Stress Center Peer Support

I went to my friend, who is a dentist. . . because now I have insurance and can get my crowns fixed. I was just thinking though that I read that Novocaine can cause panic attacks. He offered to give me a valium which is what I did years ago but I'm even a little afraid of that. I have Xanax but don't ever take it because I don't like that out of control feeling. Last time I took it for like 10 days and it seemed to make me worse in some ways. Of course the Valium would only be for one day. He also wants to pull a wisdom tooth which may require pain meds.

Any suggestions?

Faith

When I go to the dentist, He knows to use the old-fashioned novacaine, not the newer stuff with "epenefrine". With my old dentist, he was using the new novacaine. Minutes in the chair, I would start getting a racing heart, dizzy and sweaty-pure panic! When I switched (just b/c of insurance reasons),I told the new dentist about that. He told me I was like the handful of patients he has that cannot tolerate the new novacaine. I am pretty sure epenifrine is what's in there that can do that to some people. The dentist like to use the new novacaine b/c it works faster and lasts longer. Now, when I get work done, I feel great and relaxed. You'll be fine.

OK so I need to ask him if it's the old or the new kind? I haven't had work done in several years. I don't remember it bothering me then but in those days I didn't mind taking meds at all and drank alcohol, caffeine. . .whatever.

Hi my good friend faith -- Do you know I actually fall asleep in my dentist's chair? He always hums and one time I started snoring and he laughed.

Valium is to stay in your system longer than Xanax. Another option would be Klonopin or Adivan -- Not sure if this helps -- good luck!

Thanks. . . I think I'm just going to bring my MP3 player. I'm sure I'd do better without medication, if I'm just afraid of the medication.

That's sort of my point. I wish I knew how to overcome the fear of taking things.

I had no idea that novacaine can cause anxiety. Perhaps that is why I was getting a little panicky yesterday during my filling..?

could be either one right? Hard to say, but depending on which type they use, some types have epinephrine (sp?) in them which can cause anxiety.