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This small nucleus contains almost half of all the brain neurons that use norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter. The locus coeruleus also projects its axons to those parts of the brain that may be associated with panic disorders (the amygdala, hippocampus, septum, cortex, brainstem, reticular formation, etc). Stimulating an animal's locus coeruleus, like stimulating its amygdala, produces anxiety behaviours.
When you suffer from anxiety your body releases stress hormones which can cause the muscles in your body to contract stronger than usual. This is in response to your bodyâs fight or flight reflex and the aim of this reflex is to enable you to either fight off the threat or run away from it.