Burning head

[Tattedprincess]

Hi...I wrote to u once before concerning my symptoms and would just like some more clarification please.  I cannot sleep at night, if I do manage to fall asleep I am only asleep for an hour or so at a time.  I was very relaxed last night until just laying in bed I got a horrible burning sensation all over the top of my head.  My head has felt very sore, sometimes it feels like someone is stabbing me and they leave the knife in!  I am also having tingling all threw my head.  It burns and tingles in my face also.  I do have panic disorder so I am trying hard to relax, however I am terrified that there is something seriously wrong with me!  I went to a neurologist last Thursday and he ordered a lot of tests.  I just had the blood drawn today because I had to fast and that makes me sick in my stomach, which in turn makes my anxiety skyrocket!  He did 15 different blood tests, I remember some...ANA, 2 different Cholesterol, fasting glucose, CBC, Lymes Tier, Serum B12...thats all I can remember.  He also scheduled me on the 30th for some diagnostic tests...BAER, VEP, and SSEP.  He wants an MRI of my brain, cervical region, and back also, waiting on authorization from the insurance on that still.  Last time we spoke you suggested most of these things and also stated that it could be stress or sleep deprevation.  If it is because I am not sleeping I would like to know if you think Advil PM or Tylenol PM could help me sleep WITHOUT feeling anxious.  I am afraid to take meds as I have had a lot of reactions to different meds that I have been put on for my Panic disorder and my Bipolar.  My doc wants me to take Klonopin, however I am afraid to do so as I am afraid that it will make me anxious or I will have a bad reaction to it.  My daughter takes Melatonin to sleep, do you think I could take this WITHOUT being anxious?  My doc just tells me to take stuff and will not answer my questions as he thinks I am just too anxious and everything!  It makes me crazy!  Thank you for your time!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Alpazolam or Xanax is a short acting medication which is prescribed for moderate to severe anxiety. I would suggest you to take full dose of Xanax since you are not getting the requisite effect with half the dose and anxiety attacks are continuing. It can produce side effects like drowsiness, depressed mood, headache and dizziness. Please remember that side effects do not occur in everybody. If the benefits outweigh the adverse effects it is worth trying.
Also learn some self relaxation techniques. Hope this helps!

[Tattedprincess]

Thanks!  I appreciate your help and answers!  My doc put me on .25 mg Xanax to help me deal with the panic attacks and constant anxiety that I have been experiencing.  I am only taking half of one as I am afarid of the whole dose.  I do feel more relaxed on it and I was able to get some half decent sleep last night.  I took another half today at 11:30 am and by 8pm I was starting to have anxiety.  I was shaking a little, I felt short of breath, and I was not liking it.  Can your body get used to the Xanax that quickly?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Please go ahead and take OTC sleep aids like Tylenol PM as it will definitely help you relax and help you get good nights sleep.
I would also suggest you to learn some self relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, meditation etc. Make sure you do not stay awake past your bedtime. A glass of milk and warm shower near your bedtime will also help.
Please do not take Melatonin without your physician’s advice. It is a definitely a good idea to get an MRI of brain and cervical spine done to rule out neurological lesions and nerve compression as a cause of your symptoms.