Panic attacks caused by hydrocodone use?

[mellen1967]

I began to have panic attacks a few years ago. My attacks have occurred mostly at home and have been triggered by smoking pot. Lately, in the past few months, I've had attacks when I'm in a meeting with authority figures at work, or when I'm in situations when I feel trapped. One was triggered when I was waiting on my car to be brought by the valet at a hotel I was staying at. I've been seeing a psychologist, which helps a little, and have been taking Xanax as needed. My Xanax use has turned into taking one every night so I can sleep. I've also been taking the full dosage of Hydrocodone (4 pills 5/500) per day for my herniated disk. I can't deny I like the way it makes me feel, but I do need something to relieve my back pain and OTC doesn't work for me. I really want to know if the Xanax or the hydrocodone use could be causing my panic attacks to get worse. This disorder is really making my life miserable at times, always worried that I'll have an attack, and that becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.

[AO111]

Yes it can cause anxiety. I've been on it for over a year and sometimes it gives me anxiety attacks. However it used to relax me and lessen my anxiety but it seems the longer I'm on it the more anxiety it causes.

[mellen1967]

Thanks for the response. I'm not sure what to do. I guess I need to stop taking it, but I'm not sure what I could take as an alternative. Seems every drug causes some kind of side effect.