Panic Attacks Support Group

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...

6,157 Members

6,394 Posts

1 Online

belle 05/28/2009

I have had panic attacks for 20 years but I created my safe zones and I have done fine for years. Last September I was treated for HBP and put on Benicar and Lopressor and fast heart rate. Ever since, I have been having attacks again so bad that I can't work. I have lost 2 jobs since then. Now I am agoraphobic as I panic whenever I go anywhere even my mom's house who is only 10 min. away. Has anyone else had their panic get worse due to HBP or the medication for it?

My doctor says it is not but I don't believe him. As long as the medicine keeps my BP down, he's not concerned with the panic. Just told me to take xanax.

harry3333 05/28/2009

you may be better seeing another doctor, high BP wont cause more panic attacks but you seem to have an unusual reaction to your meds, lopressor is a beta blocker type that usually calms panic attack sufferers a bit,I dont know the other one, but there are many other types of high BP meds for you to try
the xanax, in a suitable dose will help

kbr0632 05/28/2009

I would suggest contacting a doctor that specializes in panic attacks..maybe a psychiatrist..who can also work with your doctor for your BP meds. Are you on any meds besides xanax and the bp meds? You may need to go on an antidepressant (??) Or maybe having to take the meds is a trigger creating more panic. You are going through a lot I am sure.

deleted_user 05/28/2009

Belle,
I found a few folks on the web talking about Benicar having a lot of side effects like itching, joint pain and panic attacks. People said that after switching to Zestril, they felt better and one person claimed that their panic attacks went away. I would ask your doctor if he would be willing to switch you off the Benicar "just to see" if it makes a difference. It is worth a try, but if he won't do it , see if you can find another doctor who will.

belle 05/29/2009

Thanks to everyone for their replies. I will look into seeing another doctor and ask about the Zestril. I have got to get out of the house first. LOL

deleted_user 05/29/2009

I have had high BP for years and have not ever noticed a connection to my panic attacks.. though I am extremely unobservant and there could very well be one. I really don\'t know??

deleted_user 05/31/2009

I have HPB which I was diagnosed with 7 years ago. I take one capsule called Lotrel, the generic name is Amlodip. I did not have panic attacks until about three months ago, due to a traumatic incident. Perhaps you can ask your doctor about Lotrel as it doesnt seem that it was the medication that caused these recent attacks.

Join the Conversation