Repetitive Adrenaline Surges

[mimiwinn]

Good day to you.  I've recently had symptoms that made me think I was having a heart attack.  After two trips to ths hospital, appropriate tests (all negative for heart attack) and some prescription meds (metropolol to keep my heart rate slow and steady per/doctor and nexium because my mom said she had all the same symptoms and it was reflux)...the only symptom I am left with is the feeling of adrenaline surges when I am trying to sleep.  It is accompanied with the feeling that it's hard to pull in air, like my lungs won't expand or I'm trying to breath pudding.  These feelings were giving me fullblown panic attacks that I thought were heart attacks, but since starting the nexium, I feel like my heart and lungs have been released from a vice grip.  But these 'surges' of adrenaline are still kind of frightening.  I often have them every couple minutes when I'm really tired and try to go back to sleep right away.  Constant adrenaline surges, feels like my heart is racing, but it's actually not.  Feels like fear, but I'm not afraid of anything.  Could this just be anxiety?  I wasn't feeling worried about anything until some of these symptoms, then got worried about my heart and entered a vicious domino circle.  Doc gave me klonopin to take at the onset of anxiet, but I think I'm more afraid to take another pill than I am of the adrenaline surges.  Do you have an explanation for such consisten adrenaline surges?  Is there something I should be considering besides heart and anxiety, like CNS problems?  I appreciate your help.  Thank you.

[maxiepate]

Hi, Yes It is anxiety and adrenalin surges sounds like---- no fear, just take the klonepin he gave you and do anxiety  classes somewhere and get books on reframing your thinking patterns.  Take meds to stop anxiety in the meantime- You'll be fine-- I have always gone thru peiods in my life like this...Dont forget to get off the sugar and caffeine.

[marcel680]

hi, my name is david jenkins and i am a 19 year old freshman in college. i think i have a similar situation. during the summer going into my freshmen year of college i had an adrenaline surge situation that caused me to go into afib... now whats funny is i had never had any history of any heart problem.the cardiologist did chest xrays and took blood but they all were fine... anxiety and panic runs deep in my family... i also have these adrenaline rushes that start in my stomach and rush up thru my chest and neck causing pounding beats or palps..... ive been recently prescribed celexa.... does this sound like anxiety?

[Katcal]

I have had similar symptoms recently and just went to the endochronologist.  She is running a couple of 24 hour urine tests to determine if there is a malfunction of the adrenal gland caused by a growth.  You should not let a doctor simply give you anti anxiety pills and go on your way. These pills will work in the very short term, but simply mask the very real symptoms.   Often times these things have concrete physiological causes that can be quantified and treated.  Even if they are in fact true "panic attacks", you should persue physhological counseling and/or hypnotherapy to help you to manage the underlying issues.  Simply taking pills or thinking possitively is passive and generally completely innefectual.  Believe me, I tried for weeks to "ignore it so it would go away" and it simply does not work.

[dazedandconfused28]

I just recently began getting these strange anxiety surges while trying to sleep, I've had other anxiety related symptoms before (constant light headedness e.c.t)
but this i do not understand! it was so bad the other night i didn't sleep at all! ;)
i only get them when i am about to fall asleep....feeling relaxed and thinking of nothing, and then wham! i'm wide awake with that sickly feeling in my stomach and a pounding heart.
does anyone have any leads on what this is and why it happens, if anxiety related why does it strike at rest?
i feel like i am loosing it! ;(

[houston2828]

Hi! Did you get an answer for these issues? I’m having same thing and I’m desperate.

[jmchot28]

Hi there, I have experienced a lot of the same body symptoms that all of you have mentioned! I never had these symptoms in the past and then something traumatic happened to bring this on. I have researched it a lot and even had doctors prescribe me antidepressants for my anxiety. I refuse to take them because I would rather deal with my anxiety then other side affects on top of it too. I know that B Vitamins really play a huge role in helping with stress and anxiety, cause there's certain ones that help with stabilizing your adrenaline. Also, vitamin D is also essential. Stay away from caffine, refined sugar, and alcohol. These do not help. Eating oatmeal before bed time can help and a banana too. There's a lot of different remedies out there, you have to look them up. Tryptohan really helps to calm you down and it can be found in turkey, eggs, and other foods. Its an essential amino acid that your body needs and can not produce on its own. Sometimes when we have a depletion of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, our body can start to do weird things. So research these ideas and also keep in touch with your doctor about anything you change or take in supplement form. Just keep in mind that there's always a natural alternative to healing instead of prescriptions. Maybe consulting with a nutritionist would be helpful too! Exercise helps to release endorphines which help heal your body and help make you happy. Sometimes your body can have a build up of to much adreneline and you just have to work out to alleviate it. Whatever you do, be careful not to over do anything. Take care of your body and in return your body will take care of you. Adrenaline fatigue can also get you too. So do your homework and try to see what works best for you. It's important to remember that your body cannot make certain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals on its own and that why we get them through foods and supplements to give our body what it needs to properly function mentally and physically. Sometimes all it takes is a chemical imbalance in our body or brain to start up these symptoms to let you know that there's something going on and it needs to be fixed. Don't let the doctors throw meds in your face without ruleing out other causes or other options for treatments. They are supposed to be there to help you get better from the cause, not just tearing your symptoms. So be tough and stand your ground. Good luck and God Bless you all!!

