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I had my 1st caffeine Induced Panic Attack on Monday & im still feeling the effects!

Posted , 4 users are following.

gary65886
gary65886

Hello guys my names Gary.

1st of all I think its important to explain i got diagnosed with Anxiety in November 2011 after my dad passed away, the doctor put me on fluroxtine & sent me on a CBT course. I eventually got off the medication after 6 months and lifes been going pretty smooth in anxiety terms! (I must stress this was very mild anxiety- feeling dizzy in public places, locking my self off and my emotions was a mess)

On Monday around 1:30pm i started feeling light headed & abit dizzy in my local shopping market, so i called for a taxi back to my mothers house! Around 3pm after complaining to my mum about not feeling too great i.e my heart beat speed up, i was sweating, had pins & needles in my torso, was struggling to concentrate & speak, i also had the shakes. She eventually rang a paramedic as i honestly thought I was having a heart attack or a stroke!

It turned out to be a caffeine induced Anxiety Attack, due to not eating for 24hrs and having 4 coffees on Monday morning "which is very unusual" as i only have about 2 max! Anyway the paramedic calmed me down after checking temperature, suger levels, blood pressure & done a ECG.

That evening the palpitations wouldn't give up and i struggled too sleep as it felt like i was having a heart attack every time i tried to relax also my brain was overthinking which was making it worse, I feel asleep and got 4hrs zZz but as to get up at 6am Tuesday!

Its Thursday today and I'm still getting slight palpitations, tight chest, overthinking, loss of concentration, loss of appetite & insomnia. I've spoke to a GP on the Phone as he classed this not a emergency... He prescribed me beta blockers to slow down the heart rate & told me the tight chest is due the hyperventilating via Mondays attack. His booked me in for a routine appointment next Monday & told me I cant start my fluroxitone again as it could make the symptoms worse.

My worry is guys, its been 4 days since the Attack and I ain't back to my normal self, is there any advice of experience that could help me out? Will these feelings die down? Or is 4 days too long for the average person? Also Is there any advice how to help get too sleep and stop the over thinking?

Thank you in Advance for reading this essay, I hope its detailed enough for you guys!

Kind regards Gary.

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Misssy2
    Misssy2 gary65886

    Posted

    I think...that you are dehydrated.

    People have no idea how much not drinking enough fluids affects our bodies.

    i have an 88 year old mother in law with the same symptoms...dizzy and heart racing...and she likes her coffee...i understand that you said you only usually have 2...but the 4 you had...probably dehydrated you since coffee is a diuretic...makes us pee alot.

    I would make a consious effort to drink a lot of water today...and I bet you will feel better by the end of the day.

    • Misssy2
      Misssy2

      Posted

      It takes time to catch up from being dehydrated....drink, drink, drink
    • gary65886
      gary65886 Misssy2

      Posted

      Thank you misssy I'm filling up my glass now! Hopefully I do shake this off soon its such unpleasant feeling! Ty for a fast reply 👍

      Gary.

    • Misssy2
      Misssy2 gary65886

      Posted

      Actually, the Dr....told this woman...you would be surprised how much better you would feel if you drink enough fluids.  This woman drinks nothing but coffee...but hey...she is 88...doing something right!

      Again, it can take some time....if you can get your hands on a sports drink...like Gatorade...it may help you to absorb the fluids better because of the electrolytes....

      It really can be as simple as drinking enough fluids...because when I was dizzy...another seperate Dr. appt MY DR...asked if I was drinking enough..and honestly I don't think I was....so I try now daily to drink water right after my 2 morning coffees..till lunch...then more coffee...than more water....

      i drink right up until 3 hours before bed....I feel better.

    • Misssy2
      Misssy2

      Posted

      Its really A JOB by the way to make sure you get enough water ...LOL
  • alex0820
    alex0820 gary65886

    Posted

    Oh coffeeeee lol that can definitely start an anxiety attack. Not eating and having 4 cups was a bit drastic but as your GP said it does not sound like an emergency.

    It sounds like your body wants to get back to normal and wants some sleep, it is also VERY normal to have lingering anxiety after an apisode like that. I find that when I had panic attacks that sent me to the ED it usually took about 2 weeks to start feeling like myself.

    Get your General check up and try and get some rest and relaxation. I would not worry at all!

    Hope

    You feel better

    • gary65886
      gary65886 alex0820

      Posted

      Thank you Alex, I'm glad this aint gonna last too long then, the attack really shook me up! I think subconsciously its put fear into me & I'm struggling to shake it off!

      I haven't drank a coffee since, and I've only smoke like 4 since Monday (usually on 10 a day) but it feels like they are triggering the palpitations off too. So it prob dont help I'm getting caffeine & nicotine withdrawals.

      I did sleep for 8 hrs last night (Wednesday) on and off and Tues night 7 hrs on and off. Today doesn't feel as bad as other days!

      Thank you for your reassuring advice.

      Gary 👍

  • lisalisa67
    lisalisa67 gary65886

    Posted

    You keep re thinking about it so your body is replaying it.  Its a mind game from the experience. Be sure to eat your meals. Even if small. Need to keep sugar levels balanced and stay hydrated. 
    • gary65886
      gary65886 lisalisa67

      Posted

      Thank you Lisa, I am trying to eat but dont feel hungry most time. This demon called anxiety just aint buggering off but thank you for your kind words and advice I will try eat & drink .

      Gary

    • lisalisa67
      lisalisa67 gary65886

      Posted

      I go thru that. I use a nutritional shake. They are everywhere. Boost or ensure or a generic. They have chocolate, vanilla and or strawberry flavors. All supermarkets and pharmacies have them. They do wonders. 
  • EmeraldLion
    EmeraldLion gary65886

    Posted

    It's normal to feel the effects of panick/anxiety attacks for days after it took place. Things will calm down soon enough, so just hang in there.

    • gary65886
      gary65886 EmeraldLion

      Posted

      Thanks emerald ! Thats what I needed too hear 👍 just getting scared thinking why hasn't these feelings gone by the next day!

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