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Why does panic attack occur after codeine or Marijuana?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 22-year-old healthy male. Yesterday I had my first panic attack and it was severe and lasted long. I have ended up in the emergency room. But they just gave me a Diazepam and I was feeling good again, but they never told me what triggered and I am curious. Last night I drank 110 mg of phosphate codeine (liquid) and drank one 600 ml beer and then smoked Marijuana. Once I get back home which was a couple of hours later, right after I smoked the panic attack started. But I am smoking for six years and just strong strains and concentrated and nothing ever happened before (yesterday I smoked a really non-potent one). My question is, is it possible that the weed is causing the panic attack or it was the codeine with beers? I really do not want that to happen again.

Answered by Dr. Parth Nagda

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It could be a combination of Marijuana, codeine, and beer. Also, regular use of Marijuana will cause panic attacks. It is just that the effects of whatever is taken regularly and do not show up immediately. Only chronic use of either smoking, alcohol or other drugs will cause problems later on. I would recommend that you at least try to reduce if not stop the quantity of the drug.

The Probable causes

Combination of alcohol, weed, and Marijuana.

Investigations to be done

Just get a chest ECG (electrocardiogram) done to be on the safer side.

Differential diagnosis

Panic disorder, anxiety disorder due to substance use.

Probable diagnosis

Panic disorder or anxiety disorder due to substance use.

Treatment plan

Try reduce the quantity of alcohol, Marijuana and smoking. Try some deep breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation or progressive muscle relaxation exercises. You can also visit a psychiatrist and ask him to help you with the panic attacks, and anxiety issue. He will probably start you on some SSRI (selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors) class of drugs which is just to be taken once a day for a few months and then tapered down and stopped.

Preventive measures

Try combining different substances when using them like tobacco, alcohol, and Marijuana.

Regarding follow up

Follow up after 20 days in case problems worsen and you need further advice.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At January 30, 2020
Reviewed At April 16, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Parth N. Nagda is a psychiatrist with valuable clinical experience in diagnosing and managing a wide spectrum of mental health conditions. He provides compassionate care to patients dealing with challenges in general psychiatry as well as sexual medicine. His areas of expertise include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship and sexual health concerns, and personalized therapy for overall mental well-being.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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