[kath77]

I also experienced an attack, not caused by fear or anxiety, I was at rest and had a surge of adrenaline and my heart jumped to 144 bpm for several minutes, couldn't breathe, a bad tremor, nausea. called 911. after about 10 minutes, it slowed to 110 bpm, then, more attacks  5 more times on the way to the hospital, I was in and out of consciousness. since then, I have had 6 more episodes, the md prescribed toprol and ativan, I had a  24 hr holter monitor, 24 hr urine (no results yet) , normal ecg,  all normal ekgs,. the heart md said you are not going to die from it, just lay down until it passes. well, when it happens, it feels like I am going to die, they don't understand because I am a healthy 38 yo. female, no smoking or drinking. the medicine has lessened the severity of recent attacks, but I'm afraid constantly I will have another one, and they are debilitating.

[sherieb]

Dear kath77..
just to let you know. you are not crazy and you are not alone.  I am a 44 year old female and experience the same thing at least 3-4 times a week.  I'm awoken from a deep sleep to a reality of terror, with fear, heat palpitations, chest pain, tremors and the the most awful feeling of impending death; as if I was having a heart attack.  I've been searching the internet and and am taking comfort, unfortunately, in knowing that I'm not alone.  in severe cases where i can't calm myself down, i too have to take ativan. i find, listening to 'solitudes' music really helps and splashing my face with cold water sometimes as well.  Stay strong.. We will get through this.. sherieb

[cindymomof3]

what did the afib cause?  was it something you could feel?  
did you need medial attention?

[JinNM]

You have given me comfort is knowing I am not alone either.  I have attacks about every couple of weeks.  Adrenaline surges, chest and arm pain, shortness of breath, palpitations and that over all panic feeling of "this is it".  I have been taking Klonpin now for about 3 years off and on--after an embarrassing call to 911. Can this just be a woman thing?  I worry about EVERYTHING and nothing at all.  Let me know if you have found any other solutions.  I hate to keep running to the doctor claiming the sky is falling but it's so scary - and expensive.
J in NM

[123Peace4all]

I am a 41 year old male.  I was put in hospital for three days last spring for what I felt was a heart issue.  My chest was having pains and spasms.
I continue to have chronic stomach cramps and adrenaline rushes.
Just this past weekend I went to the ER because I didn't feel right. I felt lightheaded, scared, and difficult breathing.  I held my daughters hand in the car thinking it might be the last time I might see her.
Panic disorder is real and we need to push for help!

[MoomoosUK]

Hi. I'm a 37 year old male in the UK. I went to the doctors recently with mild chest pain/ache and an ECG was done. The ECG picked up an abnormality typical with someone who was suffering a heart attack. I was taken to hospital and seen by cardiologists. All tests came back negative which ruled out any heart trauma but ECG showed a constant abnormality. I was seen by a consultant who diagnosed me with Type 1 Brugada Syndrome. The pain I was feeling was put down to muscular skeletal from weight training. Last Sunday morning, I was in bed snoozing. I could feel an adrenaline rush building and then suffered a huge hit to my heart which made me shoot out of bed and I suffered a panic attack. I have never had this before and I thought I was suffering a heart attack. I was taken into hospital and put on a heart monitor for 24 hrs. Nothing other than my ECG abnormality showed so I was fitted with a heart trace / recall to register any further episodes. Since then, I too have been suffering these feelings of adrenaline in my chest while trying to go off to sleep. I.have recorded these feelings and cardiologists have examined the data. There is no sign heart issues so I have put  it down to anxiety ( which I have suffered since a child ). I have been assured these episodes are not heart related so would like to offer you all some reassurance.

It is very interesting to read the comments above and would welcome any questions anyone may have.

[minniek20]

I feel everyone's pain here. It's so awful. I hate the adrenaline feeling. I go to cognitive therapy and it works but I just hate hate the adrenaline. We should start a online support group up with everyone on here :) to exchange tips etc.

