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Anyone know what helps Gastro induced anxiety?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 4/6/2019 2:34 PM (GMT 0)
I’ve been diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic as having chronic neurogenic stomach pain, which involuntarily induces anxiety. The anxiety is the sympathetic nervous system alarming from the stomach issue. They don’t know what causes it or how to treat it. They told me to try things because there’s not enough research on effective treatments.
Anyone find anything that works with this sort of anxiety?
What I know:
1. They suggested Xanax. It knocks me right out even at a low dose. Can’t live life on that stuff.
2. Same with tricyclics. I’m a permanent zombie on them.
3. Don’t know about SSRIs yet.
4. I’m on 1800mg daily of gabapentin. Which takes away a little of the stomach pain. But it doesn’t turn off the alarm in my head.
5. Oddly enough codeine helps turn the alarm down. But it makes me stoned and dumber.
Posted 4/6/2019 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
I have chronic Gastritis and had a small bowel resection back in 2008. My anxiety level soared ever since then! I've been told that people with MS have a high incidence of gastric problems and I know our anxiety levels are sky high. The two things seems to go hand in hand. Sorry to tell you that. I don't have any suggestions... I've tried everything. The only thing that helps my anxiety is Xanax. No side effects for me. Gabapentin makes me dizzy for at least 20 hours after I take it. Long time to be dizzy.
Posted 4/6/2019 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
Yea the stomach and anxiety go hand in hand for sure. For me they peak and wane together. At night when my stomach is quiet I feel what it’s like again to not have an alarm going off in my head.
Posted 4/10/2019 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Dennis,

Hello and welcome! I am sorry to hear of your comorbid gastro and anxiety challenges. I hope you can get the answers you need from a medical/physical angle...

...while you also seek to manage the anxiety through self help, for the best overall plan of action. Please see our Resources at the top of the main forum page here for great material to get started with.

Also, one alternative to a benzodiazepine you may want to research is an Rx strength antihistamine such as Vistaril. This is often prescribed when and anti-anxiety is needed, but a benzo is not preferred long term.

Keep posting with us anytime you need support and encouragement...we understand and care!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/11/2019 10:53 PM (GMT 0)
I find stomach problems and anxiety go hand in hand for me too. Can you take a half a Xanax? Helps me a lot. Also, maybe a meditation app? Calm and At Ease have both helped me a great deal. Sorry you’re going through this, makes it hard to function.
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