What Causes Crawling Sensation Under Skin Leading To Panic Attacks?

Posted on Thu, 12 Mar 2015

Question: I have a overwhelming sensation of my skin going crazy crawling sensation not sure how to explain. I think it part of a panic attack but xanax is not helping and getting scared and panick
ing more as it gets worse. when I go to ER thay just send me home. is there anything that will help?

Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
psychological treatments indicated.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.

This crawling sensation is known as 'formication'. You are getting panick attacks due to these sensations.

Regarding drugs, you have tried antidepressants and fibro meds and had reactions to all of them.

In this condition, I think the best possible drug options for you are:
1. Olanzapine: this is a serotonin-dopamine antagonist. This help in relieving your anxiety and also gradually reduce those crawling sensations.

2. Gabapentin (if you have not tried this in past). A wonderful anti-anxiety drug.

These are prescription drugs and to be taken under doctor's supervision.

Apart from this, psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy and relaxation therapy like progressive muscle relaxation are very helpful. A psychotherapist will help you in this.

You can practice slow and deep breathing and mediation to keep your anxiety levels under control.

Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask further.

Thanks.
Dr. Shubham Mehta, MD (Psychiatry)

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar