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What Causes Pain In The Arms And Chest Despite A Normal EKG Report?

Posted on Sat, 26 Nov 2016

Question: I take Zoloft and lisinopril for panic attacks. I took paroxotien and metprol which worked fine for years .Dr said the paroxetine lost its effectiveness I had an ekg performed gp said I was fine ,now my arms hurt near shoulders and center of chest .this has been going off and on for weeks .dr told me it was my nerves and stress . I don't know what to do . all was going well until I change the meds. I had blood work performed he said everything was normal . I am not over weight or a smoker or heavy drinker .I do not exactly feel normal, I do tend to worry mainly about my health ,I am a steady person that does not like change same job 36 years .not much else worry's me in life . MY arms tingle my legs sometimes I toss and turn when I sleep .I do have managed high blood pressure and I take meds everyday. I also for better words snort a lot ,I have nasal drainage in the back of my throat which I ve had for years .sorry to ramble but I need answers I LIKE my Dr .he helps but I don't think he understands .thank you

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Your symptoms of chest pain and arms and legs tingling, with a normal EKG, are classic somatic symptoms of anxiety. Your doctor is entirely correct. The standard treatment for this is Zoloft. It can take up to 6 weeks for Zoloft to kick in, and the dose can always be raised, so please be patient and work with your doctor.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (14 hours later)

SO the pain in both shoulders and on again of again chest pain and the constant belching could be anxiety ,I was prescribed medication for panick attacks 15 years ago .I raced into a welstar clinic and told them I was dying ,they made me sit for a n hour or so then told me I needed a pyschiatrist .so I went to one I recieved paxil fine for years . Im curious if my zoloft 150mg and sertalme 100 mg have and adverse effect on me .just searching for answers , I m very sure it is anxiety but its still not comforting for me to doubt the condition .

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, this is all very consistent with anxiety. I would increase the Zoloft to 200mg daily to help treat this. There would be no expected adverse effects from this increase.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng