![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 92. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Panic_Attack on September 27, 2002, at 11:13:59
Hi everybody... I'm interested in finding other people that have similar issues as mine. I am a 21 female and i like to drink. This just started about a year ago but after i go out drinking.... (I am a beer drinker) when i go home.. i fall asleep ok... but i wake up at 7am with severe panic/anxiety. Worse than normal. I cant explain the feeling. Its not actually a panic attack that goes away...its stays all day. (Not a hangover) My heart races really fast and i feel really shitty. Does anybody else have this experience? I know people will say to quit drinking but i like drinking. I cut down tremendously! The only thing that helps me fight these anxiety and panic feelings is when i take Remeron. A tiny tiny peice knocks me out and its great. Why does Alcohol do this to me now? Even a little alcohol messes me all up :(
Posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 12:10:23
In reply to Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Panic_Attack on September 27, 2002, at 11:13:59
YES!!! Alcohol can worsen panic attacks and all forms of anxiety as well as all forms of depression. This is because alcohol is a potent central nervous system depressant drug and it makes you more depressed. Where there is severe anxiety and panic, there is also some depression. You need to realize that depression usually goes hand in hand with severe panic attacks/GAD/PTSD, etc.
You need to stop drinking booze completely and clean your life up. If you do recreational "party" drugs like ecstasy, you need to stop doing that also. Ecstasy can worsen panic attacks, as well as everything else.
Keep it up and Id say eventually you will probably end up inpatient for a few weeks, probably will get ECT recommended to you one day. I can read your post and just tell...sorry.
Mr. Sad PuppyDog
Posted by Phil on September 27, 2002, at 12:30:27
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 12:10:23
Near the end of my alcohol abuse, I was getting the same symtoms. Sometimes for days after.
Alcoholism is rampant in my family so I stopped drinking and don't miss it. Funny, when you go to parties sober, you see what an ass most people are on alcohol.
Many if not most alcoholics, once they get sober, find underlying depression, panic, self-esteem from hell, etc.
I think your body is sending a clear message for you to stop drinking. These problems do not get better. You don't have a problem, just a decision to make.
I wish you the best because it seems unfair but could be a blessing in disguise.
It's also good to keep in mind that if you have alcoholism in your family, you've got a 4X's greater chance of being one yourself. Be careful.Phil
Posted by awake at last on September 27, 2002, at 13:08:06
In reply to Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Panic_Attack on September 27, 2002, at 11:13:59
Do you have a history of problems with low blood sugar? I'm hypoglycemic and I know that drinking alcohol can cause this effect for me.
When I drink alcohol - which contains a high amount of sugar and carbs, my body over-reacts to the increased level of sugar in my blood and produces too much insulin. To offset this imbalance, my body then tries to decrease the insulin to a normal level by releasing adrenaline (ie...causing the panic attacks).
Since you said that Remeron seems to help, I suspect this could be the issue. Remeron is designed to suppress the production of nor epinephrine....thus you are suppressing the release of adrenaline.
Unfortunately there is no magic pill to make this better. Had I known when I was younger that this was what my problem was, I would have quit drinking back then, because continuing to expose your body to high levels of carbs and sugar will only make the hypoglycemia worse - or turn a minor blood sugar problem into full hypoglycemia.
Now, you might be thinking that taking the Remeron is a good way to get past this - but I wouldn't advise it. By suppressing you body’s ability to naturally level out your insulin levels - you may find that your insulin levels then stay too high.
It's a vicious cycle I know - I've lived with having to control mine for years now. Note that hypoglycemia is a major cause of depression.
Do you ever get this same feeling after eating a large meal of carbs - like pasta or potatoes, or after eating a dessert full of sugar? Or does your family have a history of hypoglycemia or diabetes in it?
If so you might want to check it out.
