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Posted 4/19/2007 1:30 AM (GMT 0)
 I am mixed up, stressed,have anxiety,and can't sleep. Lately not as depressed though. Once in a while I will have some good days and then there are bad ones. I have been married since 1991 and it looks like the end now. It would take a miracle to fix it now. Ensomnia makes it hard to even work my full time job and now I will have to get another part time job to keep the house and owe her what I will owe her to keep it. I am on effexor xl and I don't think it helps at all. I don't want to divorce but it's not my choice. Does anyone know a good medication that might work better and help me gain weight back at the same time? My appatite went away.
Posted 4/19/2007 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Sloan,

I'm so sorry to hear of your problems, this definitely takes a toll on relationships.  I can't help you with the medication question, might be best to ask your doctor about that.  I understand the good day/bad day thing, it sure gets frustrating when you feel pretty good for a day or two, gain some confidence, think that maybe you are finally on the right track, only to have it all fall to pieces again.  It always amazes me how quickly the confidence can evaporate when the anxiety returns! 

I went through a period of time a couple of months ago when I couldn't sleep too, it was miserable and made my anxiety so much worse.  What finally worked for me was to leave the tv on whenever I needed to sleep.  I'd put the volume very low and put it on the most boring channel I could find...for me it was the weather channel... so I wouldn't be interested in watching it at all.  It was just enough distraction to keep my mind occupied, but still allowed me to fall asleep.  

At the same time I went through the insomnia, I also couldn't eat at all, lost 30 pounds.  I just ate tiny amounts as often as I could and stuck to mostly soft foods and soups.  Drink alot of milk and maybe try some supplements. 

How long have you had anxiety?  Have you read any books on the subject?  I find that reading and getting as much information as possible has really helped.  My favorite books are by Claire Weekes, you can find them at amazon or e-bay if you are interested.  I do hope that things will get better for you,  and I hope I've helped a little.  Keep posting here, the people are amazing and so understanding. 

 

Posted 4/19/2007 3:08 AM (GMT 0)

Dear Sloan,

The medication you are on is EFFEXOR XR is a prescription medicine used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder (also called "GAD"), and social anxiety disorder in adults.

I would like to see you talk with your physician about your medication and maybe he will add something to help you sleep at night.  There are many choices and your physician is the expert on prescribing.

I went through a 5 month period where I could not sleep at night and would be in tears with anxiety and worry that I would not be able to function at work the next day.

My physician gave me something to help and it worked but it tok a very high dose.  I hope your insomnia is easier to control than mine was.

Take care of you.

Kitt

Posted 4/19/2007 8:48 AM (GMT 0)
Junebug,
The tv really helped huh? I sleep with a fan by my head all year long. Even in the winter. I can't sleep without it. It is not enough now though. I will start leaving the tv on in my bedroom at night. Thanks. I have had anxiety on and off since 1999. If things get rough at work or with my relationship it comes. When things are going good I'm ok. I am a weightlifter and weighed about 210 to 215lbs. Now I'm about 180lbs and I don't like it at all. People call me skinny joking around. I read on anxiety online but not from books. I am a member of Barnes&Noble.com so I can order the book. The doctor said I have anxiety/depression disorder probably caused by the relationship problems. I have tried sleep aids like melatonin,ZMA,ambian,and lunesta. Ambian and lunesta help sometimes but my doctor doesn't really want to give them to me. I was on Zanex and it helped more than anything else but I had to take 3 and the perscription ran out very fast. The doctor doesn't like me taking them really either. When things are going good I have a huge appitite, but not now. Thanks for the advice.

Kitt,
I have always had trouble sleeping as long as I can remember. It is worse when things are on my mind. Sometimes I go to work on an hour sleep. It sucks. Then the next day the same thing and so on. The funny thing is right before it is my time to get up for work I can sleep like a baby. I think my sister is pretty much the same way. Do you take something for it now or did it go away? Thanks for your help also.
Posted 4/19/2007 3:07 PM (GMT 0)
Sloan, I know how you feel. I just recently went through a divorce myself( I talk about it in my thread...Angry...sick and tired of feeling this way). I have a book that has helped me...as it very nicely details all the symtoms of anxiety and things you can do that will help...it is called "Peace From Nervous Suffering"...by Claire Weekes. I HIGHLY recommend it!

 

I was wondering...since you seem to be able to sleep more during the day...is there any way that you could maybe work nightime hours ? Maybe midnight shift( unelss you can) but maybe a 3-11 shift??? That way...you might be tired enough getting home at 11pm or midnight...to sleep better.

