Question about general feeling after starting cpap treatment

Hi everyone,

I’ve been using my CPAP since November after being diagnosed with severe sleep apnea (AHI 107). I think I’m one of the lucky ones because I adapted really fast and have been able to sleep through the night since day one. I can definitely feel the change, no more crashing or needing random naps during the day. Overall, it's been great.

However, since December, I’ve been having episodes that feel like panic attacks. They can last for days, go away for a while, and then come back. I’ve seen several doctors and had blood tests and ECGs done, but they found nothing wrong. One doctor prescribed benzos, but I’m being very careful with them because I’m afraid of getting addicted. When I do take them, the effect is so subtle I’m not even sure if it’s just a placebo.

I’m starting to think that because CPAP is such a big change, my brain might be getting confused and going into "panic mode." Aside from starting the CPAP, nothing else in my life has changed that would trigger this. My doctors haven't been much help, one just focused on my weight and told me to do more sport, but he couldn’t explain why I was feeling like this.

Has anyone else in this group ever had a similar experience?