Can Something Be Done About Night Sweats, Nausea And Frequent And Unending Panic Attacks?

Posted on Thu, 12 Jul 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 Answered on

Wed, 9 Feb 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife has night sweating, nausea, and frequent and unending panic attacks. What actions can I take that would be most effective?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide me more details.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Please elaborate what kind of symptoms she is having? Any associated stress which is resulting in aggravation of symptoms?

Did she take any treatment?

Thanks.

Please provide me details in follow up.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

The stress symptoms appear to be caused by, doctor prescribed, venlafaxine which she has stopped taking .
The original symptoms were excessive worry, night sweats and sleeplessness -- general feelings of depression, as far as we know. I attributed these symptoms to her uneasiness with her current activities which she insists are the cause. But they are debilitating.
What actions can I take if there is uncontrollable weeping and suicidal thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Sertraline can be tried.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Venlafaxine could result in increased restlessness especially during first few days of starting the therapy but the anxiety usually decreases by own with in a couple of weeks.

The symptoms like excessive worries, night sweats, sleeplessness, depressed mood etc could be due to anxiety only. Uncontrollable suicidal thoughts, crying spells etc are due to depression most likely.

For these symptoms in my opinion SSRI drugs like Sertraline can be tried. The drug should be started with low dose and gradual dose escalation should be done. This will prevent any first dose increase in. restlessness. Sertraline will not only help in reducing anxiety but will reduce the depressive symptoms too. The drug is safe to use and has no serious side effects. For some time low dose benzodiazepine like Clonazepam or Alprazolam can be used to reduce increased anxiety and restlessness on SOS basis. You can talk with her doctor for these medicines.

Thanks

Please don't hesitate to ask again for more doubts.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar