Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Every minuet of every day

Reading these posts I can see that a lot of people are having the same/similar symptoms as I am having. I have been dealing with anxiety/panic attacks for about 15yrs. I have been put on Paxil (the worst medication I have ever taken) and replaced that with Alprazolam .5, 3x day for the past 8 years. I am also a recovering alcoholic of 143 months.
My Dr's have done heart monitors, Thallium stress test, changes in my diet but still no relief from the constant 2-3 episodes per min. There has been some times that I feel dizzy or faint.
Do the the economic conditions and political distress we are in, I do not have insurance to visit my Doctor at this time.
My questions are:

1. Will taking Alprazolam for as long as I have cause some of these symptoms?
2. My panic attacks will come on very strong after being in a very warm area, walking in a hot store or even after a meal, is this normal?
3. Being out of work has put more stress not only on myself, but has caused some distress in my marriage. When the adrenaline starts to kick in from heated discussions, I will have palpitations or a really bad panic attack. Does adrenaline trigger panic/anxiety/PVCs?

Thank you for your time.
Michael
2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1423357 tn?1511085442
I'm sorry you're having a difficult time.  My wife would argue that Alprazolam and Paxil saved her from a life of insanity.   She had many years of anxiety and panic attacks, and those meds along with psychological counciling cured her of her problem.  She now is on a maintenance dose of Venlafaxine after having to stop Paxil as it interacted with a drug she took following breast cancer. I would look into a clinic for possible help.
Helpful - 0
612551 tn?1450022175
COMMUNITY LEADER
Sorry to read of your difficult situation, all too common in recent years.

Being out of work you should check on Medicaid or other government health help.  You should not have to go without medical help because of your loss of work/insurance.

Bottom line, yes, you've got a series of things that "feed on one another" in my understanding.  I do not know anything about anxiety medications, but I have some of it due mostly to old age in my case.  My wife takes some anxiety and some depression meds, I think they help  but I can't say she's been on any as long as you have. If you are able to fill the prescription (have to get a doctor's approval at least every year I assume) it must be thought safe.

I've been on heart and cholesterol medications for over 10 years and when I ask my cardiologist about problems when they are used for many years he dismisses the question as much as answers it... in effect saying what are my alternatives.  
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Heart Rhythm Community

Top Arrhythmias Answerers
1807132 tn?1318743597
Chicago, IL
1423357 tn?1511085442
Central, MA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Are there grounds to recommend coffee consumption? Recent studies perk interest.
Salt in food can hurt your heart.
Get answers to your top questions about this common — but scary — symptom
How to know when chest pain may be a sign of something else
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.