Can Anxiety Attacks Cause Vomiting? the Connection

Can anxiety attacks trigger vomiting?

Hello, Doctor: I originally wanted to ask if anxiety attacks can lead to vomiting.
However, I saw someone else ask this question as soon as I entered the website.
What I want to understand is that I have had panic disorder (anxiety disorder) for nearly ten years.
When I first researched the symptoms of panic attacks, vomiting was not listed.
I have been experiencing vomiting for a while, and today it feels particularly severe, which is why I am asking.
Since I started keeping a record in February, it has occurred almost every month.
Initially, I would experience dry coughing, sometimes with nausea, and occasionally I would vomit.
After vomiting, it seems to mark the end of an episode, and I feel somewhat better.
However, sometimes it is accompanied by a warm sensation in my feet and the urge to have a bowel movement (these were the two most common characteristics during my previous episodes).
Tonight, I feel it is more severe; after a period of dry coughing, I felt nauseous, then it returned to normal.
After eating dinner and fruit, the dry cough started again, so I took one "Ambien" (0.5 mg).
Subsequently, I began to experience continuous vomiting, which seems like it might continue.
After several episodes of vomiting, I felt warmth in my feet and had the urge to defecate.
My heart was racing, and I had left chest pain.
After resting for a bit, I felt better and went to the bathroom.
During this time, I again felt warmth in my feet and had dry coughing.
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Is it normal for anxiety attacks to manifest as vomiting? 2.
Regarding vomiting after taking Ambien (0.5 mg), I am troubled by not being able to determine the timing for taking the medication.
If I vomit shortly after taking it, should I take it again, or should I wait to see if I continue to cough before taking it? Sometimes, simply taking one Ambien after persistent dry coughing alleviates the symptoms.
3.
On nights when I feel it is more severe, should I increase the dose of my medication, Kratom (20 mg)? Originally, my treating physician prescribed me 1.5 pills every night, but I have only been taking one for over half a month.
4.
I wonder if the doctor has any other suggestions, such as participating in group therapy or seeing a psychologist? Note: 1.
Since I have a continuous prescription, I need to wait until next month to see my treating physician, so I wanted to ask for another doctor's opinion first.
2.
In the past half month, I have started trying meditation before bed.
3.
I smoke.
Thank you.

josephy1, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/06/11

Dr. Song Chengxian reply Psychiatry

Hello, anxiety disorders often come with various physical discomforts, including gastrointestinal issues.
However, long-term anxiety itself can also lead to gastrointestinal problems.
From your description, it seems you have been suffering from anxiety and panic for ten years and are currently receiving medication treatment.
Given the worsening of your physical symptoms, it is not appropriate to use continuous prescriptions at this time.
Continuous prescriptions are intended for cases with stable long-term chronic symptoms that do not require frequent physician evaluations.
Additionally, reducing medication on your own without discussing it with your primary physician is also not advisable, as this is often a reason for the deterioration of many patients' conditions or prolongation of their illness.
I sincerely recommend that you do not wait until your prescription runs out to return for a follow-up.
You should promptly consult your primary physician to discuss medication adjustments and consider incorporating other non-pharmacological treatments.
Best regards, Song Cheng-Hsien.

Reply Date: 2012/06/11

More Info

Anxiety attacks can indeed lead to a variety of physical symptoms, including vomiting. This connection is often rooted in the body's physiological response to stress and anxiety. When a person experiences an anxiety attack, the body enters a state of heightened arousal, often referred to as the "fight or flight" response. This response triggers the release of stress hormones, such as adrenaline, which can affect various bodily systems, including the gastrointestinal tract.

1. Understanding the Connection Between Anxiety and Vomiting: During an anxiety attack, the body may react by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. These changes can lead to gastrointestinal distress, which may manifest as nausea and vomiting. The sensation of nausea can be exacerbated by hyperventilation, a common symptom during anxiety attacks, where rapid breathing can lead to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels in the blood, causing lightheadedness and nausea. Additionally, the stress response can slow down digestion, leading to discomfort and the urge to vomit.

