generalized anxiety and Valium

Hi, new here. :) I am 50 year old woman with history of panic attacks that started after a highly stressful life event in my thirties. I was able to combat the panic attacks with meditation and breathing exercises until I turned 40, then had to start medications, first Xanax, then Ativan 2mg. As well as it controlled the panic attacks, now that I have turned 50, I shifted from panic attacks to generalized anxiety and also developed fear of flying (claustrophobia through the roof). My doctor wanted me to try a sleuth of medications, Klonopin, Busparon, Valium. After trying to fight it off on my own I find that I am unable to cope with it anymore and I suffer daily from chest pressure and pain, tension in shoulders and neck, fast heartbeat and inability to relax. It is starting to affect all aspects of my life and I am reaching out looking for advice. I took the Valium 2mg last night for the first time and though it did seem to help a bit it also left me somewhat euphoric, which did not feel good and was near panic attack. Luckily I fell asleep so that subsided though I would get a racing heartbeat every time I would wake up. This morning I am tense, the shortness of breath and chest pressure is back though I don't feel panicky, just unnerved enough to notice. My issue is this: why did Valium did not work? Should I take a higher dose? The prescribed dose is 2mg but to take twice a day but was advised to start with one and see how it goes. Thank you all for advice, it is a great comfort to know there are people out there willing to listen. My other major health issues are recent and include an aortic aneurysm, rapid heart beat (always over 100) and hot flashes (possibly perimenopausal).

Thanks for your advice Scaredy Cat, I will look into it and maybe call my doc Monday. I am looking forward to hearing from more members.

Hi
You have come to the right place for support and advice. As sufferers of varying degrees of anxiety,panic and recoverers we knoiw exactly what your going through and the struggles it brings.
I find self help coping skills best and guided meditation morning and night. I was given Valium for emergency situations to help break the cycle.
2mg up to 3 times a day. But my fear of not being in control stopped me, so I would break one into 4 prices 0.5 mg and spread that one tab out over the worse days. Eventually I broke that circle.

Mainly through walking positive mantra which I made up my self... And you tube guided meditation. I covered every avenue.....

Keep strong x,x you will come through this and it makes you stronger xx

We are here to listen...and it is really nice to have a community that understands.:)

As far as your frustration at wanting a more permanent treatment option...I hear you on that...but think of it this way. For physical health, you need to exercise regularly, right? It's not a work out once, and you're done situation. ..

...so it goes for mental health as well. If you practice your methods daily...there will come a time when they become second nature...and you'll find the benefits longer lasting. ..so be encouraged and keep up the good work!

Keep posting too. :)

S.C.

Menopause was a high anxiety period in my life
It was like PMS every day
It will pass
All my best

keep up the good work....

You are on the right path 😊

Hi Dze,

For some people, not all benzos are fully effective at shutting down all of the symptoms of anxiety. Typically Ativan and Valium are not as fast acting as Xanax. What was your experience while on it...and do you know why you were switched?

S.C.

Sometimes if the physical symptoms are resistant, it is because they were not shut down quickly enough, and gained power over time...

...so asking about switching back to Xanax for quick relief might be the way to go.

As far as meditations go...I do believe they are a powerful tool! Finding one that resonates with you is key. If you do not feel connected with the aura/chakra cleansing aspects of one (I personally do not) then simply seeking one that helps to calm the body and mind is a good goal.

We have two basic and effective ones in our Resources you can check out.:)

Peace and progress,

S.C.

Here you go.:)

Mindfulness Meditation

psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2013/06/03/new-to-mindfulness-how-to-get-started/#.Urr-gZ3naAI


Minute Mindfulness Meditation Video

/www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDflnqo0TQs

/www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2_UfFIszkY

...and these are key too!

www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

S.C.

Thanks so much my friends. :) Off to check it all out!

awful night, sore shoulders, can't sleep. I believe it's the aftermath of the aura cleansing session...with bells and all..I feel like my whole body was shaken through and through. I was extremely uncomfortable during the session and just at times, felt OK. Now I can't sleep, I have upset stomach and my shoulders are very sore. kept waking me up so I am up at 1 AM. :( Supposedly "my demons" are deep and don't want to leave me. I don't believe in that kind of stuff so I am a bit dissapointed by the diagnosis, though the staff was really nice. Now I am up and eyeing Ativan and Aleve. I wonder if I can take it together. What have I done... :(

Dze,

I am really sorry that you had such a rough night.:( Maybe practicing the self help/stress relieving exercises/meditations at home might be a more comfortable choice for you?

I glad to hear you did eventually get some sleep and felt a bit of relief!

Sending positive thoughts in regards to your appointment today...let us know how it goes, okay?

With encouragement,

S.C.

Dze,

..Great job on doing the Tai Chi...and getting through your appointment. ..you are taking great steps for your health body and mind!

I hope your Holter test goes well. This is a common procedure, in order to get wide spectrum data on your heart's activity.

Wishing you a peaceful night...and a calm and happy tomorrow! :)

S.C.