[olgaIA]

Kath77, I'm a healthy 37 y.o. female, perfect blood pressure. Started out with insomnia, on the 2nd day noticed a strange feeling in my stomach, like crawling, visceral squeezing, like while on a roller-coaster, and lack of appetite. On 3rd night had a rapid heart beat episode that lasted a few minutes, went to ER, had another one - in a way, a blessing, cause they didn't believe anything was wrong. ER doc said that it wasn't life threatening, that it was supraventrical tachycardia and sent me on my way. I'm going to see a reg. physician today. I now think that the strange sensations in my belly is due to surges of adrenaline, I also get chills, lightheadedness, I feel pressure and heat in what appears to be my jugular veins and my heart pounds loudly. I took a 5 mg melatonin pill last night and had 8 oz of red wine before bed to help me relax and after 2-3 hours I finally felt myself relax and was able to sleep till early morning. Symptoms came back soon after.
olgaIA

[huston412]

I too have been suffering from these adrenaline surges, which then causes a very rapid heart rate.  I've been to the ED 4 times and every time they say "you must be stressed".  But on none of theses occasions have I felt stressed at all.  Three times I was getting ready for bed.  The cardiologists put me on atenonol (beta blocker), but says there is nothing wrong.  Besides the adrenaline rush and the rapid heart rate, I also experience an increase in urination during the episodes and terrible shaking in my arms. The worrying about when these random attacks will happen again is exhausting.  Has anyone had a definitive result/outcome that they could share?  

[Ashlynn367]

Have you been tested for autonomic dysfunction or dysautonomia? Many of the symptoms described here I have and have a condition of the autonomic nervous system called postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or POTS. There are tests done by a neurologist or cardiologist that can diagnose it or another form of dysautonomia like it. It is not life-threatening but can be difficult to live with. The symptoms include adrenaline surges, blood pressure ups and downs, high heart rate at times, temperature regulation problems, and even urinating more like someone mentioned above. It's basically the "flight or fight" response occurring inappropriately. The symptoms mimic panic disorder and anxiety disorders because of this. There is an advocacy website for information if this is the case for anyone at www.dinet.org Good luck!

[SusanE22]

Oh my gosh! I literally am crying reading this. This is EXACTLY what happens to me for the past 3 months. I thought I was alone & have been to the ER twice with all negative heart tests after being kept overnight & had an echo & stress test with multiple ECGs & a monitor. I tell myself I'm ok & try to breathe it out & it comes on when I'm trying to sleep the worst. I am not a person who has a history of panic attacks or severe anxiety. However, since this has started the anticipation of having yet another horrible night MAKES me anxious. I have tried multiple supplements & my doctor put me in Celexa saying I need counseling for my stress. I did have a LOT of stress right before this started, but have reduced that significantly. And I'm not depressed, but this is MAKING me feel frustrated to the point I could see it going to a depressive state. Doctors look at me like it's all in my head & make me feel like I'm losing my ever loving mind. I have stopped all meds & supplements, except my Nexium because I have always had reflux & that's the only thing that works. I cannot tell you what a relief it is that I am not alone in this. But I have found no answers.

[jimmy33945]

I like that idea

[Matty856]

Hello , just another person looking for answrs , that just never seem to be anywhere . I'm 25 years old ,  male , I have been very athletic my whole life , until the most recent year, this past two-three months I have been having a sensation of adrenaline rushes right before I fall asleep . It happens about 2-3 times a week. I close my eyes and right as I start to doze off,  I'm woken up by a feeling I can only describe as if a friend popped out from behind the couch and scared the living sh** out of you.  I jump up from my sleep and grab my heart, and my heart is racing . This can happen to me about 20 times a night . Starting from 12am until 7am when my body is so frustrated and exhausted it finally falls asleep. After these episodes started happening ,  I started to wear my Fitbit to bed to track my sleep. When these episodes happen, and I jump out of bed from the scare, I check my Fitbit and it will say 120 bpm, and then it will drop back down 60 where I start to doze off again and then the cycle repeats itself . Also my heart rate goes very fast then slow, then fast again, within seconds . I have had slight anxiety my whole life but never full blown panic attacks. I have taken a very small dose of  Klonapin for years and have recently stopped 6 months ago. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions . I have seen cardiologists and other doctors pertaining to this issue and they say all my tests are negative and I'm healthy and to stop worrying , but this is not healthy .

[deedotkim]

does anyone here tried "zafrine" thers not mich details about this med.

[SusanE22]

I get the exact same symptoms & it's almost always when relaxed, but especially when starting to doze off to sleep. It rushes up through my chest & jerks me wide awake & nerve wracked. Usually goes on for hours & I either get zero sleep or a matter of an hour or two if I'm lucky. I am completely exhausted, frustrated, unnerved & at a loss. I have been to the ER twice for heart work ups to only come back normal & no answers. Only told I was having a severe stress response & anxiety. I have never had panic attacks before in my life. Just very anxious in certain situations like public speaking or test anxiety type stuff. I did have a LOT of stress for the few months prior to the onset of this happening to me every night. And was having dizziness, palpitations, heart racing & pounding very forcefully. Started having short rushes gradually here & there when at work through the day randomly, but short lived at first. Now every single night this haunts me & makes me feel like I am literally dying & every morning that I get up I thank God I actually woke up or survived another traumatizing night. My mental state is starting to suffer, as I am exhausted & beyond frustrated. But I am going to keep trying to figure this out. I just turned 48 so not sure if hormone related, stress related or potentially looking at possibly something along the lines of adrenal fatigue as I have several symptoms related to that, as well. I tried Celexa for a short time but still had bad episodes & read that it can have MAJOR side effects with my Nexium which I need for my stomach. I pray daily for guidance from God to help find a reason behind these symptoms & a way to eliminate or at least manage them.

[lml3717]

I am experiencing similar symptoms of adrenaline with rapid heart rate that fluctuates even at rest. I am getting tested for adrenal fatigue. Most western medicine docs do not consider this a condition so see a naturopath. I am taking the 24 hour cortisol saliva test along with sex hormone testing. Sometimes saliva tests can be helpful if snapshot blood tests are not enough.  It ***** when you feel awful, but docs say everything is normal. Also, think about adding magnesium taurate to your supplements. Start out with a low dose if you are on a beta blocker since magnesium acts in the same way to normalize blood pressure and heart rate. I'm also researching CoQ10 and running it by my cardiologist and naturopath. Don't give up on your health. Only you know how you are truly feeling!!

[motayamjaws]

Do you know how to reduce the random uncontrollable adrenaline rushes that causes the heart to beat fast ? I do get them everyday when I go outside or see someone i love or hate ..
your response will help a lot please..
I went to the Er a lot and did a lot of tests and all came back normal so it must be a panic and anxiety disorder

[Christosurviving]

I am a 48 yo male with these same exact symptoms for the last 7 mo's. in and out of ER's. 6 mo's ago full cardio workup, with no heart issues, ECP 4 months ago to rule out Hiatal Hernia, or upper GI issues. numerous blood test over the months with each hospital visit. nothing significant for that. CT scan of entire abdomen (no significant findings) during one episode a month ago i even broke out in small hives all over my body, so saw an alergist MD for food alergies test (not alergic to any foods). Just got blood work from another MD GENPRAC who finds my Testosterone level at 260 (evteremely low) started Andogel patches today, and will go back to alergist in a few days to test for environmental allergy's.  Keeping hopes up, even though each episode is so unmotivating and sad.

[Gary1624]

Did you ever find out what the cause of this was? I am experiencing very similar symptoms

[Lhcorb16]

I am a 55-year-old woman and have been experiencing what I believe to be adrenaline rushes constantly for over seven months now. They start in my stomach and feel like a surge of coolness through my stomach and chest. In the past three weeks, I have also been experiencing heart palpitations and fluttering and flopping in my chest, which is not new for me, having been diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse at age 18. But lately, it has gotten much worse. Could all of this be menopausal?  Is there any reason to think it could be something serious or life threatening?  Stress, caffeine, alcohol, and worry make it worse. Help!!!

[houston2828]

Hi! I have exact symptoms and am desperate. Did you ever get answers?? Help...

[mkdyh]

This probably isn't anxiety at all. Anxiety is something else altogether. You may have Cushings or some other adrenal disorder that increases your adrenaline. Do not let someone chalk up any symptom you are going through as "anxiety".  Consider checking to see if you have dysautonomia of some sort (maybe POTS).

[Lossinghope]

I have had the same thing the rushes and the fear of the episodes its has been going on for over a 2 years in between i have dayly crashes where out of the blue and no reason i cant even hold.my eyes open my rushes sometime last days and all the drs i have seen just say im fine my test all show normal except the high blood pressure during. Im now so discouraged that i fear the er they just treat me like im crazy i now have a lump on my left side on my neck the size of a golf ball but it doesn't show up on ct so the pain doesn't matter to them  thank god i found this i though i was completely alone my general dr just keeps saying your making yourself sick and novody will listen just keep giving me beta blockers and adavan that dont work thank you guys for posting your experience