Posted by JDK on November 5, 2003, at 23:44:08
In reply to Re: Chest pains and panic disorder, posted by coxygrrl on November 5, 2003, at 15:45:21
Hi everyone-
I am so relieved since I have been reading these messages here. I am a 26 year old male, and I have been experiencing some chest pains lately. Not sharp or debilitating in any way, just enough to wonder if it could be a warning that I am going to have a heart attack and die. That's why I decided to do some research on the web.
I have been under a ton of stress at home and work lately and that is probably the cause. I have had panic attacks in the past and used to take meds for depression, but I couldn't deal with the side effects. I tried a few different ones, some made me feel light-headed and "out of it", and some had other side effects which didn't help my love life. I have been doing fine without anything until recently.
I have an appointment to see my PCP next week to get a thorough checkup to make sure there is nothing physically wrong with me, but I really doubt it. I remember when I used to have panic attacks and feeling like I was going to die, and this is probably a mild form of that. It hasn't gotten serious lately, just worrysome. I also have trouble sleeping, and that could be part of the problem. I don't think it's depression, it seems more like a panic type problem since the symptoms usually happen when I feel overwhelmed.
Is there a big difference between depression and panic disorder? My docs always used to assume depression, but I never really felt depressed, just overwhelmed and scared at certain times. Are there new meds without all the side effects now? I haven't tried anything in several years. I hope there is something out there to help me. I have been taking OTC sleeping tablets to help me sleep lately, and I don't know how healthy that really is. I don't want to mask the problem and end up with new ones.
Sorry I posted a blank post earlier, I had the box checked off for no message. This is my 1st time here. I'm sure you will see me around in the future.
poster:JDK
thread:3295
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/277026.html