_________________________________________________
> Hi everybody... I'm interested in finding other people that have similar issues as mine. I am a 21 female and i like to drink. This just started about a year ago but after i go out drinking.... (I am a beer drinker) when i go home.. i fall asleep ok... but i wake up at 7am with severe panic/anxiety. Worse than normal. I cant explain the feeling. Its not actually a panic attack that goes away...its stays all day. (Not a hangover) My heart races really fast and i feel really shitty. Does anybody else have this experience? I know people will say to quit drinking but i like drinking. I cut down tremendously! The only thing that helps me fight these anxiety and panic feelings is when i take Remeron. A tiny tiny peice knocks me out and its great. Why does Alcohol do this to me now? Even a little alcohol messes me all up :(
Posted by rod on September 27, 2002, at 13:34:46
In reply to Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Panic_Attack on September 27, 2002, at 11:13:59
A friend of mine experince just the same. He has a truly alcohol problem.
For me, alcohol does not cause panic attacks, but sure did not ease the treatment of my psych. problems. (also had an alcohol problem in the past)rod
Posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 13:43:23
In reply to Can be caused by low blood sugar reaction., posted by awake at last on September 27, 2002, at 13:08:06
> Do you have a history of problems with low blood sugar? I'm hypoglycemic and I know that drinking alcohol can cause this effect for me.
> When I drink alcohol - which contains a high amount of sugar and carbs, my body over-reacts to the increased level of sugar in my blood and produces too much insulin. To offset this imbalance, my body then tries to decrease the insulin to a normal level by releasing adrenaline (ie...causing the panic attacks).How do you know this? Has a doctor told you this information? Or is this just your "opinion" of what happens to you based upon reading alternative medicine books? Alcohol worsens both anxiety and depression thru depressing the central nervous system. It has nothing to do with diet or blood sugar. Alcohol, thru its CNS depressant qualities, just makes ALL mental illnesses worse...much worse.
> Since you said that Remeron seems to help, I suspect this could be the issue. Remeron is designed to suppress the production of nor epinephrine....thus you are suppressing the release of adrenaline.
> Unfortunately there is no magic pill to make this better. Had I known when I was younger that this was what my problem was, I would have quit drinking back then, because continuing to expose your body to high levels of carbs and sugar will only make the hypoglycemia worse - or turn a minor blood sugar problem into full hypoglycemia.
> Now, you might be thinking that taking the Remeron is a good way to get past this - but I wouldn't advise it. By suppressing you body’s ability to naturally level out your insulin levels - you may find that your insulin levels then stay too high.
> It's a vicious cycle I know - I've lived with having to control mine for years now. Note that hypoglycemia is a major cause of depression.
> Do you ever get this same feeling after eating a large meal of carbs - like pasta or potatoes, or after eating a dessert full of sugar? Or does your family have a history of hypoglycemia or diabetes in it?
> If so you might want to check it out.
>I dont think diet has much to do with panic attacks. Sorry. In fact, I find eating a meal loaded with carbs to be relaxing afterwards. I read that carbs release endorphins and serotonin in the brain after you eat them. Thats why they say eating starch at bedtime will make you sleep and relaxed.
This thing about diet is way way overhyped in this country. As long as you eat a basic diet thats decent is all that matters. I dont believe anxiety or panic is in anyway related to diet...sorry I do not go for this "alternative medicine" theory. Please do not fall for this alternative medicine stuff, its mostly BS designed to sell you OTC supplements, which is a multi-billion dollar, totally UNREGULATED business BTW.
