Question:
I was
wondering if someone could give me some feedback as to whether or not it
is common to have a panic/anxiety attack after consuming significant
amounts of alcohol. My wife and I usually drink a bit (6-10 beers for
me) on Friday nights, and have for several years (usually just that one
night a week), but twice in the past three months I have awakened on
Saturday morning with extreme anxiety that borders on panic. The
symptoms last to one degree or another for about a week afterwards, and
I have a hard time not fixating my mind on the symptoms, which just
perpetuates the problem. I have been having a lot of bad dreams as well.
I take Xanax to keep things manageable on the days afer an attack
happens (approx .50 a day) but this totally sucks. I had a very bad LSD
experience in the late 80's that did a number on my nervous system for
several months afterward, but have had little or no symptoms of anxiety
or panic since then. Could it be just the alcohol causing this? I also
take Viagra for kicks on these drinking nights (as the kids go to
Grandma's on the weekends) so that may be a factor as well. Forgive the
long post, but this is a lonely feeling and I was trying to touch base
with anyone who has had a similar situation.
Answer:
So you drink one night a week, have anxiety and depend on xanax for
the remaining days in the week? The first instance (both the anxiety
and the dreams) could be symptoms of withdrawal from alcohol, and the
latter instances could be symptoms of withdrawal from xanax.
Alcohol can cause erectile dysfunction. Why not see your doctor about
cutting out the xanax and viagra? Cut out the booze as well, and you
might discover the ability to have drug-free enjoyment.
