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Pressure in the head due to anxiety

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Posted 9/5/2016 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,
I am getting pressure in the head that comes and goes. I've had it for about a year,
but it is getting worse, and now I am having leg numbness with it, and sometimes tingling.
I have this several times a day in spite of being on two medications Buspar and Nortriptyline.
low dose, 10 mgs. each.
I am new here and enjoying the information that I am getting from all your
experiences with anxiety and depression meds.

I have spinal stenosis and severe DDD that fortunately does not cause me a lot of pain,
but the Nortriptyline is more for pain than for depression prescribed by my rheumatologist.
The numbness and tingling usually comes when the head pressure starts, then seems to
lessen after I relax or eat. Sometimes I have to take acetaminophen but don't want
to take it every day.

Thanks so much for your anticipated feedback.
Posted 9/5/2016 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Alice and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your anxiety and troubling symptoms it is causing.:(

Head pressure and paresthesia are common anxiety effects...so it may well be that the use of some coping skills will bring you relief...

...however, the waters are muddied somewhat since you also have the neck/back issues. (numbness and tingling can occur with both conditions)

Therefore treatment should be an attempt at management for both issues simultaneously.

In our Resources at the top of the main forum page here, you'll find great material for self help. In the 'Stress Relieving Exercises' link, try the Progressive Muscle Relaxation and the Breathing Exercises. They will help if practiced daily.

Also, have you or are you currently in therapy? This is the best long term plan for recovery IMO.:)

We are glad you've joined us! Keep posting with us for support. We understand and care. :)

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/5/2016 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, SC for your helpful response and welcome.

I will try the stress relieving exercises as you recommended. I am having trouble
finding a good therapist without travelling too far. I don't drive so it's a problem.
The Nortriptyline was prescribed for the pain; the tingling and numbness seems to
come on when I am stressed, but I usually don't have it in the morning when rising.

I find it hard to plan anything because I don't know how I am going to feel. Some days
I feel like my old self and then I have a spell where I am too numb to leave the house.

I may go back to 20 mgs. on the Buspar and see if it helps.

Thanks I'll keep you posted. I'm finding this forum very informative.
Appreciate your time and concern.

Alice
Posted 9/5/2016 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
Of course.:)

Keep up the search for your most successful recovery plan...you'll meet those goals of feeling your best.:)

Post with us anytime. ..support is key!

S.C.
Posted 9/7/2016 6:28 PM (GMT 0)
Wondering if shakiness is a sign of withdrawal from
anxiety medication or that it's not working. I had
it when I tried to get off Buspar and again today.
I cut down from 20 mg to 10 and started getting
shaky, went up to 15 mg for a few days and felt better,
but shaky again today. I'm going to try 20 again and
see if it helps.

I'm trying to stay positive but the proper medication and
dose is also important.
Posted 9/7/2016 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Alice,

Are you trying to discontinue the Buspar? If so, Howe come if you don't mind me asking.

The shakiness could be a breakthrough anxiety symptom that is a result of lowering your Rx level...

S.C.
Posted 9/7/2016 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
SC,

Thanks for the reply. I stopped taking Buspar for a few days when I started Nortriptyline
because I've been having trouble adjusting. Thought it was the Buspar doing this.
I hardly feel any effect from Nortriptyline now after a week on 10 Mg. I'm afraid
to go up on the dose as the first day I slept all day. That's what happened when
I tried other AD's. I'll see if 20 Mg of Buspar will help and wait a while before
increasing the Nortriptyline. Doc says I can take 2 a day. BTW, I take the Nortriptyline
at night and Buspar in the morning and at night. Was cutting out the one at night.
Posted 9/7/2016 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
Got it...thanks.

I think your plan is a good one...and will likely work. Best wishes and keep us posted, okay?

S.C.
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