panic, ear ringing, clamminess, out of it

[Lolita466]

Hi, in the past few months I have noticed symptoms that correspond with symptoms of panic attacks. It usually happens when I'm in class or driving or somewhere I can't easily leave. I start to feel really out of it and lose my sense of reality, I get tingling feelings, I get really hot and then really cold, ears ringing, dry mouth, my hands get clammy, I feel like I'm going to pass out or have a seizure and I start to panic. Usually I can calm myself down by putting my head down in my hands but sometimes I have to leave wherever I am. I'm 20 years old and this has been happening since Oct. of 2007, usually at least once a week. Is this a panic attack or could it be something else?

[Philip D Parks, MD, MPH, MOccH, FACOEM]

Dear Lolita,

I recommend that you pursue the anxiety thread or you might consider posting your question in another expert forum such as Family Medicine or Undiagnosed Symptoms. This forum is reserved for questions regarding occupational health and safety.

Good luck to you.


~•~ Dr. Parks

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

[Lolita466]

Thank you so much for responding, it's good to know I'm not alone with this. I will definitely take a look at the anxiety thread, thank you!

[Shelley900]

Hi! I would say that this sounds ALOT like a panic/anxiety attack (if you post your comment into the 'Anxiety' thread, and read the comments there, you'll see alot of us are experiencing the same things)  I get those same symptoms also and they just make you panic even more so you end up stuck in the vicious circle :-(  I've been suffering from anxiety attacks (which seem to be health anxiety as I'm constantly worrying about my health) for around the past 2 and a half months roughly and I'm currently taking beta-blockers, which have definitely helped with the panic attacks, but everyday the anxiety still seems to be there and I wish I could just feel normal again! lol  If this carries on, you should see your GP as I feel I let it go on for too long before I actually went and got help. Hope this helps a bit and helps you realise you are not alone x