Waking up in a panic, feeling like throwing up, nauseated for hours

Hi Everyone,

I suffer from panic and anxiety attacks. I take Paxil, Xanax and gravol when nauseated. I also have GERD. I wake up every morning feeling like I have a bloated stomach then the nausea kicks in slowly. I feel anxious about the day, I try everything to get my mind off it and nothing works. I spend 3 hours every morning carrying a bag or pail everywhere. I try taking 1.5mg of xanax plus I take 40mg of Paxil which I have been on for about 12 years. Paxil works great but I think its losing its effectiveness, im not sure. There are days I also wake up from my GERD choking on my vomit which triggers the anxiety which triggers the nausea which triggers the anxiety which triggers the GERD.

I am taking meds for the GERD, but my severe morning panic and anxiety attacks render me useless. All I do is pace holding a bag or garbage can. I get scared that I will get sick and wind up in the hospital which triggers my anxiety and the whole routine starts again. I am scared to wake up in the morning because I have a phobia of throwing up, phobia of hospitals and a phobia of doctors. I just go in a vicious circle for hours making myself crazy and sicker and more anxious and more sicker. It usually subsides when I take 1.5mg of xanax and 3 gravol (Anti Nauseants) but because of my GERD and motility it takes 3 hours for it to work. by the time ive already thrown it back up.

Are there any home remedies, scents, secrets that we dont know about lol. I hate living like this and its driving my wife batty. Are there any excersizes I can do in my room to eleviate the panic and anxiety and nausea?

Thanks for your help guys
Ian

Hi Ian K and welcome.

I am so sorry to hear of the miserable way that you have been feeling in the mornings.

Morning anxiety is not uncommon, so know that you are not alone with this issue.

It is tricky when we have a physical issue such as GERD that is exacerbated by anxiety...and then the cycle of symptoms/more anxiety/more symptoms starts up.

I think that a two pronged approach, as you are seeking is a good plan.

Keep working to treat your GERD. (have you checked in with our GERD forum here for advice?)

...and yes, there are a lot of things that you can do to lower your anxiety. I am going to post links below from our Resources for you to chedk out.

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

Books for overcoming Health Anxiety:

http://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-New-Mood-Therapy/dp/0380810336/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1379950432&sr=1-1&keywords=Feeling+Good%3A+The+New+Mood+Therapy+by+David+D.%2C+M.D.+Burns

http://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Health-Anxiety-David-Veale/dp/1845298241

http://www.amazon.com/Treating-Health-Anxiety-Cognitive-Behavioral-Approach/dp/1572309989

 

Give the stress relieving exercises a try...and check out the book recomendations.

This is a good start. However, if you feel like your issues are more than can be handled at home...don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about the possibility of seeking therapy. I benefitted so much from this treatment option, and we have some similarities in our stories!

Keep talking with us as well. We are here to listen and care anytime...support is key!

Scaredy Cat