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Medication to prevent situational crying?

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Posted 5/10/2016 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
Just read your post LAS68. I have seen many operations on the brain with probes to help with eating disorders and Parkinsons etc. I wish they could short circuit my crying issue. For me, it is definitely a chemical imbalance and is triggered by acts of love and caring. My situation is so extreme, I would gladly under go such surgery for myself and to help others. I have never met anyone with my problem, or anyone (even professionals) who even come close to understanding. I have not tried Propranolol or alprazolam yet.
Posted 5/12/2016 5:32 AM (GMT 0)
I doubt you will find a doctor who prescribes Nuedexta for crying at work in situations. It is for PseudoBulbar Affect. That is caused by a neurological problem from a disease or brain injury. It occurs several times a day for no reason. If you can pin the problem on certain situations, that isn't PBA. My father has this from Alzheimer's disease.

I would like a pill that would stop my anxiety completely and make me feel good every day, but they don't make that!
Posted 11/17/2016 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
I know this is an old post. But my dilemma: I have tried almost every SSRI, in addition to wellbutrin, During that time I had no emotion at all. totally flat. Wouldn't have been able to cry even if someone had died. Gained weight, no sex drive. No orgasms, ever. 2 years post divorce, decided to wean off the antidepressants. Did ok for the last 2 years, but started school and started dating. The depression is back. Finally have a sex drive though and I lost 35 pounds. Don't want to jeopardize either with another SSRI. Also, 50 yo, so hormonal issues might play a part, And found out my vit D is really low, so just prescribed large doses for a few weeks. Can't sleep. So don't don't what is really causing my issues, but I cry at the drop of a hat. My boyfriend I think is about tired of my crying every time I feel insecure and something doesn't go my way. Just started on Trazadone to help sleep and prescribe Klonopin yesterday for anxiety. Today, I was worse. Spent the entire day crying because of something really stupid. I have been seeing a therapist for several months, with a little help.
My question is though, anyone have problems with Klonopin and increased crying? I had only taken 2 doses, but Today was really bad. Thankfully I had the day off.
Posted 11/17/2016 4:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi sensitive,

I have Klonopin for anxiety, and it doesn't make me cry. It actually doesn't have much of an effect for me at all, but I have a pretty low does.

Constant crying is more likely the depression and/or anxiety than the medication. Meds can't fix things right away, and it's natural to have better days and worse days.

If SSRIs work for you but you have bad side effects, have you tried lower dosages? Or Buspar as an add on?

Sounds like you're in a tough spot trying to decide the best path for yourself. But As long as you keep taking steps forward, I think you're doing the right thing.

Sending you lots of strength!
Posted 11/17/2016 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

Member Supafunk has advised you well.:) I can only add that you may want to consider seeking a psychiatrist consult in regards to finding the right med for yourself. These specialists have expert knowledge of psychotropics, and can treat 'challenging to prescribe for' patients.

Post with us anytime for anxiety support, and consider starting an introductory post for yourself when you feel comfortable doing so!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 11/17/2016 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
Hi
Sorry your feeling so miserable ☹
I have no experience re: your meds so i cannot comment on this..
I read you have tried all kinds of ways to ease your crying , this must really get you down... just a thought about making up your own mantra to keep as a coping tool for situations when you need it the most.
i use one mainly for anxious situations , when i really need to be focused and not a wreck.
mine is simple as it was easy to remember and it really does work
for eg: mine is "i am strong.i am calm.i can do this.."
Also have you tried listening to guided meditations there are 100,s of free ones on you tube , i listened to one the other day about positivity , affirmations to help you get the feel good factor back in your life..
twas just a thought to help
I hope things improve soon .... to enable you to turn your frown upside down xx😊
Posted 11/18/2016 6:45 AM (GMT 0)
I have sesame problems like you in many ways but in past Brintellix and now Lexapro is trying it's best.

So far they worked and made me atleast better in public situations.

I could cry nonstop for days to a point I lost much of my vision.

I cannot type well like before.
Posted 12/15/2016 2:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bat Girl, Mimmi and others like me! I don't think there is anything wrong with you that therapy can fix. Nor do I think you would WANT it completely fixed. My grandmother cried at the drop of a hat, and so do I. People say I wear my emotions on my sleeve. I am a nursing instructor and neither my boss nor I want to get up and speak at graduation (even though we do this nearly every day) because we both KNOW we will cry. I came to this forum, like BatGirl, specifically to see if there is a medication that will dull my senses a tad. There are so many medications out there, I feel pretty certain that something does exist that will work.

I say try a few things and keep looking for better advice.

On the other hand, for those who are depressed, not functioning well in life, etc., the therapy thing is the best advice. Me? I couldn't be happier or more successful. I would just like to find a pill to take for weddings, graduations, etc.
Posted 12/15/2016 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
RE: crying very easy:

I was just reading about the link between people with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) which I have.... and being a hypersensitive person. Some of the hallmarks of this are being highly sensitive to sights, sounds and smells and taking so much in at once that we become overwhelmed. My friend one time said that I notice more in one car ride than she notices all day. I always knew about these feelings of being overwhelmed because when I got to a museum or store, I get totally wiped out and usually get a headache. Some of the suggestions for hypersensitive people are to rest a lot and make sure your blood sugar is on an even keel, and do not overdo caffeine. Anyway, I believe a lot of us who cry at the drop of a hat are hypersensitive people and would find it very interesting to go read about it.
Posted 12/15/2016 2:26 AM (GMT 0)
RE: how to stop uncontrollable crying. According Glamour, Sex, and Relationships:

This is all you have to do:

When you feel like you're going to lose it, pinch that little bit of skin between your thumb and pointer finger. Pinch it hard.

That's it.

Seriously.

It will magically stop you from crying every time.
Posted 12/15/2016 6:00 AM (GMT 0)
H!i Rhonda and welcome!

Thank you for your input. I find the information about sensitive people becoming overwhelmed interesting! I do not have ADHD, but often find myself exhausted and wrung out from experiences with 'too many feels'!

As far as an Rx that may help you with your speaking in front of groups...

...have you tried or considered a beta blocker? It could be taken as needed for situations such as this, since it can help with social anxiety issues.

Regarding the pinching technique...I can't tell if you are being serious or not about it working...? ;) I suppose it's worth a try. :)

Again thanks for sharing, and post anytime!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 2/1/2017 2:23 PM (GMT 0)

OnTop_OfIt said...
Wow. This just goes to show that people really don't understand. I have this issue too. I am very healthy, successful, great family, no depression issues, nothing bad has happened to me - probably an abnormally lucky person. But I cry very easily. If I am reading a book to my child and the underdog wins, I cry. I actually tend to cry on happy things - when I realize that someone did something kind, I cry; or when my boss shows he cares along with any other person that shows anyone that they care - I cry. In my mind there is no problem and the crying is very brief and then no thought is given to that situation again. When in true trouble - pretty rare - I actually tend to be very logical and very analytical. (I am an engineer, afterall) But I have the exact same problem as the person described. I get in situations where I will have to stop speaking altogether in order to hold back my voice that has disappeared (will come out squeaky) or outright tears in my eyes. When this happens, I know it is emotional, but totally not worth the tears. I would compare it to quicker-than-normal release of tears during PMS, except that all the other feelings such as anxiety, sadness, (and pain) are not part of this everyday crying disorder. It feels like it is so unreal that something must just be in imbalance. I have considered hormone therapy, but since I only have this one symptom, I don't know that I am ready to take something that may give me other side effects. It is a fact in my life that when I go without sleep for extended periods of time, it is almost a sure thing that I will cry for absolutely no reason when the slightest thing comes up. So I try to get my sleep. But that also tells me that my body produces something that controls this and it produces it when I sleep.

I'm sure this person feels the same way I do about this. It is something that can really be defeating at work in our high profile jobs (I work with governments around the world). Yes, it is controllable, but to control it, we must hold back or change our course of action which, in turn, undermines what we are trying to accomplish. It can - many times- make us react inappropriately because we know what to do but cannot do it and end up doing nothing. Nothing is considered a choice and has a meaning - not the meaning that we wanted to present.

I hope that someone understands and there is a better answer than what people have responded above. People know themselves. If they say they just need a pill and therapy isn't going to help, it isn't necessarily because they are in denial. If you have a problem, you will do anything to resolve it. But if you have lived with it for a long time, you know enough that it is chemically driven and behavior may not be the answer.

Posted 2/1/2017 5:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Charlie and welcome,

Was there something on this subject you wanted to share/discuss? You have simply re-posted a previous response from earlier in this thread.

Feel free to start your own response or new thread if you'd like support.

Scaredy Cat
Posted 2/6/2017 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hello, I have been in two workplaces in which I was (and currently am) routinely verbally attacked and physically threatened by coworkers. Though I am a high functioning depressed person, this caused my underlying anxiety to spin out of control. After 45 years of refusing meds, I decided to finally try something alongside therapy. My primary care prescribed low dose Citalopram (Celexa), which I tried for a year. However, I felt like I was over-medicating myself. Also, this drug gave me wicked ocular migraines (which interfered with my driving and being able to see my computer screen) as well as short-term memory loss. Today, I continue therapy and I have just ten Alprazolam 0.5mg prescribed to me per year. I cut them into quarters and take one teensy piece only when I anticipate a bad circumstance like being attacked by a coworker that day, or having to testify in court, etc. It removes the terror out of my chest for about two days. I also try to keep my caffeine intake down and exercise as regularly as possible. My advice is to listen to the patterns your body is teaching you. Become an expert at anticipating those situations in which you feel unable to defend yourself, or at least recognize them as they're beginning. It sounds like you're already doing this successfully. Practice deep breathing in that moment and do your best grown-up-in-control-steady-professional-act until you can get the heck out of there. ;) And forgive yourself. You don't have to prove yourself to anyone. Comforting and caring for yourself is the right thing to do. <3
Posted 3/1/2017 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
I have Multiple Schlerosis and uncontrollable emotions are one of the symptoms. I cry for no reason at times and am unable to control it. Trying to have a conversation with someone when it is something I dont want to hear or when I get mad or upset. I would be very interested in something that could help me control this. Anyone have any ideas of medications that can help with this?
Posted 3/1/2017 8:45 PM (GMT 0)

shariw303 said...
I have Multiple Schlerosis and uncontrollable emotions are one of the symptoms. I cry for no reason at times and am unable to control it. Trying to have a conversation with someone when it is something I dont want to hear or when I get mad or upset. I would be very interested in something that could help me control this. Anyone have any ideas of medications that can help with this?

It is possible for those with MS to have Pseudobulbar Affect (PBA) or another name is emotional lability. PBA episodes (laughing, crying) that is inappropriate to the situation and exaggerated (lasting longer or more intense than is normal for the situation. There is a medication for this --- Nuedexta.

If you are dealing with crying and/or getting upset easily, situational type emotions, and you don't fit into the PBA category then the treatment would consist of SSRI's (anti-depressants). Please seek the advice of your Neurologist.

There is a Multiple Sclerosis forum here at HealingWell. It would be nice if you would introduce yourself on the MS forum and allow us to offer some support if possible.
Posted 3/1/2017 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hello shariw and welcome!

I am sorry you are struggling with this issue. I am sure it is uncomfortable, and one of those things that gets harder the more you try to stop it.


Asking your doctor about a combination of an SSRI and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy would be your best broad spectrum approach to managing this.

Wishing you the best, and inviting you to post with us anytime for anxiety support. smile

Scaredy Cat
Posted 5/23/2017 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
I will not shove therapy down your throat. Which in some circumstances it is good to talk it out, what do you talk out or try to come to term with if nothing sinister is lurking behind the veil hiding? Life is hard it sucks and sometimes we break, pick up the pieces then move on. After all the life crap and situations our brains break down. All of a sudden, we cry. No reason. Just cry.
I drove to work on cold winter morning. I got out or the truck and just cried. I wasn't sad or scared or upset about anything. I just cried. I am far from an emotional person at all. If anything I am told i can be very cold and cynical. I cried for 2 weeks. I couldn't leave my room. I had no idea why. I wasn't sad. I would stop and my boys would come home from work and peek their heads in to see if i needed anything, and i would start crying all over again.

I went to doctors, then to therapists, then to psychiatrist. I was broken. In the years of being human, my body and brain broke. I was tired and my brain couldn't cope and it broke. I was diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and along for the ride was mild depression. I started depression meds and also low does adivan to get me through the worst moments. It took a month of meds working and then i could join society again. I am still on depression medications, which i may not need anymore, but i dare not stop to find out. I am no longer on adivan.

So, where as I am no doctor, you may have social anxiety in certain situations. No therapy will help. It's a chemical imbalance. You can talk about it if you want, but in the end, only medications will fix it.
Posted 11/10/2017 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hey,
I have always been bursting into tears at the drop of the hat, I know I have several issues I have to work through. I finally signed up for therapy, however I am very surprised that one of the first things the psychiatrist is suggesting is popping pills rather than CBT or step wise therapy to understand the cause of the crying. does this sound correct? I am very sceptical of medicines. can someone elaborate how does therapy address frequent crying.
Posted 11/10/2017 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
Jasmine,

Is the Rx that he/she recommending Propranolol or another beta blocker? Sometimes spontaneous crying can be caused by social anxiety...and a beta blocker helps with SA issues...so that could be the reason.

CBT will help you to learn tools to manage your anxiety and the symptoms/behaviors such as the crying...and then at that point, you will most likely be able to stop the meds.

However, if you are reluctant to take the medication at all...then that is completely your decision to make...and simply telling your doctor that you would like to only do the therapy as a management option is perfectly fine!

