a new panic attack symptom?

[erin626]

I had to work this morning and I felt a little funky because I took benadryl before bed for my allergies and didn't get enough sleep. Or I thought that was the problem. I was dizzy, lightheaded, off balance, and felt weird like the floor was moving even though it wasn't. Then I started getting really hot and clammy. Especially my face but my finger and toes were ice cold. I ended up taking a xanax and within 20 min the symptoms left almost entirely. I've had the dizziness/lightheaded feeling before and have experienced the floor moving sensation but not very frequently. But the hot and clammy feeling with the cold extremities is new. I took my temp when I got home and have no fever so I assumed its an anxiety symptom especially because the xanax helped so much. It really freaked me out. I see my pcp wednesday and my therapist thursday. I just want some peace of mind until then.

[midnightvirtuoso]

Yeah, the lack of sleep can make you feel pretty weird and anxious. I hope that you're doing better now.

[erin626]

I've been taking benadryl regularly for the past few summers due to allergies. I was even taking it over the winter pretty regularly because of the dust the heating vents were stirring up. I think maybe some dizziness and lightheadedness were from not sleeping enough after taking the benadryl but I think the rest of my symptoms were just anxiety and the dizzy feeling was being exacberated by my anxiety. I havent really had a problem with the benadryl, just some grogginess/medicine head in the morning.

[midnightvirtuoso]

But remember, I'm not a Pharmacist or Dr.  Also, I forgot to mention that I've had anxiety felt this way with cold fingers and clammy hands. I sometimes get anxious and just feel cold like I want to be wrapped up in a blanket or something.

[midnightvirtuoso]

Do you usually take Benadryl? I know it makes me feel really weird, I don't even take the stuff at all. I looked up some of the side effects of Benadryl, here they are: Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth, nose, and throat; excitability; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness or anxiety; trouble sleeping; upset stomach; vomiting; weakness......... I'm thinking that you may have been experiencing some of these. You should maybe consider trying something else for your allergies if this persists.

[erin626]

That makes sense. I've had hot flashes but i've never gotten clammy or had really cold fingers and toes along with it. It definitley scared me.

[Persephone3576]

Hi, I've definitely had the feeling of being hot and clammy when I have a panic attack. I think maybe it's because you're in fight-or-flight mode, and your body is pulling the blood from your extremities in order to RUN or FIGHT. I'm not sure if my explanation is correct, but I've definitely experienced that before.