Sleep issues

Hey everyone,

Hope you are doing as well as possible.

Ugh so as a few of you know I had started cipralex 2 weeks ago and I took it for 4 or 5 days until I had increased anxiety that led to a panic attack. I was trying to fall asleep and as soon as I dozed off I would startle awake because it felt like I wasn't breathing. This went on for about an hour before I gave up and sat up and I was having anxiety which quickly escalated to panic which I have only ever had 1 time before this. The panic wouldn't stop so I ended up in the er where they gave me Ativan which was awesome but yes I know they are addictive. I came home and fell asleep without incidence. I was told to get off the cipralex.

Fast forward to last night... it happened again. I didn't panic just was anxious until I could finally fall asleep. But... I was anxious from when I woke up until dinnertime when it turned into full blown panic while making dinner. My dad walked in to me chopping potatoes while bawling my eyes out and hyper ventilating. Sounds funny now but definitely not at the time. I calmed down relatively quickly. Now for tonight, I'm exhausted from all of this and I tried to sleep and I was relaxed and dozing off and then bam, but this time it feels like my heart jumped or palped and I sat straight up. So here I am not able to sleep, anxious and exhausted.

Does anyone else get anything similar? I have had all heart tests, actually had 2 ekgs and a heart ultrasound in the last 2 weeks. Did the pills trigger this? I can't keep going on like this. Is it just my nervous system kicking in when I relax? Anxiety? Something worse? I was thinking sleep apnea but it only happens when trying to fall asleep. I used to sleep so well, it was my only safe place from the pain from my arthritis and now I can't even have sleep... this is getting unbearable and ridiculous.

Sorry for the long post but this is getting really frustrating, fast.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Jumper,

As Hibee mentioned, this is not uncommon...but I am sorry to hear you are dealing with this.:(

Have you discussed alternative Rx's with your doctor?

How about your coping skills? Are you practicing them daily...especially before trying to sleep?

...and sorry, but remind me if you are currently in therapy? Your therapist may have some good exercises to help you specifically with this, such as relaxation techniques he/she can teach you...

...if not, let me know if you'd like me to pull up some links for you.

Wishing you peace and progress,

S.C.

Okay...gotcha...

For now, here are some good relaxation and anxiety/panic managing self help links. Practice everyday...even when you are feeling good...

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/panic.asp

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

Free on-line CBT programs:

 

http://www.moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome

http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome

...and especially before going to sleep, to be in as relaxed a stated as possible.

It might not be an immediate change, but these techniques will start to help over time if you keep them up.:)

S.C.

Hi

Do check out the links SC has given you here is an other one www.moodgym.com which is a free online CBT programme that you can work through at your own pace. Also look into Mindfulness Meditation you will find loads of videos on youtube and it is very effective.

Keep us posted.

Hibee