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Abstract:
Chinese food often contains glutamate, a neuro-transmitter which can cause panic attacks.
Question:
Last weekend I was out with my wife to a chinese restaurant. After dinner I felt suddenly rather uncomfortable with sweating, dizziness, heart palpitation. Was this a first panic attack?
Answer:
Your example shows that psycho-active substances can causes symptoms similar to anxiety disorder. Some medication for asthma (theophyilline, oral sympathomimetics) or psychostimulants and some antidepressants have similar effects on the brain. Some herbal remedies and over-the-counter pills have psycho-stimulating ingredients (like ephedra) and might cause similar symptoms.
Any kind of "energy drinks" should also be considered, because they contain psychoactive substances like caffeine or guarana.