Marijuana Causing Panic Attacks?

First off, let me say that I have only been smoking for a couple months (but almost every day, out of a bong). I smoke because I have severe depression and anxiety, and I feel that it calms me down and gets my mind off of the bad thoughts. Just the other night, though, I smoked like I usually do (just one bowl), and I felt fine at first. Then in about a half an hour, my chest tightened up and I started to panic. I felt as though I was going to faint. My arms started to tingle, and my heart beat was fast and (possibly?) irregular. Then my whole left arm went completely numb as though there wasn't any blood going to it. I thought I was having a heart attack. I laid down on my bed and tried to calm myself, but it wouldn't go away. I literally thought I was going to die. I am unsure how long this lasted because after a while I managed to fall asleep. Did I have a heart attack, or just a panic attack?
Things to consider: I take the anti-depressant Sertraline, and rarely resort to Clonazepam (Klonopin) when I need to (didn't have any in my system that night). I was also feeling very anxious and paranoid before I smoked.
Is it possible that smoking can cause a heart attack? Given the information above, should I quit smoking altogether? I really don't want to because, like I said, it helps me when I need it.

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks,
Megan

i'd see a doctor, pretty quick! tell the doc the same things you posted. there could possibly be some sort of reaction with your meds, you never know. left arm numbness is serious.

Megan-

Smoking can cause increased heart rate, blood pressure, etc. There's a possibility that what you smoked could have a higher concentration of THC- THC is one of many cannabinoids (chemicals in cannabis which cause psychotropic and/or gastrointestinal effects) in cannabis; a higher concentration of THC itself is linked to anxiety and paranoia, while other cannabinoids are linked to relaxation, etc.

This ratio is shown through the differences in sativa and indica bud- sativa has a higher rate of THC than other cannabinoids, thus giving more of a head high (smokers who are prone to anxiety have an increased risk of feeling anxious, paranoia, or panic) whereas indica has less THC and more of the relaxing cannabinoids.

Because I assume you're under 30 years old (please tell me if I'm wrong!) you're at an extremely minute risk of a heart attack, unless you have congenital heart problems to begin with. The pain in your chest could be caused my a constriction of tiny blood vessels- capillaries- called angina, which produced that left-arm numbness and the tight-chested feeling. More likely than not- having experienced panic attacks myself- it was a panic attack made worse by smoking.

Don't smoke until you feel you're calmer. Take deeeeeep, slow breaths- try meditation for anxiety and panic attacks. I had severe anxiety problems when I was younger, and meditation has transformed me into a much calmer person. Also, are you seeing a therapist for your anxiety issues? Therapy is a WONDERFUL tool to learn how to deal with anxiety, it's helped me immensely. If you need any resources or help, let me know.

Take a break from smoking, and then slowly introduce it back into your life. If you're fortunate enough to live in a place with an abundant weed variety (i.e. CALIFORNIA) then try to see if you can get a supply of indica buds. More likely than not, you're stuck with whatever your dealer has, so in that case, take it slow.

Best of luck! Anxiety and panic attacks are devastating, but you can improve your condition!

Thank you SO MUCH for all your help. And yes, I am under 30 years old and live in California! lol. I tried smoking (a very small amount) last night to test the waters, and it went fine, thankfully.

As for the meditation, I actually started doing that the same time I started smoking, so hopefully it will help! I will continue meditating. I used to have a therapist, but due to a change of medical insurance, I am unable to go to therapy right now. :( But I definitely agree that therapy helps!

Once again, I cannot thank you enough!
:D

Anytime! I'm glad it went well for you this time around.

People don't realize how much benefit can be derived from meditation; they assume it's just a hippie or a Buddhist thing. I meditate several times a day, and have reached states of consciousness which surpass anything I've obtained from any drug use. Relaxation is a wonderful way to help ease anxiety. I hope your continued efforts bring you the same relief I've had!

Glad I could help :)

Purple B,
Actually, cannabis lowers blood pressure. If you like I can direct you to medical publications regarding that.

From my body, my blood pressure goes down about 10 points.

Heart rate does go up but the research is unclear if that is secondary to the smoking process, transient, or related to the reduction in preload (blood pressure).

Earlier this year, I used cannabis throughout an event with a 99% blockage in the LAD of my heart, and did not have a heart attack or any heart damage. (Stent fixed me right up.) I firmly believe the continued use during my issues actually prevented me from having a full blown heart attack.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by WashougalWonder

Purple B,
Actually, cannabis lowers blood pressure. If you like I can direct you to medical publications regarding that.

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My bad! Thanks for calling it out :thumbsup: