February 4th
2008
9:37 AM
I started having panic attacks while taking Percocet. I am a chronic alcohol user, and I am saying this just in case it rings a bell for anyone. I have since stopped taking Percocet (about 3 days). I was a habitual/recreational user ... meaning that I took them when available, but I did not always have them. Since my last dose, I have been having recurrent panic attacks that are very scary. They include physical symptoms (heart pounding, cold and hot flashes, feeling of difficulty breathing, sweating, shaking) - and the much more scary mental symptoms (fear of death, walls closing in, inability to think or concentrate, vivid dreaming, fear of people, etc.). It appears that some other people have had issues like this, but not everyone. Can someone share their story with me. Has anyone had similar experiences ? Do they go away at some point ? Is it withdraw (I am not sure since they started while I was using them - but continued after I stopped) ? I have heard that it just takes some time, but it is very scary. I get some relief by drinking ... in fact almost complete freedom from most of the symptoms, but I can't just drink all day. Please help.
-- By telewheels | Reply | (7) replies | Private Message me
December 20th
2008
3:38 PM
feeling some relief to have validation to why i have been feeling this way.
i thought i was going the way of father (heart attack in his 40s) due to many symptoms over the past month similar to heart issues, except the leg cramps. i thought of my mother in-law, her diabetes, poor circulation.
i knew i had just had a thorough heart evaluation with my doctor last spring and everything was fine, except my hereditary cholesterol. frustrating. he had prescribed lipitor at that time. last week while driving to my office Christmas party i thought about driving straight to emergency.
food always seemed to help, as well lots of water. I think because i had liquids when eating, dehydration is what was being addressed.
on my own, i stopped lipitor (only prescribed medication i take) four days ago. no more nausea, no more light headiness (briefly early morning yesterday), no more weakness, leg pain decreased; these were my main symptoms.
I also experienced occasional foot cramps, general aches, heaviness in my esophagus immediately upon eating (thought of my mom with her hiatal hernia) indigestion maybe.
I had one episode a month ago (about the time all this started) where out of the blue i thought my legs were going to fall from under me, they became tingly like they were going to sleep, i was light headed as if i could faint. i had just finished a relaxing picnic by a natural stream, on a beautiful sunny day.
doctors who prescribe this medication should be more aware of these side affects. seems they are either not listening to their patients, or do not have the knowledge of these side affects, and in result, should not be allowed to prescribe.
My concern now is how long the discomfort in my legs will last, though they have improved. to make sure no serious damage has occurred,
i will see my cardiologist in two weeks to have blood work.
I would suggest to anyone who has not contacted their physician since stopping the statin, to do so. print a copy of this site and bring it with you!
T. - 47 years - trying to stay healthy!
-- By toddg | Reply | (3) replies | Private Message me