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New here - at my wits end with anxiety

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Posted 11/3/2015 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
Was on 75mg Effexor for at least ten years. Weaned off cover a four month period recently, thinking I'd be fine. I'd only been off Effexor for a month before Anxiety came back in full force two weeks ago. Started getting diarrhea. Ended up in er. They did blood work, etc. They gave me Effexor (37.5mg), dicyclomine, and Ativan. That worked. For that evening. I have a new general practitioner who doesn't know me from Adam and is not helpful at all. Have a naturopath I see. I've been on 37.5 Effexor, but anxiety is causing me to want to jump out of my skin. Not sure how much more I can take. I'm so scared. I don't sleep, and I don't eat. I try to force little bits of food in me during the day. I'm losing a lot of weight. I'm feeling like no one is able to help me. I feel so alone. Whenever I fall asleep, I'm awakened by this evil monster called anxiety. Please help.
Posted 11/3/2015 7:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi brightpurple and welcome.

I am sorry to hear of the return of your anxiety. You are not alone as stories similar to yours are pretty common here in our forum.

Since you have discontinued and started up again on your medication, it will take some time for a therapeutic level to be reached once again.

Is it possible for you to consult with a psychiatrist? This type of mental health professional is the most knowledgeable in psychotropic Rx's...and can also facilitate/refer you for therapy, for the best all around treatment options for you.

How about self help. ..have you had any experience with this management tool? We have great material in our Resources at the top of the main forum page here. Check it out, and get started today with something new.:)

Keep posting with us as well. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 11/3/2015 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi brightpurple - I'm sorry you're struggling with anxiety. We here know the feeling all too well. I'm only a month in my AD and not noticing any relief yet, so please know you're not alone. I also cannot sleep and my eating has been affected as well. Keep on your new doctor and if he doesn't start to help you in any way, it might not be a bad idea to look elsewhere. From what I've read you can build up a tolerance to your AD, so maybe trying something new could be an option as well? Something to discuss with your doctor anyways. Sending positive thoughts and vibes your way!
Posted 11/3/2015 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Brightpurple,
Welcome to the forum. I am so sorry to hear you have been struggling with anxiety lately-- I definitely know that feeling of wanting to crawl out of my skin from just being so uncomfortable. Like SC said, our resources tab has worked wonders for me and others when dealing with this nasty thing called anxiety. There are many coping mechanisms that have proved helpful and have lessened the severity of anxiety. Another thing that really helps is just talking it out here. We are here for you!!!
Posted 11/3/2015 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your replies. There are a lot of resources, it's overwhelming at the moment. Are there favorites you recommend that would help me break down the list a bit?

I think I do need to see another dr. I will see if my naturopath will recommend one today.
Posted 11/3/2015 8:41 PM (GMT 0)
I understand! Thank you for asking...here are a few to start with for help with overwhelming anxiety, symptoms and help for general relaxation.

Let us know if we can provide any other links you might be interested in.:)

S.C.

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

Posted 11/4/2015 12:35 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome. I hope you find something SC posted helpful. We are here for you.
Posted 11/4/2015 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your warm welcome and assistance. I am reviewing the helpful links you kindly provided.
Posted 11/4/2015 3:08 AM (GMT 0)
Question: How long do you think it takes for medication to be working? I don't want to have it upped too soon, but want to give a fair amount of time.
Posted 11/4/2015 4:03 AM (GMT 0)
You've been back on, what...2 weeks or so? Hopefully you'll see some improvement in another week or two. (typically an SSRI takes from 4-6 weeks, on average to become beneficial)

It does take some time to reach a therapeutic level, and anxiety can actually increase in the initial stages. ..until Serotonin levels build back up.

Keep us posted with updates, and we'll keep you in support. :)

S.C.
Posted 11/4/2015 4:06 AM (GMT 0)
Yes, only about 10 days. That is great information to know. I didn't realize anxiety would initially increase. That explains what's going on.

I appreciate this forum.
Posted 11/4/2015 4:20 AM (GMT 0)
I don't understand why more doctors don't tell their patients of this initial effect!

It is so ironic, but true! Initially, Serotonin production decreases, as the brain struggles to understand the process of the meds effect...

...so in fact, the chemistry is really thrown off for a few weeks...causing the user to feel worse, before better!

Hang in there, and use the coping skills to get you through!

S.C.
Posted 11/4/2015 4:29 AM (GMT 0)
It'd sure be nice if they would give some warning of that!
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