Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Panic Attacks After Taking Steroids For Bronchitis?
Question: I have depression and anxiety and have meds for that; taken them half my life. They work well and although I've had minor setbacks, I taught school 31 years and raised 2daughters. My life has been full and rewarding.Jump forward to 3 weeks ago.I have had severe bronchitis. I'm 67 and female. My family Drs CNA , since it was so bad , ordered an injection of steroids, prednisone 10 mg ( starting with 5pils, then 5 more and 4 ) steriod inhaler,and promethazine- codeine cough syrup, plus levofloxacin 750 mg. After third day and with no sleep , terrible anxiety attacks, couldn't leave my home, my dr said I could stop these meds so I did. That was8 days ago. I sleep a little,better but wake up suddenly and anxiety kicks in. Big time! My Xanax that I've taken all these years 1.5 mg daily helps a lot , but I cry, walk the floors and still want to stay home. If I even have an appointment I DREAD going. And another thing I experience is being scared of being around others. And I'm a people person!It has been a nightmare and my sleep is minimal for me. Before the onset of bronchitis, I was my happy normal self!!! Now I'm fighting anxiety but thanks goodness Xanax helps. Is this still side effects of steroids . I haven't seen had this level in years! I have had about 2 decent days. How long will it last, you think?..
Brief Answer:
The symptoms will go in about a week.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HEALTHCAREMAGIC
Yes most likely the symptoms worsened because of steroids. You were stable prior to that and then you had a panic attack and then anxiety kicked in again. Even high dose of Levofloxacin could precipitate anxiety in single dose but that reduces once the drug is stopped. Predenisolone is short acting and will be metabolised completely in a couple of days and you will start recovering.
Just because of panic attack you have developed relapse. You can continue to take Xanax on SOS basis and after a week start tapering it. The symptoms should not last more than a week.
Thanks and Take care
The symptoms will go in about a week.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HEALTHCAREMAGIC
Yes most likely the symptoms worsened because of steroids. You were stable prior to that and then you had a panic attack and then anxiety kicked in again. Even high dose of Levofloxacin could precipitate anxiety in single dose but that reduces once the drug is stopped. Predenisolone is short acting and will be metabolised completely in a couple of days and you will start recovering.
Just because of panic attack you have developed relapse. You can continue to take Xanax on SOS basis and after a week start tapering it. The symptoms should not last more than a week.
Thanks and Take care
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
