Medical Health Encyclopedia

Call 911 if:

• You have crushing chest pain, especially with shortness of breath, dizziness, or sweating. A heart attack can cause feelings of anxiety.
• You have thoughts of suicide.
• You have dizziness, rapid breathing, or racing heartbeat for the first time or it is worse than usual.

Call your health care provider if:

• You are unable to work or function properly at home because of anxiety.
• You do not know the source or cause of your anxiety.
• You have a sudden feeling of panic.
• You have an uncontrollable fear -- for example, of getting infected and sick if you are out, or a fear of heights.
• You repeat an action over and over again, like constantly washing your hands.
• You have an intolerance to heat, weight loss despite a good appetite, lump or swelling in the front of your neck, or protruding eyes. Your thyroid may be overactive.
• Your anxiety is elicited by the memory of a traumatic event.
• You have tried self care for several weeks without success or you feel that your anxiety will not resolve without professional help.

Ask your pharmacist or health care provider if any prescription or over-the-counter drugs you are taking can cause anxiety as a side effect. Do not stop taking any prescribed medicines without your provider's instructions.