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Lightheadedness and panic attacks

5 replies

SunRoad · 07/11/2021 10:34

Hi,
I’m 37 years old and have recently experienced lightheadedness, feeling unbalanced and after 4 days, panic attacks. After 2 weeks of those symptoms, I then began experiencing a tight chest constantly and often found it difficult to draw a deep breath. To do so, I had to change position. At night, Id fall asleep, then immediately wake-up in shock, in the midst of a panic attack.I’ve had many sleepless nights as a result.
I’ve been prescribed 10mg of citalopram. I’m now on day 6. All the above symptoms remain apart from panic attacks. I feel very tired, twitchy, often close to a panic attack, but never materialises.
This whole thing came out of nowhere. I’ve never suffered from anxiety or depression. Is this really what it is?
Has anyone else experience similar symptoms?
When will it all end?
I’d appreciate anyone’s input. Thanks, in advance!

OP posts:
Closterfack · 08/11/2021 10:27

Hmmm.

Have you thought about perimenopause? I started having severe anxiety when I was about 39 having never had any MH issues before.

I'm still suffering now several years later having tried all sorts of ADs which didn't work and had therapy but I never really felt like I had issues to resolve it was all very physical.

Just a thought x

girlmom21 · 08/11/2021 10:32

Has anything changed in your life recently?

TheSunRoad · 14/11/2021 09:42

This in SunRoad (the original poster). I don’t know why I’m being forced to change my username, to continue the thread that I started.

Thanks for replying! I haven’t had anything traumatic happen recently and it isn’t a pre-menopausal issue.

I’m on day 12 of taking citalopram. No change on the chest tightness front. In fact, I did a bit of really light cardio exercise on a stationary exercise bike for 30 minutes yesterday, only to find an hour later, that my chest was even tighter than usual. Does exercising whilst taking citalopram increase side effects?

StellF · 14/11/2021 14:00

Have you had a blood test, it might be anaemia?

Auldspinster · 14/11/2021 14:06

It takes about 2 weeks for the citalopram to get into your system and your anxiety can feel worse in that time. You should feel better very shortly. In the meantime, nomorepanic.com and nopanic.com are very helpful.

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