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Suggest Treatment For Severe Panic Attacks

Posted on Mon, 28 Nov 2016

Question: Hello,

About 3 months ago I had a panic attack while shopping with my dad. I never had a panic attack before so immediately i thought I was having a heart attack. They did a full cardiac work up on me...advanced blood work, heart monitor, chest x ray and CT Scan on my chest. Everything came back perfect; I am a healthy 33 year old male, I am 6'4" 195 lbs. My doctor told me that it was anxiety. I normally handle stress very well but now i am convinced that it is more than likely anxiety. However now I am starting to think I have panic disorder. How in the world do i get rid of this? I am also a drinker and feel this makes things worse as well....I normally drink 2-3 times a week. I don't have any stage fright and as mentioned it takes ALOT to stress me out. When I was shopping with my father when this initially happened I had no stress and these episodes always happen as well, sometimes when i am even lying down watching TV. Help!

Answered by Dr. Dholariya Sagar Jayantilal (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
As mention below

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear
Welcome to HCM and thanks for the query
I understand your concern.

I think it is purely due to anxiety/stress as your cardiac profile are normal or acid reflux.
You should undergo 2D ECHO if you have not done to rule out heart valve problem.
just be relax.
Try to find the stress in your life and enjoy life.
Continue to take Xanax and Pantoprazole under the advice of your doctor.
Do regular exercise like walking, running for 45-60 minutes and followed by Meditation.
Avoid spicy/oily /fatty food.
Take more green lefvy vegetables and fresh fruits.

Hope I have answered your query
If you have further query then I will be happy to help you
Best regards
Dr. Sagar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY

Follow up: Dr. Dholariya Sagar Jayantilal (7 hours later)

I know you say to relax and all but these attacks last almost all day to the point where its even hard to function. I never use to be like this. Is there anything else I should do aside from diet and exercise that would make these attacks subside permanently?

Answered by Dr. Dholariya Sagar Jayantilal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you for follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear
Welcome back and thanks for the follow up.
I understand your concern and sorry to hear about your problem

I think you have anxiety due to cardiac that causes panic attacks.
I think you have also rule out the thyroid status by thyroid hormone tests.
(hyperthyroid can cause anxiety).
I would suggest to consult the authorized psychiatric and needs proper psychological evaluation for better management
Escitalopram, clonazepam or alprazolam will help in treating anxiety/panic attacks.
Drink lots of water to maintain hydration.
Get well soon dear

Hope I have answered your query
If you have further query then I will be happy to help you
Best regards
Dr. Sagar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dholariya Sagar Jayantilal (1 hour later)

Thanks You Dr. XXXXXXX When you say I have anxiety due to cardiac what do you mean? You think I'm having anxiety attacks because I have a heart problem?

Answered by Dr. Dholariya Sagar Jayantilal (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you for follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear
Welcome back and thanks for the follow up.
I understand your concern

You think that you have cardiac problem and that develop anxiety/stress.
But all your cardiac tests are normal suggests no cardiac cause.
Stop to think about cardiac problem.
Hope to have you fine soon.

Hope I have answered your query
If you have further query then I will be happy to help you
Best regards
Dr. Sagar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng