Lyme Anxiety Help?

My anxiety was skyhigh before treatment. I started with rescue remedy which really helped. Eventually went to xanax as I believe it is crucial for the body to be able to relax and be calm in order to be able to heal. Are you taking magnesium? That too will help the nervous system.

I came off Xanax in 2008 after a toxic reaction to Levaquin. As a nurse, I totally understood the ramifications of taking a benzodiazepine but I really needed to sleep (hadn't slept for 8 nights) and to stop the multiple panic attacks and high anxiety level. I will post more later.

If you are female, bioidentical progesterone is calming. It nipped my anxiety attacks in the bud. They haven't returned in 5 years.

oh man, Lyme anxiety is the worst. It was one of my worst side effects of the disease.

All I can say is detox as much as you can to get the biotoxins out of the system. No caffeine at all, low sugar and kill yeast. Candida overgrowth causes HORRIBLE anxiety

hugs good luck

I'm all natural with the exception of Trazodone at night for sleep, which I am currently trying to get off of. I have found that Motherwort tincture works really well for me, and now my doc added in Wild Oats (Avena Sativa) tincture as well. This has been an amazing combo for me! Although you must be sure to get Avena Sativa in order to treat nerves. It actually works on the nerves themselves and the Motherwort works more on the anxiety stuff.

I hope this helps a bit!

Hi Peacesoul!!
I use Motherwort tincture for general anxiety - it got me off the Xanax!! I take it 3 times a day.

The Avena Sativa seems to work on the actual nerves for me. It calms the buzzing & burning I still get in my hands/arms and the wandering bug sensations - at least until I overdo!! LOL!! Of course it does wonders to help me sleep just a bit better too!

I have used L-Theanine plus Gaba.  I belive it leveled me out really well without being sedating.

Momtomonsters

Thanks peacesoul...btw, why is caffeine a no no....I understand sugar and gluten but not caffeine? - has to do with adrenal function and combating lyme? or does it "feed" the bacteria too...?

no caffeine is not great, but if you have to have it, take it 15 mins after a protein breakfast so the adrenals are not taxed.
But caffeine feeds anxiety so not a good choice.

Holy Basil, I use Solaray's product. Doctor told me about this, to use for anxiety. I know several people using it now, works really well

STAY AWAY FROM CAFFEINE AND ESPECIALLY ALCOHOL. STOP DRINKING. Anxiety and Panic attacks have been my main symptom the past few years, so I have a lot of experience dealing with this. I would also stay away from xanax, klonopin, etc, as these drugs typically are extremely powerful and tend to make you depressed afterwards. Spending time in nature is honestly one of the best solutions. Go to a park, go for a walk, spend time around trees and wildlife. It will help and the effects of nature and healing are well documented. From an herbal standpoint I highly recommend valerian root extract. Try a liquid extract and start with a low dose, maybe 250mg (7 drops), and see how that works for you. If its not enough go up to 500mg, then 1000mg (28 drops). The bottle will say to take 1ml (28 drops) three times daily - this is not necessary; Use it as you need it, you'll figure it out. Aside from valerian, try passion flower, l-theanine (highly recommended - try 100mg or 200mg once or twice a day - a tolerance will develop quickly. When this happens I suggest skipping a day or two), chamomile, and rhodiola rosea. Try these herbs one at a time to see how they work for you without the results influencing each other. When you know what you like and what helps you, try rotating them to blend the effects and prevent a tolerance buildup. I highly recommend you buy good quality herbs. It's worth the extra money for better quality herbs, it will save you time and money in the end. As for a source, try swanson vitamins. They have a great selection and the best prices around (check for interactions, some sources will say certain herbs interact, although with in-depth research I've found most herbs seem to be fine at proper doses. Also, make sure to exercise daily (try yoga), and when you're feeling more comfortable inside your own body, try some breathing exercises and meditation (zen meditation is simple and straightforward) Remember, close your mouth and always breath through your nose! Look into buteyko breathing exercises. Unintentional hyperventilation is a huge factor of anxiety. Good luck, email me or private message me if you need any help.

CWR311-
I have the same question. Is Lyme stirring up the anxiety in my case (I know it can, but is it) or is the anxiety a separate issue to deal with? I'm running in circles, too. Psychologist gave me some tests etc. and says I have General Anxiety with some depression. Which may be true, but I explained my lyme concerns and lets just say he's not the most knowledgeable lyme person. He thinks that I'm preoccupied with my health (which may be true too since nobody has helped me yet). I told him I may be a hypochondriac but I may also be a hypochondriac with active lyme causing all the anxiety symptoms.

Primary doc has me on Lexapro (10mg) and xanax as needed (i break it into the .25 pieces and typically don't take more than 2 or 3 times a week). Lexapro hasn't seemed to do much for the anxiety yet and I'm scared of taking too much xanax or any benzo (perhaps Klonopin or valium is better in my case as last bit longer). Had really bad anxiety today just going to the corner store - thought I was going to jump out of my skin. Not really a panic attack just more like a wired up restlessness. Feel like I can't stay anywhere too long. Even at home I get like that sometimes.

Can't sleep well (tried Trazodone which helped a little) but still wake up 3 or 4 hours and have trouble falling back asleep. Which probably contributes to the fatigue and difficulty concentrating at times. A vicious cycle which I can't seem to break.

Waiting for latest Bart test to come back. Always tested neg in past but LLMD thinks symptoms might be indicating Bart infection. Even gave me a Levaquin script to start.

Hard not to google when trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with me.