Mr. Sad PuppyDog
Posted by Panic_Attack on September 27, 2002, at 16:02:32
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 12:10:23
Mr Sad Puppy... cough cough... What is ECT? I was inpatient couple weeks ago :) Horrible experience but my panic attacks were so out of control i wanted to kill myself. But what is ECT? No... I dont use any drugs... gave that up. I had a very bad cocaine overdose over a year ago which triggered these panic attacks. I never had any problems with panic or anxiety untilt he overdose. Is it a chemical imbalance? Did the cocaine fuk me for life? Will this ever go away? Did I screw up my nervous system? I thought for awhile it was a blood/sugar thing.... i notice after i eat sugar i get all panicKy... but i have been tot he doc so many times and they find nothing wrong with me. But im telling you... its not panic attacks... i feel real weak and dizzy all day and remeron is the only thing that takes it away. By the way... yes alcoholism runs in my family! Well my father was a bad alcoholic... i know i am getting there. i love drinking and partying. Im only 21 though... i hospitalized myself trying to get help... nothing. Well i apreciate any advice (dont say quit drinking.... i cant yet)
Posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 16:53:40
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Panic_Attack on September 27, 2002, at 16:02:32
> Mr Sad Puppy... cough cough... What is ECT? I was inpatient couple weeks ago :) Horrible experience but my panic attacks were so out of control i wanted to kill myself. But what is ECT? No... I dont use any drugs... gave that up. I had a very bad cocaine overdose over a year ago which triggered these panic attacks. I never had any problems with panic or anxiety untilt he overdose. Is it a chemical imbalance? Did the cocaine fuk me for life? Will this ever go away? Did I screw up my nervous system? I thought for awhile it was a blood/sugar thing.... i notice after i eat sugar i get all panicKy... but i have been tot he doc so many times and they find nothing wrong with me. But im telling you... its not panic attacks... i feel real weak and dizzy all day and remeron is the only thing that takes it away. By the way... yes alcoholism runs in my family! Well my father was a bad alcoholic... i know i am getting there. i love drinking and partying. Im only 21 though... i hospitalized myself trying to get help... nothing. Well i apreciate any advice (dont say quit drinking.... i cant yet)
ECT is Electric Convulsive Therapy...shock treatment. You have it written all over you IMO, maybe not right now but eventually. Yes, the cocaine WILL mess up your nervous system completely IF you take enough of it for a long enough time period. Definitely.Plenty of rock stars and movie stars have gone thru drug and alcohol rehab to find themselves STILL severely messed up at the end, even after they've been off drugs/booze for a while. Many find that the ONLY thing that will blast them out of the mess they've created with drugs/booze is Electric Shock.
Mr. Sad PuppyDog
Posted by Phil on September 27, 2002, at 18:38:41
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 16:53:40
Have any names on that ECT list??
Posted by Phil on September 27, 2002, at 19:43:06
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Panic_Attack on September 27, 2002, at 16:02:32
Panic_Attack, I really am worried about you. You need an appt w/ a psychologist next week that knows addiction issues. Trust me, please.
You aren't doing very well and you don't have to live that way.
It's your choice. I've been there and I hope for your sake that you make the right decision.
I know how all of this sounds to you but your very best friend in the world would say the same thing. Talk to someone and find that nagging little anger that you are self-medicating away.
At least, think it over...will you?
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 27, 2002, at 19:53:11
In reply to Re: blood sugar has nothing to do with anxiety., posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 13:43:23
> How do you know this? Has a doctor told you this information? Or is this just your "opinion" of what happens to you based upon reading alternative medicine books?
To repeat, please don't post anything that could lead others to feel put down.
Bob
Posted by rod on September 28, 2002, at 6:39:55
In reply to Re: blood sugar has nothing to do with anxiety., posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 13:43:23
> How do you know this? Has a doctor told you this information? Or is this just your "opinion" of what happens to you based upon reading alternative medicine books? Alcohol worsens both anxiety and depression thru depressing the central nervous system. It has nothing to do with diet or blood sugar. Alcohol, thru its CNS depressant qualities, just makes ALL mental illnesses worse...much worse.
>That is true, but one cant exclude too low blood sugar level as a cause for anxiety and panic atttacks.
Read "MSD Medical Manual" chapter hypoglycemia. Thats not a book about alternative medicine. It mentions anxiety as one symptom of too low blood sugar level.
Posted by Panic_Attack on September 28, 2002, at 9:24:48
In reply to Re: blood sugar has nothing to do with anxiety., posted by rod on September 28, 2002, at 6:39:55
Thanks for the responces. ECT sounds good. If it takes away all this anxierty ILL DO IT!! I have been to many doctors and they have tried to prescribe me Paxil..Zoloft..etc. I cannot take SSRI's HORRIBLE! So i take Serzone. They dont do much... they recommend me to go to AA meetings and non of that crap works. I have to WANT to quit and at this point in my life i have nothing to look foward to. I work and go home and get so bored that i go to a bar and drink. Im still young. Maybe Ill grow out of this partying stage. Maybe not! Only time will tell. I dont like feeling this way so hopefully ill wisen up and QUIT! Anyways... thank you all for the advice... i idont have insurance anymore so theres not much i can do @ this point. *Cynthia*
Posted by Phil on September 28, 2002, at 10:02:39
In reply to Re: blood sugar has nothing to do with anxiety., posted by Panic_Attack on September 28, 2002, at 9:24:48
I think you have it backwards. The drinking is depressing you which makes you isolate which makes you drink.
