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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Cairo on December 2, 2006, at 17:13:58
Is there any relation between elevated levels of DHEA and panic attacks? My DHEA level came back quite high; cortisol was normal, testosterone normal, estrogen post-menopausal. I've been on doxepin recently and am increasing the dose; could medications raise DHEA?
Other causes of elevated DHEA are polycystic ovary syndrome and adrenal tumor, but ruling those out, what else might cause it?
Thanks.
Cairo
Posted by linkadge on December 3, 2006, at 9:34:40
In reply to Re: Elevated DHEA, posted by Cairo on December 2, 2006, at 17:13:58
Some medications can raise DHEA. I know effexor can raise it. Lithium and zyprexa generally lower DHEA.
I would think that high DHEA could cause panic attacks. It may also be a factor in psychosis / mania.
Linkadge
Posted by Cairo on December 3, 2006, at 15:36:36
In reply to Re: Elevated DHEA, posted by linkadge on December 3, 2006, at 9:34:40
How would you lower DHEA, or would you change medications if you suspect one was causing an elevation? I'm currently on doxepin 50mg plus Unithroid, but had been on a very long list before that. My panic attacks began while on Topamax. I thought they might have been due to metabolic acidosis, but maybe not. My cortisol has always been "normal", but I've always felt Addisonian in response to stress. My symptoms look like a hypofuctioning HPA axis.
I haven't had DHEA measured for a long time, so I don't know which med might have caused it (assuming it would stay elevated after discontinuation of a particular med).
My doctors will probably do a work up for PCOS/adrenal tumor and I guess that's the prudent thing to do, but I'll research the medication angle.
Thanks! You're a fountain of knowledge and I appreciate your help.
Cairo
> Some medications can raise DHEA. I know effexor can raise it. Lithium and zyprexa generally lower DHEA.
>
> I would think that high DHEA could cause panic attacks. It may also be a factor in psychosis / mania.
>
>
> Linkadge
Posted by Declan on December 3, 2006, at 18:19:56
In reply to Re: Elevated DHEA, posted by Cairo on December 2, 2006, at 17:13:58
Around about 8 months ago I did a post on Alternative about elevated DHEA and lowered something or other. My doc followed the flow chart and associated enzymes and had this stuff to say.
I tried to find it but 'Declan+hormones' was unsuccessful.
Posted by linkadge on December 4, 2006, at 21:02:37
In reply to Re: Elevated DHEA, posted by Declan on December 3, 2006, at 18:19:56
Large doses of vitamin C can lower DHEA, but not sure by how much. Not sure what else though.
Lithium/zyprexa can too.
Linkadge
This is the end of the thread.
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