Panic attacks over new things/ fear of anaphylaxis

[Purplefish]

Hey all,

it’s been several years since I last posted!

I’ve been really struggling with anxiety over new things, such as trying new foods or new medications. Getting the covid vaccine was super scary, but I just got my booster so I’m proud of myself in that regard.

my doctor wants to start me on a new medication, however as it causes sedation my normal tactic of starting the medication in a public place so if something bad happens I’m near people who can help won’t work. As I’m not afraid of the longer side effects it’s the idea of not being able to breath.

I need to start this medication at night time due to the sedation side effect and I live alone. Any advice or tips? I have some emergency anti-anxiety meds at home so I could take that beforehand to help the anxiety but then there is the double sedation which seems like something I should avoid

Has anyone managed to overcome these types of phobias of getting anaphylaxis to new thing?

thanks all,

regards

purplefish

[jaz28]

Hi Purplefish,

I personally do not have these fears, but my sister does. She has a severe nut allergy and lived in fear of eating unfamiliar foods because she was afraid of anaphylaxis...and well, dying...if she ate any nuts. Most of these foods were completely nut-free, but I remember a period of her life where she solely ate fish and chips or nuggets when we went out..."safe foods" as you would call it. People always called her skinny and "a stick" because she was tiny and thin due to this. It could've been an eating disorder but I honestly think she was just really afraid of eating the one thing that would kill her, and after a few bad experiences where trusted extended family members accidentally fed her nuts...she found it hard to trust people as well.

Over time she grew out of this and now eats well and comfortably, she knows what to avoid and carries her epi-pen on her. I think what helped her was facing the fear of unfamiliar foods that were 100% safe and nut-free and just eating them. Maybe you could try that too - just taking the meds. If something happens (unlikely), have your phone ready to call 000. OR - is there a friend or family member that could come over whilst you take the meds to make you feel safer? But if not - your anxiety may be calmed?

Otherwise, I would suggest seeing your GP/psychologist about this.

Love,

Jaz.