I was 21 in 1864 and I remember me, then. I never rode my horse sober. No, my horses name wasn't Sober, it was On Something Else. So, I rarely rode On Something Else sober.
Just try to take care of yourself the best you can. I think the best thing you can do for yourself is try to eat healthy. It makes a huge difference.
In the meantime, cheers.Phil
Posted by Panic_Attack on September 28, 2002, at 13:54:24
In reply to Re: blood sugar has nothing to do with anxiety., posted by Phil on September 28, 2002, at 10:02:39
Thanks Phil.. that was really sweet :) That's probally another major problem... i do not eat healthy at all. I was not raised to eat fruits and vegetables. They are so nasty but I am going to force myself. After work today i am going to go shopping and buy lots of fish and fruits, etc. Hopefully this will help a little... thanks
Posted by Arthur Gibson on September 28, 2002, at 14:35:26
In reply to Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Panic_Attack on September 27, 2002, at 11:13:59
So am I. I have been through all that you have and I can tell you it only gets worse. Much, much, much, much, much worse. Then it gets worse.
You are on the start of a road that leads to hell. ECT will do you no good, no drugs will help you. Nothing will help you. I have tried everything and there is only one answer - STOP DRINKING!
Even then the problem is not cured. You become a "dry drunk", but that is miles better than a wet drunk.
If you keep drinking the anxiety will get rapidly worse to the point where only alchohol will stop the anxiety. This is because the anxiety you feel is withdrawal.
Trust me, there is only one answer - STOP DRINKING!
It is very difficult to do and thirty years after you stop you will still be alchoholic, but you will not have the anxiety.
Posted by awake at last on September 28, 2002, at 19:28:59
In reply to Re: blood sugar has nothing to do with anxiety., posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 13:43:23
Mr.Sad Puppy Dog
My comments are neither my "opinion" nor considered to be alternative medicine. They are facts from my doctor and are well established in the medical profession. As well, they are supported by many well founded Organizations for Hypoglycemia and Alcoholism (including AA).
Panic_Attack and others interested:
It has been documented in the medical profession that a very high percentage of Alcoholics are hypoglycemic. Here are a few sites that you might find interesting, but information can be obtained from most doctors regarding these topics as well.www.healthrecovery.com/alcoholism_hypoglycemia.html
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Hypoglycemia (especially reactive hypoglycemia) is hard to diagnose from a test. Often a 5-6 hour glucose test is given, but even this can not always detect the disease.
When the blood sugar drops, the body's adrenaline kicks in and can restore the body's blood sugar levels in less than 3 minutes, so if blood is only being drawn every 30 minutes, it is very easy for the lowest reading to be missed.
My last doctor chose a different route. He gave me a glucometer and told me to keep my normal life routine, but told me to take my blood sugar levels every hour (during the day) for several days and as well to take it at times when I felt weak, tired or faint.
During any of my glucose tolerance tests the doctors were never able to register a blood glucose of less than 70 g/dl, but continual monitoring at home showed my blood sugar often falling in the 60's and as low as 49. (note that a reading of <50g/dl is a diagnosis of hypglycemia, 51-69 is diagnosed as hypoglycemia if other symptoms are confirmed. A normal glucose level is 70-110 g/dl).
If anyone suspects or is curious that this could be the case - you can purchase a glucometer at any pharmacy or most convenience stores and check your own blood sugar levels. If you find low readings, take the glucometer to the doctor with you and show them your results.Each of us must choose our preference for treatment...after 2 years of trying various anti-depressants to no avail...I choose to do what it took in order to keep off of as many medications as possible and restore my health. I have been diagnosed with Hypoglycemia and Narcolepsy (both derived from Fibromyalgia). Today I live a happy, healthy life, and the only medicine I take is Provigil, and I take 1 multi-vitamin a day (not a horde of vitamins, minerals and herb as in some alternative medicine practices). I maintain a healthy hypoglycemic diet and regular exercise routine in order to stay this way. At age of 21 I enjoyed a hardy College party life and would have found giving up my social drinking difficult (I was fortunate to not have become an alcoholic). But now at 34 I find that the price I pay in poor health far out ways the need for a drink.
