HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Severe Headaches While Treating Anxiety And Sleep Apnea?

default
Posted on Thu, 4 May 2017
Question: Took metoprol and paxil for 10 years or longer for panic attacks ,no problems ,8-9 months ago went to G.P feeling bad he said both medications lost there effectivnes.changed to a different medication which did not seem to work.Finally started zoloft and lisinopril .
zoloft seem to make me feel worse about a month ago my pyschiatrist changed me back to paxil . Since the initial change I HAVE FELT like crap.no sleep ,headaches,anxious,tired no get and go ,floaters and feelings of my heart racing .I went back to G.P. several times to be told its my nerves and the headaches are from sinus issues that I have all my life (drainage from nose to throat) got referal to and ENT. one look he said no sinus problems ,said possible sleep apnea.Sent me to CT scan waited two nerve racking weeks for results only to be told there were no problems with the results .In home sleep test revealed I have mild sleep apnea .Now I have a CPAP machine used for two weeks and its difficult as hell . Visited chiropractor one time so far "says my neck has no curve like normal ,neck is flat ".My G.P did blood work and EKG'all was fine he said" .I have no doubt that I have sleep apnea and anxiety issues I wIll not argue results .
I was curios if I TMJ. I am by far not a hypochondraic or constant complainer BUT THIS SUCKS . I have seen my optometrist ,first time to get reading glasses which initially stopped the headaches and blured vision. Returned months later for a recheck no problems.

My symptoms are occasional headaches" which are becoming more current " front to side some times base of head ,sinus drainage,floaters,nerves ,tired ,sleep issues ,jummpy,I close my left eye alot in the am and when I read ,the sunlight bothers my eyes .from time to time I have ringing in my ears like now as I type this. I have a difficult time believing this all sleep apnea or panic issues .
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome on HCM!

I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your situation is a little complex.

You should know that anxiety and sleep apnea can trigger your symptoms.

But, I would also recommend checking your thyroid hormone levels to exclude possible thyroid dysfunction, which can trigger your situation.

I would also recommend performing a cervical spine X ray study to exclude chronic degeneration of the vertebral column in this region, which can exacerbate the headache.
Increasing the dose of your antidepressant may be helpful.

If the problem persists, I would recommend performing a brain MRI to investigate for other possible causes.

It is also necessary to closely monitor your blood pressure, because blood pressure fluctuations can cause headache.

Hope to have been helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri


Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9535 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Severe Headaches While Treating Anxiety And Sleep Apnea?

Brief Answer: I would recommend as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello! Welcome on HCM! I carefully passed through your question and would explain that your situation is a little complex. You should know that anxiety and sleep apnea can trigger your symptoms. But, I would also recommend checking your thyroid hormone levels to exclude possible thyroid dysfunction, which can trigger your situation. I would also recommend performing a cervical spine X ray study to exclude chronic degeneration of the vertebral column in this region, which can exacerbate the headache. Increasing the dose of your antidepressant may be helpful. If the problem persists, I would recommend performing a brain MRI to investigate for other possible causes. It is also necessary to closely monitor your blood pressure, because blood pressure fluctuations can cause headache. Hope to have been helpful! Kind regards, Dr. Iliri