Are "panic attacks" a common side affect of treatment?

[Victoria2008]

I began treatment 11 weeks ago. My blood cell counts are way lower than when I began treatment and I am now anemic. Last check my hemaglobin was 8.88. Well I understand that difficulty breathing and faintness are not uncommon as side effects from the interferon and riboviron - but also in relation to the anemia. But a few weeks ago I became so faint I called 911- things seemed to cheak out ok at the hospital, exept the blood count. But then Saturday night it happened again ! The difficulty breathing and feeling that I was passing out (VERY SCARY!) But this time I also had chest pain and I thought I might be actually having a heart attack or something - once again at the hospital, same things all cheaking out - and so the doctor says I might be having panic attacks... Well i'm 43, never had anything like this happen to me before, and honestly the whole thing just really scares the **** outta me with this now happening. I looked up panic attacks and see that people do end up at the E.R. alot espeacially if they don't know what is happening. It does seem this is what may be up now with me. Is this common with the hepatitis c treatment!!?? I really could use some help with this...

[Trinity4]

HGB 8.8 is not good!!!  I can't believe the hospital or your doctor did not recommend you start on Procrit immediately.  Anemia can cause all of the symptoms you have listed.  Please talk with you treating physician about your symptoms first thing tomorrow.  It is dangerous to continue tx without consulting your physician and getting the necessary drug for the amemia.  I'm sure others will lend their advise as well.
Trinity  

[portann]

i'm new to this and really am not well-informed. So many people on this site are amazingly knowledgeable.

Still, I wanted to reply because i'm in my eleventh week, just like you, and my biggest problem is feeling weak and short of breath. i feel the way you describe just by climbing one flight of stairs to the bedroom.

I've escaped most of the other side effects (maybe not for long!) except for this breathlessness and fatigue. My hemoglobin is confirmed low and I'm suspecting maybe my platelet is becoming that way, too.The breathlessness is getting worse.

I read in one of Dr. D's replies to someone else that interferon/ribivirin treatment tends to enhance autoimmune disorders. Since I have a history of allergies that sometimes make me mildly asthmatic, I'm wondering if the interferon is stirring up my breathlessness more than usual. On the other hand, it could just be that I need to start on the procrit, etc.

As for your chest pains, that's scary and I have no experience with that at all. I hope some of the experienced people can give you some ideas.

[Bill1954]

You may or may not be experiencing panic attacks; however, Trinity’s advice is spot on; Based on several years of reading anecdotal reports in here, as well as speaking with doctors, you are approaching transfusion limits; typically considered at ~Hgb 8.5 g/dL.

I would definitely speak with my medical team ASAP tomorrow; they may either dose reduce your HCV meds or Rx Procrit until this is straightened out. Let them make this decision, however. Don’t take this lightly; act on it.

Best—

Bill

[CMcH]

I have felt the same way as you SOB w/stairs to the point  of dizziness and chest pain. I have felt like I was having panic attacks also esp. when out in the sun that feels like it is scalding my skin. I feel like I have to flee like that adrenalin flight or fight syndrome. I am so uncomfortable in my own skin with the rash, chemical headaches and mouth sores. That I don't even like being around myself. I believe the SOB is from the anemia making it difficult to efficiently transport O2 to your muscles. Then the heart works harder to pump blood through to get more O2 causing chest pain. that is just my opinion I am not a Doc.
You should get on some rescue drugs or transfuse as others have suggested. I have had to have several shots of Procrit and Neupogen and I did feel better a couple of  weeks after. Take care and good luck.
Connie

[jmjm530]

Sounds more like signficant/dangerous anemia than a panic attack. I'd call your doctor and/or go to the ER right away. Depending on how you present yourself today, they may suggest either a dose reduction in ribavirin and/or a transfusion, or just very careful monitoring. The problem with dose reduction is it can potentially lower your chances of SVR although given your hgb levels, you probably have plenty in your system, but that's not a scientic statment. BTW do you know what your hemoglobin was prior to treatment? As to Procrit (epo) I would definitely ask for it, but Procrit takes 2-4 weeks to kick in and it sounds like you may need some help right now. After that gets sorted out, you might consider getting a new medical team. You never should have been put into this position. I'd look for a hepatologist (liver specialist) in a large, teaching hospital.

[kimmypoo2]

anemia...is right on the money ...get to doc right away

[nygirl7]

I fainted dead away in the shower - i KNOW how you feel!  Your doc simply must get you started on Procrit immediately, in fact should have when your counts got to ten.

If your doctor WONT prescribe the medication (some doctors are not into the most current treatments) find a hemotologist that will. You really need it.  If they won't they might tell you to dose reduce and you don't want to do that at all!

Please contact your doctor immediately - everyone on this thread is 100% correct.

you really need it before it gets any worse and it can take 2 - 6 weeks to work.

Please call right now!

[gauf]

Jm is right, probably anemia. Causes fast heart rate. See this link below for more info on anemia and fast heart rate.

http://tinyurl.com/57gnja