I won't lie and say that giving up alcohol will be easy at first - sugar was my weakness - giving it up was very difficult for me, but being on the hypoglycemic diet really did initially reduce and now completely eliminate the uncontrollable cravings I once had.
Good luck in whatever endeavor you take....________________________________________________
> > Do you have a history of problems with low blood sugar? I'm hypoglycemic and I know that drinking alcohol can cause this effect for me.
> > When I drink alcohol - which contains a high amount of sugar and carbs, my body over-reacts to the increased level of sugar in my blood and produces too much insulin. To offset this imbalance, my body then tries to decrease the insulin to a normal level by releasing adrenaline (ie...causing the panic attacks).
>
> How do you know this? Has a doctor told you this information? Or is this just your "opinion" of what happens to you based upon reading alternative medicine books? Alcohol worsens both anxiety and depression thru depressing the central nervous system. It has nothing to do with diet or blood sugar. Alcohol, thru its CNS depressant qualities, just makes ALL mental illnesses worse...much worse.
>
> > Since you said that Remeron seems to help, I suspect this could be the issue. Remeron is designed to suppress the production of nor epinephrine....thus you are suppressing the release of adrenaline.
> > Unfortunately there is no magic pill to make this better. Had I known when I was younger that this was what my problem was, I would have quit drinking back then, because continuing to expose your body to high levels of carbs and sugar will only make the hypoglycemia worse - or turn a minor blood sugar problem into full hypoglycemia.
> > Now, you might be thinking that taking the Remeron is a good way to get past this - but I wouldn't advise it. By suppressing you body’s ability to naturally level out your insulin levels - you may find that your insulin levels then stay too high.
> > It's a vicious cycle I know - I've lived with having to control mine for years now. Note that hypoglycemia is a major cause of depression.
> > Do you ever get this same feeling after eating a large meal of carbs - like pasta or potatoes, or after eating a dessert full of sugar? Or does your family have a history of hypoglycemia or diabetes in it?
> > If so you might want to check it out.
> >
>
> I dont think diet has much to do with panic attacks. Sorry. In fact, I find eating a meal loaded with carbs to be relaxing afterwards. I read that carbs release endorphins and serotonin in the brain after you eat them. Thats why they say eating starch at bedtime will make you sleep and relaxed.
>
> This thing about diet is way way overhyped in this country. As long as you eat a basic diet thats decent is all that matters. I dont believe anxiety or panic is in anyway related to diet...sorry I do not go for this "alternative medicine" theory. Please do not fall for this alternative medicine stuff, its mostly BS designed to sell you OTC supplements, which is a multi-billion dollar, totally UNREGULATED business BTW.
>
> Mr. Sad PuppyDog
Posted by FredPotter on September 29, 2002, at 17:39:30
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Mr. SadPuppyDog on September 27, 2002, at 12:10:23
Urban legend. Yes alcohol makes me worse in the long term but not for the reason given. Alcohol is a CNS depressant. That doesn't mean it gives you depression but rather depresses things like respiration
Posted by Panic_Attack on October 1, 2002, at 20:57:58
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!? » Mr. SadPuppyDog, posted by FredPotter on September 29, 2002, at 17:39:30
I am going to purchase a glucometer next payday!! I just spoke with my mom and she just told me my father was hypoglycemic. I dont believe this. What if this is what I have and i am shoving all these pills down my throat (which are not really helping much at all)!! I hope this is all i have... i cant wait to test myself. I really appreciate your reply AWAKEATLAST and everybody else. You have been much help. Im not a full blown alcoholic yet but im getting really close.
Posted by awake at last on October 2, 2002, at 9:00:04
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by Panic_Attack on October 1, 2002, at 20:57:58
You're Welcome,
My 4 years of torture - going from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what was really wrong with me and determining how to fix it rather than downing pills that didn't help and only gave me side effects has encouraged me to at least share my experiences with others. If I can save anyone else 4 years and the expense of all that testing - it's worth the comments I get from some of the skeptics.Make sure you keep a normal lifestyle while testing with your glucometer - and monitor your results. After that take a couple of weeks, drink no alcohol and follow a hypoglycemic diet (there are many on the net or you can get one from your local hospital), see how you feel during that two weeks (but don't cheat). If you feel better - odds are good this is your problem.