I hope you get the relief you seek. Keep us updated if you'd like!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 1/29/2018 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
I have this SAME problem! It's so, so embarrassing and it is hindering me from saying more to everyone. I tear up in any touching situation. Every Sunday at church I am teary-eyed...everything is so touching and I have had to hide my tears for years there. I always use eye drops before church (I have never told anyone this until now) due to my eyes being bloodshot when I come out service. I can't tell people I love more about my personal faith in God, my testimony and anything about this topic as I cry. There is so much more I want to say and never can. As a child I had to get out of ballet because the music sounded like funeral music and so I was teared up the entire class. I was a gymnast and ballet was required, but I begged to get out of it. I can't dare go to a funeral - I have nicely volunteered to watch children so everyone else could go...but really it was because I would have been a complete mess...way more than the family who had reason to be a mess. Luckily at my own wedding I did well...but when I was the maid of honor at my best friend's wedding, I cried the whole time, distracting the groom and I even dropped tissue there while they were saying their vows. So embarrassing. My friend luckily loves me and she didn't care and I think was flattered as she knows how much I treasure her smile

I do cry when I'm happy as well - even fun, meaningful moments make me tear up. I'm tearing up just typing this because it pulls at my emotions. If anyone has any idea on medication, please share. I don't want it to take away from my joyful demeanor though - I have no depression and am loving person. There is just so much more I want share and say in life...and can not due to my crying reflex. I know its something with my brain that I can't help...I have always been this way. Thank you all for understanding and any advice is so appreciated!
Posted 1/29/2018 5:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi TG and welcome!

Besides recommending the aforementioned Rx possibilities for social anxiety...

...I think a therapist might be able to teach you some coping skills to help you feel more comfortable in emotional settings.

Hoping you get the help that you need! Post with us anytime.☺

Scaredy Cat
Posted 5/11/2018 3:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. I was doing a Google search for this very question as I encountered it once again today at work. I noticed the original question was asked several years ago but was encouraged to see this thread still opened and responded to by a moderator. So here goes, I have social anxiety and panic disorder and the last few years major depression. I have now been on medication that is working for me the last six months and it's just been in the past month I started feeling I was moving forward etc. I noticed that many responses were for klonzapam etc. I have been given alprazolam by my Dr in addition to my daily anti anxiety meds to take when I have an increase in anxiety panic attack. And very rarely in the last few months have needed it for full blown attacks. That is the only time I was taking them and there had been times walking into work I couldn't say it was full blown panic but I knew I wasn't stable per say and at times I would take my alprazolam to be able to get a clear head and focus instead of the whirlwind that was creeping into my head. I found it helped a lot and was able to get breakthroughs and gain ground on anxiety and be able to actually forge ahead and learn and impliment new ways to not only cope with anxiety disorder but develope changes and coping skills. The thing was I would think I shouldn't take it unless it was already in the progression of an actual full blown anxiety attack. But if I am reading some of the above posts correctly when I am overwhelmed (not just feeling at moment, truly where I want to retreat and can tell the start of my panic attacks knocking at my door) then it is and was ok for me to take it (which I can say when I had before it helped me control those uncontrollable outburst of tears, hopelessness, confusion, failure, etc) am I really understanding this? I never have nor intend to take daily but is it really that I can take it when I know that beginning of anxiety and out of control feeling sneaking in, instead of waiting til I'm totally loosing it? Yes, I will follow up with my Dr. But at least an honest answer from others who actually go through the same as I do might help me understand better how to balance out these emotions etc while I gain the skills and tools to continue to forge ahead. I know if you read this far hopefully I am making sense, I still struggle with forming my thoughts into words and it can come out all jumbly at Least that is the way I still see it. So if you can decipher all this out, bless you and thank you so very much.

Post Edited (Living Again) : 5/10/2018 9:18:01 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/11/2018 5:16 AM (GMT 0)
Hi LA and welcome to the forum!

I am glad to read that you are getting the help that you need to manage your challenges...and also happy that you have joined us for support and understanding.

Yes, your benzodiazepine Rx can certainly be used to thwart an oncoming attack...or even on days when you feel your anxiety is acute and you need the added help to keep to avoid the possibility of a panic episode. Staying ahead of the situation can be of great benefit...

...and may actually see you using less of the medication in the long run...since it is easier to prevent and attack, than to try and pull out of one.

Also, as you said...since you are gaining tools to deal with attacks in other ways, such as therapy skills and self help, you will in time find yourself needing your benzo less and less.

Keep up the great work with your recovery program...and continue to post with us anytime for sharing and encouragement! smile

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
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