhans will have some experiences to share related to having a panic attack and can speak to whether the symptoms you've had seem familiar to their own. @parus @merpreb also may have some thoughts.

How has today gone for you?

johnhans | @johnhans | Mar 1, 2020

@taylor1998 I am glad the Prozac is helping with your panic attacks. It was great you went and had yourself medically checked. While panic attacks can be the cause of such pain, it can also be caused by other things. My panic attacks we're noted with chest tightness and pain, plus a feeling of overwhelming fear. I have greatly reduced my anxiety since my antidpressant was increased to a dosage high enough to relieve my severe depression. Please keep us informed as to your progress.

Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Mar 2, 2020

@taylor1998

I've experienced panic/anxiety attacks, and I can empathize with you and your pain and discomfort. I'm not at all a medical expert, so I can't even know where to start with answering your question, nor should I. I would want a team of doctors to help me if I were in your place, doctors such as a psychiatrist, a gastroenterologist, a cardiologist, a pain specialist, and any others that I might think of. I hope that your doctors will soon be able to give you a good diagnosis. I've seen all of those doctors and a few others, and each one has been helpful with treating things they found.

Jim

mattie | @mattie | Mar 2, 2020

In reply to @johnhans "@taylor1998 I am glad the Prozac is helping with your panic attacks. It was great you..." + (show)

John that is how my panic attacks felt. The first one I remember was when I was in the third grade...but I didnt know it was that. Years later, sitting on the sofa w/ my husband, I felt sure I was having a heart attack, same symptoms as you mentioned. They have never completely gone away, but after 40 and more years they occur less often and I can recognize them for what they are.

MGMolly | @Erinmfs | Mar 2, 2020

I had panic attacks after 1) I suffered a concussion; and 2) I was under a lot of emotional stress. My heart was evaluated too at the time, no problems found. I also felt like I couldn't breathe. My emotional stress was my mother was dying in the hospital, and I was getting a divorce.

There's a little pill that your mental health care provider and give you, relaxes you, and takes the edge off of the anxiety attack. Now that I put myself on the spot, I cannot recall the name of it... Lorasepam sounds correct, but it's been awhile since I've had it.

johnhans | @johnhans | Mar 2, 2020

@Erinmfs I believe the drug is lorazepam. It is one of the benzo tranquilizers.

lindagirl | @lindagirl | Mar 15, 2020

I have had panic attacks for 30 years. Try hard to stay busy helps. It is scary and lonely as people don't understand. Talk to us we can help you. Right now I am so very lonely as I promised my children I would stay home because of what is going on. Live for seeing them. Try to hang in. They will pass. Support hot lines will talk to you too. Take deep breaths