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Travel Panic Attacks & Heart Attack Fear
Dear Doctors,
Since a severe panic attack in **Jan 2024** while traveling, I’ve developed an intense fear of heart attacks linked to leaving home. Every attempt to travel (even short trips) triggers **4+ hours of left chest/shoulder pain** and dread of dying, but symptoms vanish once I return home. This cycle reinforces my phobia, making travel impossible despite no cardiac history.
**Current Meds:** *Inderal LA 40 mg* (started at 20 mg), *Tryptomer 10 mg*, *Stalopam 10 mg*, and *Zapiz 0.5 mg* (emergencies). **Concerns:** Doses keep rising with no relief. *Is this anxiety-driven? Should I revisit cardiac tests? How to break this fear-travel-pain cycle?* Urgently need strategies to reduce medication reliance and regain mobility.
Thank you!
Answers (9)
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Greetings,
I am sorry for issues you facing in day to day life..as it seems to disturb your life, i recommend revisiting your psychiatrist and express your concern and change in your medication will definitely help and along with specific therapy like ERP and CBT will help a lot along with some life style changes will give you definitely best results .
Next Steps
revisit your psychiatrist or have an online consultation
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This needs psychological intervention and also treatment. You can consult me for further evaluation and treatment
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Heyy
I can help you better with further treatment course needed. U can connect me via whatsapp on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two.
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Hi
what you’re describing is a classic case of panic disorder with agoraphobic features – especially when a single terrifying episode (like your panic attack in Jan 2024) wires your brain to associate “travel” with danger. The chest/shoulder pain and sense of doom are textbook anxiety symptoms, especially when they vanish the moment you’re back in your perceived “safe zone.” Your medications are typical and helpful in managing such conditions short-term, but they aren’t resolving the core cognitive distortion: “travel = death.” This belief must be unlearned through evidence-based, gradual exposure and cognitive restructuring. You don’t need more cardiac tests unless your doctor insists — this sounds anxiety-driven, not cardiac.
Let’s shift from surviving to healing. Begin graded exposure: start by stepping just outside home with grounding techniques. Don’t wait for confidence — confidence follows action. Use CBT techniques like thought-challenging (“What evidence do I have that I’ll die?”), visual rehearsal (seeing yourself succeed), and interoceptive exposure (intentionally mimicking panic sensations to desensitize fear). Also, work with a psychologist to reduce your safety behaviors (like carrying Zapiz) which unintentionally feed the fear cycle. You can regain your freedom — with structure, patience, and the right therapy.
Take therapy, and you can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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Hi.. along with medicines you may need behavioral therapy.
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consult online for further evaluation and management
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If you want you can have a ecg done, but I am sure the reports will be fine. Un this case may be we been to change the medications a little, and little bit of psychotherapy
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Ms. Rupali Mohbe
Clinical Psychologist
25 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Hi, I appreciate that you reached out with your concern.
Your symptoms strongly suggest panic disorder with agoraphobia its a fear of leaving home due to distressing physical sensations. Increasing medication without addressing the underlying fear may not be enough. I suggest you consider therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically exposure therapy, can help gradually desensitize your fear and break this cycle.
Practice deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and Progressive muscle relaxation.
Next Steps
For therapy, you can book an appointment with Rupali Mohbe/BIRDY ME at Practo
Health Tips
Daily do Progressive muscle relaxation techniques to calm yourself.
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Dr. Siddharth Rathore
Sexologist
13 yrs exp
Ujjain
What you are experiencing is panic attacks.
Probable Diagnosis is panic disorder. You should consult psychiatrist for final diagnosis and management.
You are having severe symptoms hampering your daily life. You will need medication for instant and long term relief
Next Steps
consult psychiatrist
Health Tips
beware of quakes and get treated by psychiatrist
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Dr. L C Sunda
Psychiatrist
42 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi there,
Don’t worry.
Lot of patients suffer from symptoms as you are having.
You have taken consultations from Physicians/Cardiologist….so don’t worry.
Next Steps
There are other medications which can be tried in your case.
Start doing Yoga, Meditation and/Or other psychological interventions.
Health Tips
Be positive in your thoughts.
Trust the mental health professional and your self.
Sometimes, some patients take longer time than others.
Discuss with your therapist.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.