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What Are The Effects Of Overdose Of Benadryl Forte?
Question: I took an accidental overdose of Benadryl Forte 5 years ago and woke up with a racing heart and cold burning feeling all over my upper body. Ever since this time have had episodes of shortness of breath and hat seems to be stopping breathing or very shallow breathing especially when tired or going to sleep. These problems have steadily benn getting worse. I now do not exercise for fear of bringing on shortness of breath. Going to sleep is the same, some nights worse then others. I wake up tired even after being"asleep" for 10-12 hours. Doctors dont seem to know what is wrong. Have been to a couple. It is depressing that no one seems to be able to help me. I am scared that one of these nights I will go to sleep and die. Can you help me?
Brief Answer:
A comprehensive treatment plan is needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
You have been to various medical facilities with no relief.
Your main symptoms are shortness of breath, feeling that heart is stopping and disturbed sleep.
I think you have developed panic disorder and the episodes which you get are more like a panic attacks.
The possible explanation to this lies in your description. The symptoms which you developed earlier after consuming benadryl have conditoned your brain. Now even a mild stress provokes these symptoms in you. As the symptoms have persisted and progressed over the year, this has led to fear of dying and disturbed sleep.
Regarding treatment, the right doctor for you would be a psychotherapist.
You would require behavior therapy like biofeedback and cognitive therapy alongwith medications.
Drugs like klonopin (prescription drug) can help in reducing anxiety and induces sleep.
Antidepressants like escitalopram or sertraline(prescription drug) will lift your mood and lessen your symptoms. A psychiatrist's opinion would be required for this.
You can practice meditation to relax your mind. Avoid caffeinated substances like tea and coffee.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further queries.
Thanks.
Dr. Shubham Mehta, M.D.
A comprehensive treatment plan is needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
You have been to various medical facilities with no relief.
Your main symptoms are shortness of breath, feeling that heart is stopping and disturbed sleep.
I think you have developed panic disorder and the episodes which you get are more like a panic attacks.
The possible explanation to this lies in your description. The symptoms which you developed earlier after consuming benadryl have conditoned your brain. Now even a mild stress provokes these symptoms in you. As the symptoms have persisted and progressed over the year, this has led to fear of dying and disturbed sleep.
Regarding treatment, the right doctor for you would be a psychotherapist.
You would require behavior therapy like biofeedback and cognitive therapy alongwith medications.
Drugs like klonopin (prescription drug) can help in reducing anxiety and induces sleep.
Antidepressants like escitalopram or sertraline(prescription drug) will lift your mood and lessen your symptoms. A psychiatrist's opinion would be required for this.
You can practice meditation to relax your mind. Avoid caffeinated substances like tea and coffee.
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further queries.
Thanks.
Dr. Shubham Mehta, M.D.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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