 

Have you tried anything along the natural healing route? There are vitamins, herbs..etc on the market that are supposed to help you relax more so you can fall asleep. www.drweil.com is a good place to start. I know Camomile tea is shown to help the body relax..Here is some info about some herbs that might help:

 

The two best natural sleep aids are valerian and melatonin. Valerian is a sedative herb, used for centuries. You can find standardized extracts in health food stores and pharmacies. Take one to two capsules a half hour before bedtime.
Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the wake/sleep cycle and other daily biorhythms. Try sublingual tablets (to be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve); take 2.5 milligrams at bedtime as an occasional dose, making sure that your bedroom is completely dark. New evidence suggests that a much lower dose, 0.25 to 0.3 milligrams, is more effective for regular use.

Here is a link where I found that info. There is more to read:

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/ART02004

I hope you find something that will help!

God bless.

Dawn

Posted 4/19/2007 7:00 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Dawn,

I will look into all the information you gave me and I will read your thread. I work 3 to 11 now. Like today I called off work because no sleep and anxiety. I slept abot 2 hours the last few nights. First shift is the worst for me of all but I have worked Third shift too a few times. It is bad for all of them. I think it is stress mostly. The wife says she is moving out. I have been the only one trying and that makes it hard. If things calm down or if I get used to being on my own it might ease up. The problem is how to survive until then. And how long will it take.

I have taken calcium magnesium and admit I have stopped for a while. I took melatonin the last 2 nights. I will see the doctor tomorow and I hope he can help. I always wanted to try velerian and will have to. The melatonin I took are 3 mg tablets. I took one and a half. Maybe I took too much. Thanks again I am going to read your thread now.
Posted 4/21/2007 9:19 AM (GMT 0)
Went to the doctor today. He gave me some ativan and switched me from effexor to lexapro. I hope it works better. In time I will know.
Posted 4/26/2007 5:25 AM (GMT 0)
I think the lexapro is definatly better than the effexor for me. The ativan help me sleep but the relationship situation is taking it's toll on me and I am not looking foreward to getting a second job. I have no motivation now. I hope that changes. At least I get some sleep now. Hope the Dr keeps me on ativan a while.
Posted 4/27/2007 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
I'm swapping to advanza, it's one that really knocks you out at night. Just the first few days are hard because you have the hungover feeling till you get use to it.
Posted 4/27/2007 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Sloan,
Are you seeing a psychiatrist or just an MD? I've found that too often MD's aren't well equipped to deal with emotional disorders. I would also highly recommend that you find a source of counseling to go along with the medical treatments. The two together can be very helpful.
All of us have been where you are in terms of anxiety. I'm struggling right now myself...but I'm not giving up. : )
Regards
Posted 4/27/2007 3:01 AM (GMT 0)

I really sympathise with you sloan.  Insomnia is really hard to deal with, and a marriage break-up (been there and done that horrible one) is just an awful thing to deal with.  I hope your new medication helps.  I take valerian and sometimes that helps me, but the biggest help to me has been giving up caffiene and certain foods.  Tomatoes, curry, red wine (all alcohol really) and red meat in the hours before bed can really disturb your sleep.  Have you considered going to a dietician or an allergist to make sure you don't have some food intolerances? I know this sounds simplistic but sometimes the little changes can make the big differences. 

As for the weight gain - I wish I had your problem!!!  In saying that I understand how important body image is.  being a body builder you probably know more about nutrition than me, but supplements high in protein and good fats such as those found in fish, avacado and nuts could probably help you stack that weight back on.  Goodluck, and let us know how you go.

Posted 4/27/2007 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
Aussieangel,
I will read about advanza. I never heard of it. Thanks.

JD3792, I just go to a regular doctor but my boss said the same thing. I will probably have to go to a psychiatrist. Do you take medications? If so what kind? Hope your anxiety gets better. Thanks

Nervymeg, I'm not too bad on caffiene but love meat. Especially for protein. I know what to eat to gain weight it's just the anxiety took away my appatite and motivation to workout. I lost almost 30lbs. Thank you also. I will keep everyone informed of any progress or lack of.
Posted 4/29/2007 6:01 AM (GMT 0)
Aussieangel,
I really can't find anything on advanza. I will keep trying.
Posted 4/29/2007 6:20 AM (GMT 0)
Avanza is the same thing as Remeron (mirtazapine), a tetracyclic antidepressant.

Here's a site with kind of a humorous take on it. If it's accurate, it's informative. If it's not accurate, at least it's kind of funny: http://www.crazymeds.org/remeron.html
Posted 4/29/2007 9:52 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks debaser. I will look it up. How would you compare it to lexapro?
Posted 4/29/2007 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Sloan,

