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Hyperventilation is ruining my life

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Posted 12/10/2020 1:41 AM (GMT 0)
I haven't posted in a long time. I often log in though, comforted to know I'm not crazy or the only one who feels like this.
Last few months I've been drinking heavily on the weekends, 1 bottle of wine a night, sometimes two. It helps me relax like nothing else I've ever tried.
Anxiety for everyone is at an all time high right now and those of us who were already trying to deal are especially drowning.
My kids have noticed, my poor daughter asking me not to drink and my son asking on Friday nights, are you drunk again?
Even that hasn't stopped me.
I was a binge drinker all through my 20's, spending every Friday or Saturday smashed, often to the point of blacking out.
I switched from using Paxil 30mgs to Escitalopram 10mg about 2 months ago.
I also take Tecta for gerd.
I tried Escitalopram at 20mgs but noticed I was getting palpitations. I only ever feel them in my throat.
I researched on Dr. Google and noticed that Health Canada issued a warning about Escitalopram increasing palpitations at 20mg and recommended that 20 should be the max dosage.
So I decreased immediately.
I told my doc about the throat flutters and we did an EKG and i wore a 24 holter. Both were fine.
But these flutters are still happening several times a day. At night when I'm drifting off to sleep they wake me up with a gasp for air.
Tonight I was sitting watching tv with my hubby and I felt like I just suddenly couldn't breathe. It lasted for 3 seconds and I gasped and took in air.
But of course with the panic that hit at the same time my heart was pounding, dizzy and a big yawn hit.
Is this a panic attack too?
I was pretty emotional about 45 minutes before this just happened.
Is anxiety that sneaky?
Any thoughts or similar experiences?
Posted 12/11/2020 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

First of all welcome back to the forum.

I think that this could of been a result of high anxiety after you had been feeling emotional for a period of time. Anxiety can be the cause of a whole list of symptoms to many to list here it may also of been a side effect of the Escitalopram I would just keep an eye on things and if you continue to have problems go and see your doctor just to be on the safe side.

I used to have a serious drink problem were I was drinking a lot on a daily basis basically self medicating with alcohol which was a slippery slope and I ended up in a right state. I stopped drinking completely for a good couple of years but now occasionally have a drink but only a few as it doesn’t mix well with medication so I think it’s something you need to keep an eye on and it sounds like you are aware of it.

I like to use mindfulness meditation to help me relax in the evenings and find it really helps but you do have to be committed and set aside a period of time on a daily basis to really have an impact so maybe something to look into.

I hope you start to feel better soon keep us posted we are here for you.

Hibee
Posted 12/12/2020 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Hibee. I mentioned the drinking just wondering if that could also be the cause of the palpitations.
I went to my dr on Thursday and switched my meds to Celexa.
My sister had success with this one and he agreed the side effects were minimal compared to others.
I wanted to try prozac but he was hesitant about that one.
Trying to curb the drinking too.
Had one glass of red tonight. I have another beside me now but not sure if I'll indulge. If I do, that will be it.
I appreciate your reply.
Posted 12/12/2020 10:07 AM (GMT 0)
Alcohol increases anxiety though it feels relaxing at the time of use. I am glad you are thinking about reducing your intake. I think you will find a lot of improvement in the way that you feel.

Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 12/18/2020 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Hibee and GB.
Yes self medicating is right. And not at all healthy.
I'm going to keep trying. Meditation interests me Hibee but I feel I just can't clear my mind no matter how long I try.
I also feel myself swaying and it freaks me out a bit
Do you chant? Use music?
Posted 12/19/2020 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
You might want to try an MBSR class. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. There are a number of them available online these days. It takes some effort, but can be transformative.

It’s good you are aware of the need to drink less. That may help reduce the anxiety too. And it may enable the meds to work better. I like to drink too but I have learned to limit it to one or two a night.
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