Question about panic, anxiety, gastrointestinal problems and sleep?

Question

My boyfriend has always had problems sleeping. In the past, it has been attributed to stomach/gastrointestinal problems. He had bad indigestion and acid reflux that would at times keep him awake. Other times, it was due to an anti-anxiety med he was on (Celexa?). He sought medical attention (had the ultrasound, scope, etc.) and all that was found was mild reflux, and he was prescribed some antacid type meds. Also saw a psych and changed meds several times. We recently (1.5 mos. ago) moved into a new apartment, and he has been having HORRIBLE problems sleeping. Nearly every night he has some sort of panic/gastrointestinal attack. He will be about to fall asleep or will have just fallen asleep and he bolts right up in bed with a racing heart, difficulty breathing, upset stomach, headache, lightheadedness. It really scares us both. He then goes to watch tv on the couch until he falls asleep. This sometimes takes hours. Both GP and psychiatrist didn't (care to) help. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Try http://www.webmd.com/. Good luck to you both: Blueladybug

Answer 2

He needs an anti depressant for his panic attacks. What's wrong with those doctors. He can't stay like that, he'll be suffering from sleep deprivation. He needs to seek a second opinion, something in his subconcious is bothering him. Also make sure he eats the right food for his reflux, anything greasy, spicy can trigger it, no coffee or tea after 6 pm and buy some gravol and have him take one before bed time. It CANNOT hurt him. He shouldn't take that on a regular basis of course but once or twice a week, make sure after he takes one he can sleep 8 hours, if one doesn't work, my husband takes 2. Also for his panic attacks ask the doctor for lorazopam or paxil or atavan, they will help him with the attacks and also with his sleep.
Just remember something needs to be done.

Answer 3

Well...I drive all my friends crazy with this but how's his diet and exersize regime?
If nothing else is helping and he's not on a super healthy diet and exersize plan I'd say it's worth a try.
Lots of fresh fruits and veges, preferably organic. Lots of whole grains, moderate amounts of lean meats. Lots and lots of water. No sugar, salt, white flour or hydrogenated oils. No processed foods. Watch fat intake and avoid butter. No carbonated beverages or alcohol, very little juice - drink water. Good quality multivitamins.

Reasonable amount of moderately strenuous exersize every day. And some days get a lot of strenuous exersize. I never sleep better than the nights after I've slaved in my garden all day.

If he's got all this gastrointestinal stuff I'd say eating very very simply to get control of it. I was having issues once and cut out all sweeteners, all caffiene, all red meat, all milk products (except yogurt) and all alcohol. I also went off garlic and onions, all spices, even cinnamon! I was totally bored with what I was eating but my stomach problems cleared up and I eventually added everything back in but black coffee, which is what I figured out was the culprit.

Answer 4

It sounds like he is having anxiety attacks. There are medications that work well to help with that. I would see another doctor if he isn't being taken seriously. Maybe the anxiety is being stimulated by the fear he has when he feels reflux happening. It's an awful thing and can sometimes feel like a heart attack. It's good he has you to help him through this. I find that reading articles on anxiety on the Internet sometimes helps me. I've only had a couple of panic attacks, but I know how horrible they feel. Once you realize what it is and you realize that each time it's happened, you got through it and you didn't die from it, it makes it easier to deal with them. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

I have Acid Reflux (GERD) also. I have those same problems. I find that elevating the bed helps me. Drinking Gavison for the reflux attacks help. I take a reflux med called Protonix once a day.
He should watch the foods that he eats and not each 4 hrs before bedtime. The medicine, Celexa, is an antidepressant and has it's side effects also.
If he has pain that feels like a spasm that takes hours to get better, then it could be his gallbladder. I had that too and had to have mine removed.

Answer 6

Believe it our not, constipation can actually cause feelings of depression, anxiety, and it really doesn't help when you try to sleep.
Toxins build up in the colon and if you don't have a frequent movement, your body reabsorbs the toxic aspect of the movment, then you have to deal with the issues you currently have. check out this link: http://www.colon-cleanse-constipation.com/severe-constipation.html
there is good info there! I work for the Global Healing Center, and we actually speak to people with these issues every day.

Good luck, I know it is rough, I send you positive energy!

Answer 7

It sounds like he should watch what he eats. It's probably nothing life-threatening, but if he wants to get those feelings away he has to pick up some healthier eating habits. Also, tell him to quit worrying because that can lead to all of the above mentioned problems too.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Give your bf 2 tbls. apple cider vinegar and honey to taste in a glass of water before a meal. Also take a glass before sleep. ACV has 93 vitamins and minerals. It fights depression and anxiety too. I know I have had all of the above. Good luck to you and yours. Read the apple cider vinegar cures website.

Answer 9

You should tell him to try acupuncture and herbs. They are very effective for these problems without side effects. Seek out a licensed acupuncturist and tell them your boyfriend suffers from "Liver Fire Flaring Upward". They can prescribe him an herbal formula. I know it works because I have had this problem as well and the treatments are very successful for me.

Answer 10

well they cant figure it out and doctors dont like to not be able to answer something. try taking zantac for the indigestion and about 1-2 mgs of xanax, with a prn prescriptions of ambien.