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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Panic Attacks, Burning In Arms, Nauseated. On Lexapro, Ativan. What Does It Refer To?

I have a history of panic attacks and am taking Lexapro. I am 74 years old, excellent health and shape, no problems. I excercise 3-4 times a week and run 3 miles. Last night, my husband and I were riding home when I started to experience burning in the severe burning in the arms and chest and was nausated. This continued for approx half an hour. I know when I talk to someone while having these attacks, I feel much better. When I got home I took an Ativan and felt much better. What an experience. Do you have any suggestions? I guess I should really carry Ativan with me to take when necessary.
Mon, 6 May 2013
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello
Welcome to Health Care Magic

You have history of Panic disorder and you are taking Lexapro for this. You are otherwise healthy but you developed panic like symptoms while in car. Most likely the symptoms occurred due to panic disorder only but as you are 74 years old I would also advise you to get yourself checked with a cardiologist. Get your ECG done because angina may also present with panic like symptoms and person may mistake symptoms as of panic disorder. For relief of anxiety visit a Psychiatrist.
Hope it helps you.

Thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD
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Psychologist,  Dr. Psychologist K. V. Anand's  Response
Dear
Welcome to HCM
Time and again it has been proven beyond doubt that medicines cannot cure depression and anxiety
You need psychotherapy, yoga and meditation.
Change lifestyle and thinking process.
Psychotherapy help change life style
Yoga and meditation help streamline body metabolism and thinking process
Consult a psychologist for advice
Wish you a speedy recovery
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Psychiatrist,  Dr. Dr.Nehal's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for using healthcare magic.

I have gone through your available history.

Lexpro contains Escitalopram which is very good drug for panic attack.

In your case if your are on regular medication, You should find out the cause of Panic attack. It may range from excessive caffeine to some stressors. For that, you need to consult your psychiatrist.

Your doctor may also rule out physical causes like thyroid dysfunction, cardiac causes, vitamin B12 deficiency etc.

Ativan contains lorazepam. It is also good drug particularly for reverting acute episode. But it has high abuse potential. So before using it regularly, You should consult your psychiatrist.

Thanks



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Panic Attacks, Burning In Arms, Nauseated. On Lexapro, Ativan. What Does It Refer To?

Hello Welcome to Health Care Magic You have history of Panic disorder and you are taking Lexapro for this. You are otherwise healthy but you developed panic like symptoms while in car. Most likely the symptoms occurred due to panic disorder only but as you are 74 years old I would also advise you to get yourself checked with a cardiologist. Get your ECG done because angina may also present with panic like symptoms and person may mistake symptoms as of panic disorder. For relief of anxiety visit a Psychiatrist. Hope it helps you. Thanks Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD