NEWBIE WITH QUESTIONS

Hello everyone.  I am a 35 year old female.  I started having panic attacks in my early 20's.  For the last 10 years, I would have an attack once in awhile and they would go right away.  about 2 months ago, I started to have them again only this time, they were constant and everyday.  I am also having alot of anxiety with them as well.

I went to my doctor and he prescribed Cymbalta.  I have been taking it for 3 1/2 weeks.  The first week 30 mg and 60 mg since then.  I feel a little better, but I am still having some anxiety and trouble with my breathing.  I am also having test done by a Cardiologist to make sure none of this is cardiac related. I had an echocarogram and stress test.  I go back to him next week for the results.  I was wondering how long does it take for Cymbalta to start working full force?  Is Cymbalta supposed to take away the symptons all together? 

I have been reading the post here.  There is some comfort in knowing I am not the only one who is suffering from this. Thank you for reading.  I am looking forward to posting more with this forum.  Good luck to all!

Welcome!  I've never been on Cymbalta, so I can't comment on that.  I do know about how the panic/anxiety comes and goes.  I've just been through a similar situation like the one that you are describing.  Constant panic/anxiety at high levels.  It started last October and really peaked in November.  I'm finally back to feeling good most of the time, though it always rears it's ugly head for a few days or weeks here and there.  Are you in therapy?  Have alot of stress right now?  Let us know how your test results turn out and keep coming here, you're right, you are not alone and the people here are amazing!

I try to keep myself occupied so I am not constantly thinking about the anxiety/panic attacks. I am starting to get into gardening.  I would love to find a good book on how to control this.  Any suggestions?   I am determined not to let this control my life.  I enjoy long drives on the weekend with my husband.  Sometimes I get nervous about it, afraid that an attack might come on, but I want to live my life.

I have not seen a therapist, but I am definately considering it.  Something that puzzles me is that nothing stressful has happened to me to bring this on.  I think I might have OCD.  I have read that this could be a factor in anxiety/panic attacks.

I am a housewife.  I've been married to my husband for almost 17 years.  He has been a blessing through all of this.  He is extremely understanding and very supportive.  I most definately will stay with this forum and keep everyone updated.

Thanks again!!!!

You asked about books on panic/anxiety.  I read alot and own many books on the subject, I've always felt that the more I know about it the better off I am...anyway, the ones I really like are by Claire Weekes.  I also just finished The Anxiety Cure and liked that one too.  There are alot of them out there, and I guess I pick up a little something from each one that I read.  I suggest going to amazon and looking there. I don't know anything about ocd, but I bet there are plenty of books on that too.  I really wish you the best, and feel for you because I know just what you are dealing with right now.  Hang in there, it will get better! 

ChristianWithHope said...
The demand for control is the fuel of anxiety. It's like a noose where the more you struggle the tighter the knot draws. A big part of recovery is accepting that anxiety (in varying degrees) is a normal part of being human.
Things like CBT, counseling, selfhelp/reading, exercise, and sometimes medication can break the vicious cycle. Anxiety hurts terribly and screams for attention. Your job is not to control it, but to place it in perspective.
You'll find lots of support on this site. : )

I really appreciate it!!!

I definately can feel an improvement compared to where I was 2 months ago.  I still get some anxiety here and there but it hasn't been that bad.   I am teaching myself to slow down and take one thing at a time.  Also, I am giving myself more time to relax and reflect on what makes me anxious.  I am realizing that I can't be in control of EVERYTHING.  It is impossible.  I have to take things as they come.   I am also considering seeing a therapist and I got some great advice from members in the forum on some books to read, which I definately will do.

I am so glad to hear you are doing better.   Good luck to you and to everyone!!!