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Posted 4/19/2015 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. I am an almost 30 year old mother to one, and just started experiencing panic and severe anxiety at the end of Jan. I have been taking 20 mg of Celexa since mid Feb, and I feel that it has helped me a lot. I also have Ativan PRN, but haven't taken it since end of Feb. I didn't want to get addicted. I was off work for a month, as the anxiety became debilitating. I recently went back to work about 2 1/2 weeks ago, and have noticed that I have been having more anxiety lately. Feelings of uneasiness, slight nausea, light headed, and dizzy. I usually try to convince myself that it's just anxiety and that it will pass. Part of me wonders, if it's the meds though. By now they should be therapeutic and side effects should of worn off. I just don't know if I should continue the med, or seek a med change. I just really don't want to go through the whole withdrawal/adjustment phase from one med to the other. Ugh.
Posted 4/19/2015 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome diner13, I'm happy you found us but sorry you are experiencing anxiety. You said that you felt better after taking the celexa so I don't think that is causing you anxiety, it is one of the regular AD they give for anxiety. Can I ask why you haven't taken the Ativan? It is highly unlikely that you will become addicted to them if you take them as prescribed.

Are you seeing a therapist? The best way to treat anxiety is with meds and therapy. We have some awesome links in our resource thread, there is a lot of links to different types of therapy. Check out the Mindfullness link, I use mindfullness alot and it really helps.

Here is the link to our resources, you can find it on the first thread on the forums.
www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

Here is a link to a short mindfullness video.
Three Minute Mindfulness Meditation Video

/www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDflnqo0TQs

Again, Welcome. Please take a seat and stay awhile, I look forward to getting to know you better. :)

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Fibromyalgia, COPD, Bipolar II, GAD, sleep apnea, arthralgia, insomnia, paresthesia-bilateral feet, degenerative disc disease, diastolic dysfunction, GERD, Hypertension, lumbar disc disease, urinary incontinence, Peripheral neuropathy, Bells Palsy, Tachycardia
Posted 4/19/2015 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't taken the Ativan, because I have been trying to manage without it. I see a psych/therapist at least once a month. I know it's common with anxiety, to think something else is going on-- but I sincerely do. I have an appt on Tuesday, and I am going bring up some complaints, with hopes they will take it seriously and do some investigation.
Posted 4/19/2015 1:35 AM (GMT 0)
Good luck at your appt on Tuesday, I hope they listen to you. Nothing worse then not having our doctors listen. Let us know how your appt goes.
Posted 4/19/2015 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
Did your anxiety and panic start after you gave birth? I have always been somewhat anxious but I had (I was going to say my first but remembered that is really not true-) a very intense panic attack a couple of months after I had my second child. I think a lot of my anxiety & panic had hormonal triggers.
Posted 4/19/2015 2:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi diner and welcome:)

With continued therapy, use of self help techniques (such as found in the links AngeLisa posted for you) and working with your doctor...I am sure you are going to find the answers and relief you need.:)

It is something that takes time, so be patient with yourself and the process. You just started back to work, so some breakthrough anxiety that is situational is expected, and should settle as you increase your management skills and settle back into the routine.

There is help and hope. Keep posting...we care and understand and support is key!


Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/19/2015 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your replies! I often wonder about the hormonal factor. I know that hormones change often, and I will be 30 in June. My son is a year and a half old, and I started getting them when he was about 15 months old. I was on birth control for 10 years, and never got back on anything.
Posted 4/19/2015 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
I am a registered nurse and I currently work in a clinic doing moderate sedation for procedures. I really enjoy what I do, and I just want to be able to continue working, and feel like I am leading a fulfilling life.
Posted 4/19/2015 4:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the forum,

I started taking meds for my anxiety and panic attacks last fall. What I've noticed is that there are ups and downs even with the meds. The symptoms you describe are similar to the symptoms that I have when I'm having anxiety.

If yr doctor is prescribing Ativan and you don't abuse it then there is a low chance of getting addicted. You may need it to help you get through the tough times. Hang in there and I hope you all the best.
Posted 4/19/2015 9:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum.

Sorry to hear you have been having anxiety but pleased to hear you have been to see your doctor about this and they have given you some medication. It maybe that you need an increase in your med so go and have a chat with your doctor.

Also ask them about getting a referral for some talking therapy such as CBT or Mindfulness Meditation as it is that which you will find really helpful.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 4/19/2015 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
I have wondered if I need an increase, but sometimes even the 20 mg makes me feel a little spaced out. Anytime I feel that my body is slightly out of whack- it makes me anxious. So I know a lot of it is mental. I usually do a good job of calming myself down. It is just the fact that it's nagging, and keeps happening. It's hard to accept that this is something I may have to just keep dealing with. I do my best though.

Thank you for your reply.
Posted 4/20/2015 1:51 AM (GMT 0)

D.,

I too used to really focus and get unerved by that 'off' or 'out of whack' feeling!

Here is a great link you might find helpful...it explains the cycle of anxiety=symptoms=increased anxiety=more symptoms...

It helped me to accept these sensations without attaching fears to them.:)

Health Anxiety- The Super Scanner

http://www.get.gg/docs/SuperScanner.pdf

S.C.


Posted 4/20/2015 3:50 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks! That is so true!
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