Tips for Needlephobics to Not Pass Out

Not too many people actually enjoy being poked with a needle, but at least 10 percent of the population experiences extreme anxiety over needles, leading to a condition known as needle phobia. They exhibit severe symptoms when faced with the anticipation of coming in contact with a needle, like a drop in blood pressure, sweating, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat or fainting. This fear of needles often prevents these people from avoiding health care or ignoring medical problems, which can lead to health complications or even death.

Tell Your Health Care Practitioner

• The next time you find yourself confronted with a needle, let your nurse or doctor know that you have needle phobia. Most likely she has dealt with other people suffering from the fear of needles and will have tactics to ensure a smooth experience. Also, it may help to hear your health care practitioner reassure you that she has extensive experience in giving injections, or she may recruit a different nurse or doctor with more shot-giving experience. Alternatively, there may be another method to receive the intended medication rather than by injection.

Lie Down

• Lying down or elevating the legs while lowering the head lessens the risk of fainting. Stay in the reclined position until you feel stable enough to get up. When you feel ready, slowly raise your body to a sitting position, and then slowly stand up.

Anti-Anxiety Medication

• Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications like various benzodiazepines take effect within 5 to 15 minutes of ingestion, and are sometimes used for extreme phobia where fainting is an issue. If you decide to use this option, remember to bring someone with you to the doctor's office who will be able to drive you home afterward.

Beta Blockers

• Needle phobics with a tendency to faint may benefit from taking beta blockers. Beta blockers work to slow the heartbeat, thereby allowing the main heart chamber to fill more completely. They also lower blood pressure by widening or opening the body's blood vessels.

Breathing

• Breathing techniques help control the anxiety associated with the fear of needles. Fainting occurs when not enough oxygen is sent to the brain. Anxiety disorders such as needle phobia may cause you to unknowingly hold your breath or may cause you to hyperventilate. Control anxiety with diaphragmatic breathing using the diaphragm, which is located above the stomach and below the ribs. Inhale deeply while pushing the muscles down so your stomach pushes out. Exhale fully by pulling the stomach and diaphragm back in. There is little or no movement in the chest.