55, female, maybe menopausal, history of panic disorder due to ganglioneuroma. Meds: Metoprolol 50mg (prevent palpitations) and alprazolam 0.5 as needed.
After an unusually restless and heavily perspiring sleep night, I awoke to palpitations that scared me. I continued to sweat and felt "not well" I took my blood pressure on a home monitor and it was 138/113 with a pulse of 99. I immediately took 50 mg metoprolol and .5 mg alprazolam. 15 mins later my bp was 140/90 with my pulse still 99. 15 mins after that my bp was 148/88 pulse 94. I took another 50 mg of metopolol and another 1/2 (.25) .5 alprazolam. Finally after another 30 mins my bp was 128/70 with a pulse of 66 and I began to feel better. I have never had an anxiety/panic attack of this nature. that is to say this was atypical of the symptoms of my normal attacks. I have been experiencing undiagnosed pain maybe (between my shoulders (appox bra strap area) for a couple weeks. But I do deep breathing regularly for relaxation techniques and I do not feel any chest pressure when breathing. Is it possible that this was a heart event or just another panic episode. I do feel fine now and my bp is currently 109/68 with a pulse of 56. I do appreciate any comments or insight. Thank you.