Binge Drinking and increased anxiety

Dear Ask The Doctor: I went on a bit of a bender last week and ended up drinking a large quantity of alcohol on 4 different days (probably about 20 units each night). The last night I was out on Saturday and then late in the afternoon on Sunday I developed pins and needles in my nose and in both my arms. The main symptom I think I am feeling is anxiety and now today have a slight tremor in my hands, a few muscle jerks and my body occasionally feels like it's vibrating. I have never had these symptoms before and I am only young so feeling quite scared, I am a 23 year old male student. I usually only go out once a week and drink but I had finished some tests just recently. Is this just anxiety that I am having or could it be something more sinister? Thanks very much

Dear Jay: Binge drinking can cause serious damage to the brain cells. The immediate effects of binge drinking are trouble in moving and walking, low blood pressure, vomiting, not being able to remember, severe dehydration and shallow breathing.

The withdrawal symptoms after an episode of binge drinking are rapid pulse, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, seizures, headache, tremors and increased sensitivity to light and sound.

Since you are definitely experiencing some withdrawal signs of binge drinking, I would advise you to consult your doctor. Remember to keep yourself well hydrated.