I really wish I could tell you that this will be easy - but it's hard at first, it's a complete lifestyle change - but the payoff is worth it and it gets much easier as time goes on.
The general hypoglycemic diets are rather bland and boring, so I'll give you a tip - I now pretty much follow the Suzanne Somers diet. She practices what they call eating by combination. She never mixes proteins with carbs., removes sugar, potatoes and white flour from the diet (that's a little simplistic - you need to read it all), but it's a perfect diet for controlling insulin. Do some research on Insulin - you'll see that eating proten and carbs together will trigger your body to produce more insulin than just eating them alone. Her diet allows you to eat quite frequently if desired and only restricts eating during a 2-3 hour period if switching food types. Great for those of us with crazy schedules who eat on the spur of the moment or who like to munch. As well, she has some great recipes that use sugar substitutes for those of us who hate giving up our sweet tooth.Good Luck!
(P.S. - My brother is hypoglycemic and an alcoholic, he's not yet made the decision to give up drinking - and it's destroying his life - if you are not a true alcoholic yet, try hard to control it now, the worse it gets - the harder it is to come back.)__________________________________________________
> I am going to purchase a glucometer next payday!! I just spoke with my mom and she just told me my father was hypoglycemic. I dont believe this. What if this is what I have and i am shoving all these pills down my throat (which are not really helping much at all)!! I hope this is all i have... i cant wait to test myself. I really appreciate your reply AWAKEATLAST and everybody else. You have been much help. Im not a full blown alcoholic yet but im getting really close.
Posted by rod on October 7, 2002, at 11:25:41
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿?!?!?, posted by awake at last on October 2, 2002, at 9:00:04
> My 4 years of torture - going from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what was really wrong with me and determining how to fix it rather than downing pills that didn't help
Im just curious, did you ever try a MAOI (especially Moclobemide)??
Besides that, your info about hypoglycemia is very usefull. It might be the answer to my problems too ...
rod
Posted by Burt on October 7, 2002, at 14:11:52
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿? » awake at last, posted by rod on October 7, 2002, at 11:25:41
When I was young, I was a heavy drinker. I think, I started at age 14. I later worked in a job, which was very alcohol tolerant (advertising), any kinds of drinks were on the house, all day. I'm amazed how we got any work done. At age 28, after a serious round of intensive partying, I woke up with a severe panic attack. In a lucid moment, I said to myself: "Have a drink. If the symptoms go anway, then it's the booze." The symptons went away and it was the last drink I had in my life. I'm in my mid 50's now.
My wife drinks. She can't kick it and it literally drives her crazy. Given enough alcohol, she is diagnosed as psychotic or even schizophrenic. Major tranquilizers (antipsychotics, such as Thorazine, Olanzapine etc.) worsen her symptoms.
SSRIs worsen the symptoms (not as much as antipsychotics).
ECT worked, but she doesn't want to repeat it.
MAOIs (Parnate) work.
What really would work is to give up drinking. She has a terribly hard time doing so.
She's an artist, and she thinks and sees the world in fine nuances. In the case of giving up drinking, this works against her.
I am a very linear, black/white type. This sometimes doesn't work for me in daily life, but it definitely helped me giving up drinking (and before that, smoking) cold turkey without any relapses.
I agree that you should never ever have another drink if you have given up. It simply is too dangerous. I don't care whether I am labeled a "recovering alcoholic," a "dry alcoholic," or a teetotaler. It doesn't matter. I simply don't drink.
Also, one side effect of giving up drinking was gaining considerable power. In my alcohol days, I avoided conflicts by getting drunk. Later, I had to face the conflicts and deal with them. After some years, conflicts didn't worry me anymore. I knew, I could deal with them.
Today, my only worry is my wife. That is very hard to deal with.
My opinion: Any "reasons" for drinking (glucose, parents, peer pressure, yada, yada) aren't worth thinking about. I could give you 1000 reasons to get drunk. And when you are an alcoholic, there is one thing you will always have in abundance: Reasons for drinking, and reasons for not giving up. Reasoning with alcohol is a losing proposition. Your either give it up. Or you don't.