2. Your Symptoms: Based on your description, it seems that your vomiting episodes are closely linked to your anxiety attacks. The pattern you’ve observed—where vomiting occurs after experiencing dry cough and a sense of discomfort—suggests that your body is reacting to the anxiety in a physical way. The fact that you feel better after vomiting may indicate that your body is trying to relieve the tension and discomfort caused by the anxiety.

3. Medication Considerations: Regarding your concerns about medication, it’s important to communicate with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and how they relate to your medication regimen. If you vomit shortly after taking a medication like "安伯寧" (Ambien), it may not be effective, and you should consult your doctor about whether to take another dose. As for your anxiety medication, if you feel that your symptoms are worsening, it’s crucial to discuss this with your doctor. They may consider adjusting your dosage or exploring other treatment options.

4. Additional Recommendations: Participating in group therapy or seeing a psychologist can be beneficial for managing anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in treating anxiety disorders, as it helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, can also help reduce anxiety levels and improve your overall well-being. Since you mentioned that you have started meditating before bed, this could be a positive step towards managing your anxiety.

5. Lifestyle Modifications: It’s also worth considering lifestyle changes that can help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Reducing caffeine and nicotine intake, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity can all contribute to better mental health. Additionally, ensuring you have a strong support system of friends and family can provide comfort during difficult times.

6. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Since you mentioned that you have a continuous prescription and will see your doctor next month, it’s essential to keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including the frequency and severity of your anxiety attacks and vomiting episodes. This information will be valuable for your healthcare provider to make informed decisions about your treatment plan.

In conclusion, while anxiety attacks can lead to vomiting, it’s essential to address both the psychological and physical aspects of your symptoms. Open communication with your healthcare provider, exploring therapeutic options, and making lifestyle changes can significantly improve your quality of life. Remember, you are not alone in this, and seeking help is a crucial step towards recovery.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Nausea and Anxiety: When Stress Triggers Vomiting

Since childhood, I have felt nauseous and had the urge to vomit whenever I am nervous or anticipating something. Recently, this has become increasingly exaggerated, with even trivial matters causing emotional fluctuations. As a result, I often feel nauseous throughout the day. On...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello, From your message, it is clear that you have a preliminary understanding that the cause of nausea and vomiting stems from emotional changes such as anxiety. This can be considered a manifestation of psychological influence on physiology. For instance, some individuals ma...

Understanding Anxiety: Overcoming Nausea and Avoidance Behavior

I tend to be easily anxious, feeling uncomfortable when going out, taking public transportation, traveling, or during exams. I often feel down and worry about many small details, fearing discomfort while outside, which leads me to avoid these situations. When I get anxious, I fee...

Dr. Tang Jiahong reply Psychiatry
Hello. When experiencing symptoms of nausea and the urge to vomit, it is typically recommended to first consult a gastroenterologist to rule out any gastrointestinal issues. If no problems are found, then it may be considered that the symptoms could be related to a psychological ...

Overcoming Anxiety-Induced Nausea After Gastroenteritis: A Guide

Since the severe gastroenteritis at the beginning of the year, I seem to have developed a psychological barrier that makes me very anxious. Just the thought of going out to eat causes my appetite to decrease, and even when I'm very hungry, I find it hard to eat. I often feel...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello: From your letter, it appears that your symptoms have persisted for over six months, which is beyond the normal range and likely causing you considerable distress. I wonder if you have sought medical attention during this time. The description in your letter does suggest th...

Chronic Vomiting: Could Anxiety Be the Hidden Cause?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing dry heaving and vomiting since the end of August, but I do not have abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or loss of appetite. It occurs at certain times. I have some anxiety issues, and I initially saw a gastroenterologist who diagnosed me wi...

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: If you are experiencing dry mouth and throat due to nervousness, which leads to dry heaving and retching, it is recommended to relax and distract yourself. Drinking some warm water may also help. Additionally, try to reduce the intake of hot and dry foods and increase the ...