I am sorry to hear about the anxiety and sleep problem. I had the same thing happen to me a while back and for almost 3 months I barley slept. I was given all the sleep aids as well and it seemed they didn't work. I myself would often go to work on 1-2 hours sleep and that alone made me anxious. I was always worried about making an error or messing something up I was so tired. One day I was so tired I ran onto the shoulder of the road, I think I dozed off. I was so upset whenI got back to work I had to confide in my superior. Of course they couldn't allow me to work when I wanted but they were understanding. I started taking small cat naps on my break or at lunch which sometimes helped through the day. My boss would even call or come wake me up (I ususally hit an empty office). I don't know if that is possible for you but It helped me cope. Finally after several months my sleeping evened out and while I still have bad nights now and again I just figure I have gone to work tired before and will again. I wish you lots of luck and will keep you in my prayers.
Posted 4/30/2007 11:13 AM (GMT 0)
miwoman,
Thanks for replying. I'm glad your sleep eventually got better. I hope mine does too but for now I need medication. I have tried everything. Sometimes I go to work on no sleep. Ensomnia is not fun. I nap when I can. Thank you.
Posted 5/1/2007 3:05 PM (GMT 0)

sloan said...
I think the lexapro is definatly better than the effexor for me. The ativan help me sleep but the relationship situation is taking it's toll on me and I am not looking foreward to getting a second job. I have no motivation now. I hope that changes. At least I get some sleep now. Hope the Dr keeps me on ativan a while.

Hi Sloan, my husband has anxiety disorder/panic attacks, so I come on this board looking for possible answers, ideas, etc. I am sorry to hear of what you and everyone here goes through. I see what my husband goes through and it breaks my heart.

I wanted to say that the ativan has been his life saver from the beginning. It is the only thing that helps him. He also just started lexapro on a small dose, so far the side effects seem to be more anxiety and feeling sleepy. He also takes a blood pressure med.

I can only imagine how dealing with a troubled marriage has taken it's toll. It would and does on anyone.

My best wishes and prayers are with you. Let us know how you are doing.

God bless.

Posted 5/2/2007 12:57 AM (GMT 0)

sloan said...
Thanks debaser. I will look it up. How would you compare it to lexapro?

I'm not really qualified to compare them, but from cursory reading it sounds like the Remeron may have more side effects and stuff. It's an older med, though, and proven. They're not in the same class of drugs at all. I'd suggest reading about the pharmacology at Wikipedia and some other respected sites.

I do know of a guy who can give you a thorough comparison, but unfortunately I'm not allowed to say the name of the site here. I can tell you to go to my blog, go to the links section, and pick the fourth one down, though. Go to the patient to patient forum. The guy's helpful.
Posted 5/2/2007 3:40 AM (GMT 0)
Denim,
Regarding you husband, you mention "He also just started lexapro on a small dose, so far the side effects seem to be more anxiety and feeling sleepy."
Make sure he knows that the SSRI's (like lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, etc) can increase anxiety for a period of time. And that makes it so hard. I've experienced this a couple of times. During this period, talk therapy from a good counselor can be a life saver.
BTW - spouses that endure their mate's anxiety deserve a medal. Thank you.
Posted 5/2/2007 5:38 AM (GMT 0)
Denim,
Sorry your husband has anxiety. I feel for him. How long has he been this way? I feel I couldn't get by anymore without the ativan. I am on blood pressure medication also. I don't feel the lexapro helps me sleep because when I take it alone I don't sleep. I take 20 mg of lexapro. It does help me eat though. Thanks for your prayers my best wishes and prayers for your husband as well.

Debaser,
I will go to the blog. Thank you so much.
Posted 5/2/2007 5:58 AM (GMT 0)

JD3792 said...
Denim,
Regarding you husband, you mention "He also just started lexapro on a small dose, so far the side effects seem to be more anxiety and feeling sleepy."
Make sure he knows that the SSRI's (like lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, etc) can increase anxiety for a period of time. And that makes it so hard. I've experienced this a couple of times. During this period, talk therapy from a good counselor can be a life saver.
BTW - spouses that endure their mate's anxiety deserve a medal. Thank you.

Hi,

Yes he knows that the lexapro can cause more anxiety. He is determined so far to give this a try since the others haven't worked and his daily panic attacks have been just terrible. If there's a possibility that the lexapro can help, he'll give it a go and my prayers for him are that he be well.

Thank you for the compliment. I am his wife, I love him and hate to see him suffer. He is there for me also. Thanks again.

Posted 5/2/2007 6:05 AM (GMT 0)

sloan said...
Denim,
Sorry your husband has anxiety. I feel for him. How long has he been this way? I feel I couldn't get by anymore without the ativan. I am on blood pressure medication also. I don't feel the lexapro helps me sleep because when I take it alone I don't sleep. I take 20 mg of lexapro. It does help me eat though. Thanks for your prayers my best wishes and prayers for your husband as well.

Debaser,
I will go to the blog. Thank you so much.

Hi Sloan, His first panic attack was in Dec. 2005 and hasn't stopped since.

The ativan helps him very much also and he doesn't take the lexapro at night.

He is only on it a week now and on a low dose. I am praying that it does it's job and the panic attacks go away. It is a terrible way to live. Thank you also for your prayers. 

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