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panic/anxiety about upcoming trip

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Posted 9/6/2016 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hey folks,

I'm in the middle of switching SSRIs (Celexa to Prozac), and I just started my second week of Prozac. My anxiety has been ramping up a lot already because of the side effects of switching (nausea, diarrhea, lack of appetite etc). As I've posted in the past, my anxiety also goes up big time when I'm traveling or I know I'm going to be traveling soon. On Friday evening this week I leave for a week to visit a couple of my wife's friends in Seattle. A five hour flight, seven days away from my routine, my job, my house (my safe place), and my dog. The anxiety really started this past weekend and has just been getting worse and worse this week. I have no idea how I'm going to step on that plane on Friday evening. cry My wife knows I'm starting to get anxious about this and she's sympathetic and often tries helpful talk ("I'm right here with you", "I love you, it's ok that you're anxious" etc), but this only helps so much in the middle of a full blown panic attack and when I feel like I have to run off to the bathroom because I feel like I'm about to vomit, she tends to start getting angry/impatient, which just makes the anxiety and panic skyrocket.. Any commiseration and/or tips anybody has to help at all with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much all,
Blue
Posted 9/6/2016 11:07 PM (GMT 0)
That sucks Blue. Do you have a benzo or something similar to head off the panic attacks?
Posted 9/7/2016 12:28 AM (GMT 0)
This sounds like the perfect scenario for Xanax, Ativan or Klonopin. If there's any possible way to see your Doc and get just a small prescription you'd be amazed at how well you'd be able to manage this flight and entire trip.
Posted 9/7/2016 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Yep, I take a benzo (Klonopin 0.5mg as needed for panic attacks, I don't take it regularly), but it takes a long time to kick in. If I have a panic attack Klonopin tends to take up to an hour to an hour and a half to kick in, an enternity for a panic attack, as we all know. Heh.

Ativan seems to work pretty quickly for me (within fifteen-twenty minutes), but I don't know if I'll be able to get a prescription before Friday. Because of state laws where I live doctors cannot call in schedule IV drug prescriptions to pharmacies. The prescription has to be picked up by me by hand or they have to mail it to me. My doctor is nearly an hour away from where I live. I suppose I could try to get up there if I can get out of work early Thursday.
Posted 9/7/2016 2:35 AM (GMT 0)
This is exactly why i took xanax it works fast and lasts three to four hours, i use to have to fly to Canada
for Customs purposes and it pulled me through many times, "just don't drink", after i got on top of my
panic i would just order a double jack on the rocks and go to sleep, Peace

Larry ***

Your doctor might call in a small script about 5, good luck.
Posted 9/7/2016 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Soonblue,

Use your benzo in a prophylactic manner...as in, taking it early when you anticipate the most challenging times....so it will a have time to be effective, and stop the anxiety before it can start.

Also practice your coping skills...they will get you through and help you to feel empowered!.:)

Have you been to Seattle before? It is AWESOME!! You are going to love it.:) We have been a few times...and it is always a treat!.:)

Enjoy your trip. You can do this...I have faith in you. ..believe in yourself too!!

S.C.
Posted 9/7/2016 7:36 AM (GMT 0)
Double up on your coping skills and have a great trip.

Hibee
Posted 9/7/2016 5:32 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have any absolute remedies for you but I can say that I am a pre-activity panic-er. I start worrying about things that are weeks ahead of me and I tend to talk myself out of appointments, activities, visits and anything that I know will cause me anxiety.

I have a dental appointment in about 2 hours and am fighting myself to keep it. Then Friday I am scheduled for a mammogram and ultrasound. Talk about anxiety! I've already cancelled this once. Doing all I can to keep it together and not freak out again.

I feel for you friend. There is nothing like mental nervousness!!
Posted 9/7/2016 8:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the responses, everybody. I've got a call in to my doc to get a new script for my Klonopin and I saw my counselor today and will be seeing her again tomorrow. It was a rough session today; had a hard time holding it together and even cried a bit. Oye.
Posted 9/7/2016 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
SB,

You are preparing well for your trip. You are going to be able to manage any anxiety you have. Envision nothing but success...and stay positive.

S.C.
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