Posted by awake at last on October 7, 2002, at 15:00:29
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿? » awake at last, posted by rod on October 7, 2002, at 11:25:41
No, I have not taken MAOI's, mostly anti-depressants such as Wellbutrin, Celexa and Effexor. But my major complaint was exhaustion, lack of motivation & inability to concentrate - not anxiety, although I had my moments. I was fortunate to finally be referred to an excellent Internist who wanted to exhaust his knowledge before sending me on to a pdoc - or I probably would have gone through many more meds for the wrong reasons.
Fortunately I don't have a history of Drug or Alcohol abuse - or any tragic event to cause depression, so my Internist truly felt my problems were medically derived. It still took us a year to figure it out (note I'd already spent 3 years with other doctors who ran a lot of test and told me I was fine, just getting old, or must have a deeper issue to resolve... whatever!....).
I suffer from Hypoglycemia, Narcolepsy, and Fibromyalgia (Narcolepsy was brought on by the Fibromyalgia). Basically - my immune system went haywire and turn on me - attacking good cells as well as bad. I take Provigil to help correct the Narcolepsy (not curable since our bodies won't replace the lost cells that caused this condition). To control the Hypoglycemia - I maintain the right diet - I feel much better! I've decided to start taking guaifenesin to try to reverse my fibromyalgia - I'm hoping it works.Pdoc's definitely have a place and a need in our society, but sometimes, especially in people who have a history of drug, alcohol abuse, etc, I think it is easy for them to overlook that their problems may be derived from a natural medical issue rather than one induced by outside factors.
My brother is hypoglycemic and an Alcoholic - I know that his panic attacks are driven from drinking. During his dry spells, when he watches what he eats - he suffers no depression or attacks. Unfortunatley he is a musician and for him playing in bars makes it too easy to take that first drink - and quickly that hypoglycemia cycle kicks in and the cravings come back. For him...a cure will mean a career change...and that is hard decision to make. Most of the people I see here - I believe are ready to do whatever it requires to get better.
I hope for you this might be an answer - if not, keep researching - in my adventures, the thing I found most is that knowledge truly is power. If I had left it up to the doctors to figure out what was wrong, I would still not feel well today - my research led me to question my doctors, to tell them things I wouldn't normally tell them (For example - why would I tell my Internist that I have brittle fingernails or TMJ - that's a dental thing right? - Wrong - it was another factor to diagnosing my Fibromyalgia). Had I not stumbled across the symptoms of Fibromyalgia and questioned my doctor on it - he never would have considered it.Good Luck!
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> > My 4 years of torture - going from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what was really wrong with me and determining how to fix it rather than downing pills that didn't help
>
> Im just curious, did you ever try a MAOI (especially Moclobemide)??
>
> Besides that, your info about hypoglycemia is very usefull. It might be the answer to my problems too ...
>
> rod
Posted by FredPotter on October 7, 2002, at 22:42:15
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿? » rod, posted by awake at last on October 7, 2002, at 15:00:29
I don't play piano as my main source of income but I do play jazz regularly in bars. Every morning I pop an antabuse pill (while I'm only partially awake) and then I can forget alcohol. It's remarkably liberating. It's quite possible to drink soft drinks and play music. In fact I'm staggered by how much better I play
Posted by Burt on October 8, 2002, at 9:18:20
In reply to Re: Does Alcohol give you PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS?¿? » awake at last, posted by FredPotter on October 7, 2002, at 22:42:15
> I pop an antabuse pill (while I'm only partially awake) and then I can forget alcohol. It's remarkably liberating. <
Interesting. Antabuse gives you a violent reaction when mixed with alcohol. Chemically, it doesn't help you "forget" alcohol. The aim is that you remember the violent reaction and to avoid the booze in oder to avoid the violent reaction.
If you can really (honestly) "forget" alcohol with antabuse, then soon you will be able to do so without it. (I wouldn't rush to judgement on it though - if it works, it works.) Taking antabuse doesn't hurt you. But not drinking while not taking antabuse will be even more liberating.
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