Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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JCRockstar 03/05/2011

Has anyone experience panic attacks while on Humira or Methotrexate? Last night before right before I feel asleep, my throat felt as if it were closing up, my lips felt numb and I felt like I couldn't breathe. Also this morning, out the blue, I started having the same symptoms along with this tingling or numbness that I've been feeling on and off all week in my hands, arms and feet. Also, while I was loading the dishwasher, I just broke into to tears.... WTH??? I don't feel stressed or sad......... I've been on Methotrexate for 4 weeks and had my 2nd injection of Humira a week ago. I don't have a history of panic attacks so I definitely will mention to my Rheumatologist (have an appointment on Tuesday).... just hoping it's nothing "serious" that I need to seek immediate medical attention for.... a little scary.

Thanks,
JC

deleted_user 03/05/2011

So sorrry JC! From what I've read on here, unfortunately anxiety and depression seem to be an ugly companion to RA. Definitely talk to your rheumy, I'd call and not wait for an appointment, just in case it's a side effect of the meds. God bless!

deleted_user 03/05/2011

These things are rough on the autoimmune system.

This can tax the body from a Neurohormonal standpoint, as your body is trying to re-achieve homeostasis as...I would imagine...it cranks itself up to fight what it sees as an invasion from the outside of itself and really pulls physical resources in from everywhere in the body when the injection is given.

This "dropping" effect is extreme fatigue and it's very easy to have depression and panic attacks. This can also release body memories from another time in your life when you felt helpless, stressed, or in extreme danger...much as in PTSD.

This is one man's opinion....not gospel.

camba 03/06/2011

Think the depression bit pretty normal. I dont cry much (on the scale of women and tearful) but once in a while have felt tearful - especially when body really playing up. Tigerpaws sounds knowledgeable and probably right about body in fight mode which would trigger fright as well.
There is also the hormonal factor which plays havoc with women - I have wondered before if there is any sort of researching when they do their testing about the inter reactions on women of varying ages...
Always very scary to have panic attacks as presumably heart racing and easy to think the worst. Good luck.

deleted_user 03/15/2011

I've lived with panic attacks for years.And the best advice I can give is don't let yourself feel like it's just in your head ,because it's not.It's a very real physical thing.Take each one as it comes,and when the feeling of suffication and dread starts ,try to remember to stay calm,because tensing up makes them worse,and try to remember to focus ,on something that calms you.Maybe it's a picture or anything to refocus your attention.Sometimes that works.

deleted_user 03/15/2011

These drugs can wreak havac on your whole system. I have fight or flight syndrome and understand very well what your dealing with. I keep a paperbag on hand so If I am accidently hyperventilating wich brings on the tingling and numbness, I use the bag. If you try a bag, or what ever measures to calm yourself and that doesn't work...go to the doc.
Never know what's going on, until you find out.
I have a script for valuum when I am under extreme stress, I have to take one now and again to keep from "freaking out" as I call it.
I never take them unless I know I am under extreme stess or feel that feeling coming on.
Good luck and keep us posted on what the doc says.
Hugs
Missy

deleted_user 03/15/2011

Hey JC,
The panic attacks are a severe form of anxiety, and it seems common among RA sufferers. Renplus, I believe, just had a discussion recently on here about anxiety (maybe you can search it). I don't think they are necessarily tied to Humira or MTX. Have you been on Prednisone recently? That is more likely to affect mood. Please speak w/ your doc about the numbness/tingling, however - TNF blockers such as Humira and Enbrel can cause some neurological changes, so may or may not be attributable to the panic attacks, but I'd mention to your doc to be certain. Hope this helps. Take care :)

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