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Suggest Treatment For Panic Attacks Post Ambien Withdrawal
Question: Dr. Steppe thank you for responding to my original question. Yes they were panic attacks. I have experienced this problem off and on my whole life but had not had an episode in several years. None of my physicians have ever been able to determine the cause of these attacks. However I believe we have finally gotten to the root of the problem.
Also for my entire life I have had long bouts of insomnia. Several years ago my family practice doctor put me on a low dose of Ambien. It worked great. However, last month my insurance company said they would no longer pay for the Ambien. About the same time I had a total knee replacement. Between the discomfort from the surgery and the lack of Ambien I was getting at best two to three hours of sleep a night. The panic attacks returned and progressively got worse. Up to this time no one had ever made the connection between the insomnia and the panic attacks.
After I wrote you I contacted my family doctor and asked him to put me back on the lowest dose of Ambien. The first night I slept for ten hours and have slept every night since for at least eight hours. The panic attacks and the depression are gone.
Do you believe there could be a direct relationship between the lack of sleep and the panic attacks and depression. I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday to discuss this very subject.
Thank you
XXXXX
Also for my entire life I have had long bouts of insomnia. Several years ago my family practice doctor put me on a low dose of Ambien. It worked great. However, last month my insurance company said they would no longer pay for the Ambien. About the same time I had a total knee replacement. Between the discomfort from the surgery and the lack of Ambien I was getting at best two to three hours of sleep a night. The panic attacks returned and progressively got worse. Up to this time no one had ever made the connection between the insomnia and the panic attacks.
After I wrote you I contacted my family doctor and asked him to put me back on the lowest dose of Ambien. The first night I slept for ten hours and have slept every night since for at least eight hours. The panic attacks and the depression are gone.
Do you believe there could be a direct relationship between the lack of sleep and the panic attacks and depression. I have an appointment with my doctor on Monday to discuss this very subject.
Thank you
XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Private Consultation
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome! Thank you for reaching out to me at my direct private service. I now consider myself your private physician, and will do everything I can to help you.
Ambien at a low dose is indeed a very effective medication for many people. I'm glad it works so well for you. The answer to your question is YES, insomnia is very deeply tied to panic attacks and depression.
When the body doesn't get enough sleep, hormones like cortisol increase. This can lead to depressive symptoms. It can also lead to overactivation of the amygdala in the brain, which in turn causes panic attacks. Getting a good night's rest is essential to keeping the body healthy, which in turn keeps the mind healthy.
I think it is very important for you in the future to monitor your sleep. We now know insomnia is a trigger for depression and panic attacks for you. Making sure you sleep well is crucial!
Dr. Sheppe
Private Consultation
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome! Thank you for reaching out to me at my direct private service. I now consider myself your private physician, and will do everything I can to help you.
Ambien at a low dose is indeed a very effective medication for many people. I'm glad it works so well for you. The answer to your question is YES, insomnia is very deeply tied to panic attacks and depression.
When the body doesn't get enough sleep, hormones like cortisol increase. This can lead to depressive symptoms. It can also lead to overactivation of the amygdala in the brain, which in turn causes panic attacks. Getting a good night's rest is essential to keeping the body healthy, which in turn keeps the mind healthy.
I think it is very important for you in the future to monitor your sleep. We now know insomnia is a trigger for depression and panic attacks for you. Making sure you sleep well is crucial!
Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Again thank you. This has been very helpful. While I have an excellent family practice physician and psychologist, I would very much like to think I could bounce things off of you from time to time. As I told you before I am 72 years old and in excellent health but have had to deal with ADD and mild depression most of my adult life. These are two conditions that are difficult to treat successfully over time and it would be great to have access to your thoughts.
XXXXX
XXXXX
Brief Answer:
Private Followup
Detailed Answer:
XXXXX,
I'm always here for you to answer any questions you may have, to listen your concerns, and to be of any help I can. Depression and ADD can indeed be very difficult conditions. I'd be happy to help at any time! Just reach out to me at my private link and I will respond promptly.
For now, please remember to rate and close this thread.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Dr. Sheppe
Private Followup
Detailed Answer:
XXXXX,
I'm always here for you to answer any questions you may have, to listen your concerns, and to be of any help I can. Depression and ADD can indeed be very difficult conditions. I'd be happy to help at any time! Just reach out to me at my private link and I will respond promptly.
For now, please remember to rate and close this thread.
tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Dr. Sheppe
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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