What Could Cause Tightening Of All The Muscles, Body Tremors And A Fainting Feeling While Racing In A Car?

Posted on Tue, 20 Jun 2023

Question: I went drag racing for the first time, in a street car, I did four passes, the first one and fourth one, right after I launched my body started tightening and shaking badly, I felt as if I was going to pass out, I let off the throttle pedal for about 5 seconds. Till the symptoms went away. I was able to finish my run

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
This probably happened due to adrenaline rush

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Well this most likely happened due to an anxiety attack. Any event or thing that results in adrenaline rush results in racing heart, sweating, palpitations, trembling, dryness of mouth like symptoms. In usual cases, the symptoms go away on their own.

This can be overlooked if you are not a professional racer and went to drag racing just for fun. But if you are a racer then that can't be overlooked. Drugs like Propranolol or Atenolol if taken prior to any such event will help to reduce the symptoms and will make you calm.

If needed you can talk with a doctor for that.

Hope I have answered your query.

Thanks and take care.

Regards,
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Psychiatrist

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

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