Aa
Panic attack after smoking marijuana?
Some medical history:
I am 23 years old. I was very sick for about December till May. I had hypertension (sometimes severe at 200/160), palpitations (episodes lasting anywhere from hours to weeks), chest pressure, chest pain, and exercise intolerance. I've had tons of tests done and thousands in medical bills without any significant findings. I wasn't anxious when this all started, but I was so ill some days that I couldn't get out of bed. My doctors think it could be anything from anxiety to an infection (Such as valley fever). I really think it was something like an infection, as I don't believe anxiety would make me so physically sick and disabled for 5 months straight. It was sickest I have ever been in my life, and it was very traumatizing.
Gradually over the last couple months my blood pressure, heart rate, chest pressure, and chest pain returned to normal. However, I think I have developed a fear of my symptoms coming back. In other words, I don't think panic attacks were the root of my problems, but I think they have developed since my illness was very traumatic. I honestly thought I was dying when I was at my worst, and I felt so ill at some points, I went from scared to being ready to accept death (I wasn't suicidal or anything, but I think this was just a biological/chemical reaction to my pain). Anxiety medication, beta blockers, etc couldn't get my heart rate or blood pressure under control when I was at my worst. Ativan did help me calm down, but it didn't change my blood pressure or heart rate much when i was sick. I avoided alcohol, caffeine, dark chocolate, and marijuana. All of these were triggers.
I think I have recovered from my illness (not 100%, but pretty close now), but I sometimes have a fear of becoming ill again (is there a phobia for this?).
I've been very stable for a couple months now, but I had a bad attack after smoking some Marijuana today. I had a friend take my pulse, and he said my heart rate was about 200 before I left to the hospital. I don't smoke habitually, just socially. I went to the hospital, and by the time I got there (30 minute drive) my heart rate was lower and stayed consistently between 130 bpm to 140 bpm for a couple hours. They gave me beta blockers and ativan, and released me once my heart rate was around 100 bpm. My normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 80. I asked the doctor if he thought it was just a panic attack triggered by the marijuana, and he responded that he couldn't tell me for sure. I never had a reaction like that before, but I don't think I will be using it anymore.
So, does this sound like a panic attack? I hope that is all this was.
I am 23 years old. I was very sick for about December till May. I had hypertension (sometimes severe at 200/160), palpitations (episodes lasting anywhere from hours to weeks), chest pressure, chest pain, and exercise intolerance. I've had tons of tests done and thousands in medical bills without any significant findings. I wasn't anxious when this all started, but I was so ill some days that I couldn't get out of bed. My doctors think it could be anything from anxiety to an infection (Such as valley fever). I really think it was something like an infection, as I don't believe anxiety would make me so physically sick and disabled for 5 months straight. It was sickest I have ever been in my life, and it was very traumatizing.
Gradually over the last couple months my blood pressure, heart rate, chest pressure, and chest pain returned to normal. However, I think I have developed a fear of my symptoms coming back. In other words, I don't think panic attacks were the root of my problems, but I think they have developed since my illness was very traumatic. I honestly thought I was dying when I was at my worst, and I felt so ill at some points, I went from scared to being ready to accept death (I wasn't suicidal or anything, but I think this was just a biological/chemical reaction to my pain). Anxiety medication, beta blockers, etc couldn't get my heart rate or blood pressure under control when I was at my worst. Ativan did help me calm down, but it didn't change my blood pressure or heart rate much when i was sick. I avoided alcohol, caffeine, dark chocolate, and marijuana. All of these were triggers.
I think I have recovered from my illness (not 100%, but pretty close now), but I sometimes have a fear of becoming ill again (is there a phobia for this?).
I've been very stable for a couple months now, but I had a bad attack after smoking some Marijuana today. I had a friend take my pulse, and he said my heart rate was about 200 before I left to the hospital. I don't smoke habitually, just socially. I went to the hospital, and by the time I got there (30 minute drive) my heart rate was lower and stayed consistently between 130 bpm to 140 bpm for a couple hours. They gave me beta blockers and ativan, and released me once my heart rate was around 100 bpm. My normal resting heart rate is between 60 and 80. I asked the doctor if he thought it was just a panic attack triggered by the marijuana, and he responded that he couldn't tell me for sure. I never had a reaction like that before, but I don't think I will be using it anymore.
So, does this sound like a panic attack? I hope that is all this was.
Ever since my attack, my resting heart rate has been around 100 bpm. I can't feel how fast my heart is going, but I've been experiencing chest discomfort several times a day, lasting a couple hours each time. It's more of a pressure than a pain, but sometimes there is short sharp pain lasting a few seconds. My normal resting heart rate is between the mid 60's to lower 80's.
I've been on a holter and a 21 day heart monitor when I was very ill, and they didn't find anything besides IST (Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia) and Supraventricular Tachycarida. They said that there is nothing wrong with my heart, and at the time, they said that some people just have a faster heart rate. This isn't the case as my heart rate is in the 60's when I feel well. I've had thyroid, adrenaline levels, etc checked several times finding nothing.
I don't know what to do. I feel like I need to see the doctor, but I'm sure it will just be a waste of time as always. They'll give me more benzos and a new SSRI drug to try. I've tried SSRIs with no difference. Benzos help me come out of panic (if I get to that state), help me disconnect my mind from my body so I don't worry about feeling like ****, and help me sleep, but they don't do anything for my resting heart rate or pain/discomfort. Beta blockers make my heart rate come down, but make me physically feel worse. I've tried Vicodin (left over from a shoulder injury) for my pain which seems to help quite a bit, but I was scolded by my PCP for using it.
I'm not worried or anxious right now, just frustrated. I know if I go to see a doctor, they will basically do nothing to help me. Most doctors (not all) don't even care and tell me I am young and fine, and that has made me really dislike doctors in general.
I've been on a holter and a 21 day heart monitor when I was very ill, and they didn't find anything besides IST (Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia) and Supraventricular Tachycarida. They said that there is nothing wrong with my heart, and at the time, they said that some people just have a faster heart rate. This isn't the case as my heart rate is in the 60's when I feel well. I've had thyroid, adrenaline levels, etc checked several times finding nothing.
I don't know what to do. I feel like I need to see the doctor, but I'm sure it will just be a waste of time as always. They'll give me more benzos and a new SSRI drug to try. I've tried SSRIs with no difference. Benzos help me come out of panic (if I get to that state), help me disconnect my mind from my body so I don't worry about feeling like ****, and help me sleep, but they don't do anything for my resting heart rate or pain/discomfort. Beta blockers make my heart rate come down, but make me physically feel worse. I've tried Vicodin (left over from a shoulder injury) for my pain which seems to help quite a bit, but I was scolded by my PCP for using it.
I'm not worried or anxious right now, just frustrated. I know if I go to see a doctor, they will basically do nothing to help me. Most doctors (not all) don't even care and tell me I am young and fine, and that has made me really dislike doctors in general.
My blood pressure is OK now. It averaged about 150/95 for a few months, and now it is back to 115/65 resting. I've been to so many doctors (cardiologists, endocrinologists, etc), and they couldn't find the cause. I now have something called orthostatic hypertension (similar to POTS, but blood pressure increases upon standing), but as long as I am laying down, my blood pressure is normal. I've had my blood pressure checked when I was in the hospital, and it was normal as soon as they got my heart rate to come down to about 100 bpm (but they did give me beta blockers to get me out of SVT).
My autonomic system was really whacked for a while, but I am recovering and feel completely normal most of the time. The only time I consistently don't feel good is after vigorous exercise. I still can't do things that I love like mountain bike, but I have been trying to take long walks instead for exercise. I've been taking very short trips on my mountain bike, but I don't think I am ready to do my 20-30 mile rides that I did last year :). I'm starting very slow. Certain foods and substances can still make my heart go crazy sometimes.
Anyway, here is what I think happened the other day:
Marijuana increased my heart rate to an uncomfortable pace. I was very high, and I know THC can increase heart rate a lot if you don't smoke too often. I could feel the beat in my throat and had a very uncomfortable sensation in my chest. After I noticed my heart rate was high and my chest was hurting a little, anxiety kicked in (probably a little bit of paranoia from the marijuana), and that made my heart beat very, very fast (my friend counted over 200 bpm and he also freaked out a little). At this point i felt panicked, but as much as a tried, I couldn't get myself out of that state. I really felt like I was going to die.
Now what I don't know is if this was just a panic attack. I really think I experienced a panic attack, but I feel that there is still something else going on with my body/nervous system that scared me into a state of panic. I think panic is more of a symptom for me than a cause.
It doesn't look like I'll get these answers anytime soon, so I am just going to try to live my life and try to put this behind me. It's been hard at times, but it makes it a lot easier when I can vent somewhere. Posting all of this actually makes me feel better and worry less.
My autonomic system was really whacked for a while, but I am recovering and feel completely normal most of the time. The only time I consistently don't feel good is after vigorous exercise. I still can't do things that I love like mountain bike, but I have been trying to take long walks instead for exercise. I've been taking very short trips on my mountain bike, but I don't think I am ready to do my 20-30 mile rides that I did last year :). I'm starting very slow. Certain foods and substances can still make my heart go crazy sometimes.
Anyway, here is what I think happened the other day:
Marijuana increased my heart rate to an uncomfortable pace. I was very high, and I know THC can increase heart rate a lot if you don't smoke too often. I could feel the beat in my throat and had a very uncomfortable sensation in my chest. After I noticed my heart rate was high and my chest was hurting a little, anxiety kicked in (probably a little bit of paranoia from the marijuana), and that made my heart beat very, very fast (my friend counted over 200 bpm and he also freaked out a little). At this point i felt panicked, but as much as a tried, I couldn't get myself out of that state. I really felt like I was going to die.
Now what I don't know is if this was just a panic attack. I really think I experienced a panic attack, but I feel that there is still something else going on with my body/nervous system that scared me into a state of panic. I think panic is more of a symptom for me than a cause.
It doesn't look like I'll get these answers anytime soon, so I am just going to try to live my life and try to put this behind me. It's been hard at times, but it makes it a lot easier when I can vent somewhere. Posting all of this actually makes me feel better and worry less.
Yes like others have said smoking pot intensifies the feeling of anxiety..it is aknow fact! But my main issue here is how your blood pressure was so high...how you been checked again? By a professional?? That would worry me alot more than the smoking. Doesn't seem normal for a young person or any person for that matter.
Hope you find out what is wrong...wishing you the best of luck! I wouldn't worry about the HIV....just have protected sex and not saying you do...stay away from needles. Like others have said...worrying does cause physical symptoms..such as tension headaches and also yes...Anxiety!
Hope you find out what is wrong...wishing you the best of luck! I wouldn't worry about the HIV....just have protected sex and not saying you do...stay away from needles. Like others have said...worrying does cause physical symptoms..such as tension headaches and also yes...Anxiety!
I don't know, it does sound like you have something, though I don't know what. Anxiety can cause a lot of things, but colored mucous? You don't have HIV, the test is very accurate. But you could have some hidden virus. If your doctors aren't helping, I encourage you to try alternative medicine. There are herbs for mucous buildup, there are antiviral herbs. I could name a few, but you need to see a professional, either a doctor who cares or a naturopath. If it does turn out to be anxiety, I strongly recommend meditation. You'll like it. And there's no evidence marijuana causes a prolonged weakened immune system, but there are so many toxins in our food and air and water that do. Keep searching, and feel better.
Thank you for the input, it means a lot...
i had a very bad response to pot more than once. i won't go into details...most people don't believe how i respond to it without actually seeing it anyway. my wife didn't believe it until one night some friends talked me into smoking it again. dumb idea. anyway...yes it can happen and it can trigger anxiety that lasts for days after...or longer. not a good idea to smoke it if you are prone to anxiety.
i don't know at all if you were truly ill or not...but i will say anxiety has caused some very very scary physical symptoms in myself and others who deal with it on a regular basis. things you would never believe anxiety can produce. but you have to keep in mind that at the height of an anxiety attack, your body is in full fight/flight mode...the only problem is that you can't do either one...so since you can't do either, what happens to all the adrenaline you produce? what happens to your exceptionally high heart-rate and sharpened senses...sweating...etc. your whole body is ready for an action that never comes. it's like running a marathon but without actually running it. this causes very weird things to happen in your body.
again, i have no idea what was the cause of all your problems. i just know the things i've experienced and i've read a lot of others posts in this forum about their own physical symptoms. it really does some strange things. very strange. anyway...that said, whether it was anxiety or something else, you shouldn't worry about if or when the symptoms will come back because they aren't there now, so it's best to simply enjoy what you've got. thats how you deal with anxiety...when if finally does go away, enjoy the good times because you never know how long they'll last and worrying about when the anxiety will return causes it to return even faster.
i don't know at all if you were truly ill or not...but i will say anxiety has caused some very very scary physical symptoms in myself and others who deal with it on a regular basis. things you would never believe anxiety can produce. but you have to keep in mind that at the height of an anxiety attack, your body is in full fight/flight mode...the only problem is that you can't do either one...so since you can't do either, what happens to all the adrenaline you produce? what happens to your exceptionally high heart-rate and sharpened senses...sweating...etc. your whole body is ready for an action that never comes. it's like running a marathon but without actually running it. this causes very weird things to happen in your body.
again, i have no idea what was the cause of all your problems. i just know the things i've experienced and i've read a lot of others posts in this forum about their own physical symptoms. it really does some strange things. very strange. anyway...that said, whether it was anxiety or something else, you shouldn't worry about if or when the symptoms will come back because they aren't there now, so it's best to simply enjoy what you've got. thats how you deal with anxiety...when if finally does go away, enjoy the good times because you never know how long they'll last and worrying about when the anxiety will return causes it to return even faster.
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