Overcoming Anxiety Linked to Allergic Reactions
I am a 31-year-old woman who has experienced significant anxiety over the past year. This began after I had an unexpected skin rash response to clindamycin, which has since left me fearful of potentially suffering severe allergic reactions to foods or medications, despite never having had such experiences. Now, whenever I eat or take medication, even familiar ones that I’ve consumed multiple times, I face panic attacks that feel akin to allergic reactions. Currently, I am prescribed Zepbound for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and, although I have taken it 13 times without any allergic issues, I still find myself undergoing panic attacks frequently after each injection. For a brief period, I felt a gradual improvement, but I have recently found myself slipping back into anxiety. After injecting, I often experience a sudden wave of dizziness, followed by a racing heartbeat and tingling sensations in my throat and mouth. Thankfully, these symptoms subside after approximately five minutes, allowing me to regain my composure. I have been attending therapy for six months in an effort to manage this anxiety, but I continue to find it difficult to escape this mental loop. Each week, my thoughts trick me into believing that a panic attack was actually an allergic reaction, which causes me to fear that the next episode will be even more severe. I’m reaching out for guidance because I’m unsure of the best steps to take next.
Answers (1)
2/4/2026, 3:20:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by anxiety, especially after experiencing an unexpected reaction. You're not alone in this, and it’s great that you’re seeking guidance. Let’s break down your situation and identify some actionable steps to help you feel more in control.
Main Points:
- Your anxiety is likely exacerbated by the fear of allergic reactions following a previous experience, leading to panic attacks.
- Physical symptoms you experience after injecting medication may be anxiety-related rather than allergic reactions.
- Continued therapeutic support is important, but additional strategies might help.
Explanation:
The panic attacks you’re experiencing can mimic allergic reactions, as anxiety can trigger physical responses like dizziness, a racing heart, and tingling sensations. The mind can become very powerful in creating fears based on past experiences, even when you know logically that your medication has not caused an allergic reaction in the past.
Your progress in therapy is commendable, but it's also common to hit plateaus or experience setbacks. It might be beneficial to actively address the link between your anxiety and the sensations you feel during medication administration.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Grounding Techniques: When you feel anxiety after injections, practice grounding exercises. Focus on your five senses—identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This can help pull your mind away from the panic.
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Controlled Breathing: Use slow, deep breathing techniques to calm your body. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for six counts. Repeat this several times during your anxiety episodes.
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Panic Attack Diaries: Keep a journal of your panic episodes. Note the circumstances, physical sensations, and your thoughts. Over time, this can help identify patterns and allow you to challenge negative thought patterns with evidence of past experiences not leading to allergic reactions.
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Psychoeducation: Engage in resources that educate you about allergies and anxiety. Understanding how similar the physical symptoms can be might help reduce fear.
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Therapist Collaboration: Discuss your concerns with your therapist about the current plateau in anxiety management and explore if cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies or exposure therapy could be beneficial.
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Engage Support Networks: Share your experiences with supportive friends or family. Sometimes, talking about fears can lessen their power.
Consider that overcoming such anxiety takes time, and it's important to be gentle with yourself during this process. By implementing these steps, you should be able to find new strategies to manage your anxiety effectively. Let me know how these suggestions work for you or if you need further assistance.
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