improved for one month, but not doing well these two days

hi all,

I had acid reflux, anxiety problems and middle-of-the-night insomnia. The anxiety problem manifested itself as tingling sensation over chest and arms, feeling hot and cold in cycle, sometimes heart palpitations. The insomnia - I couldn't sleep through the night, I often waked a few times in the middle of the night, the anxious sensations prevented me from falling back to sleep sometimes.

One month ago, I started taking lexapro 5mg for anxiety, Valdoxan 25mg for sleep, Xanax when anxiety attack strikes.
My condition has improved tremendously since then, no more anxiety attack, and I can sleep well (usually waked up once or twice only), until recently.

In my recent appointment, one week ago, I started to taper off Valdoxan following doc's instruction and to observe and mange obsessive behaviors which he said have led to my problems. I am still on Lexapro. I did observe my behaviors carefully and refrained from obsession, it takes time.

I tried to go back to my working life (has been out of job for one month), then it struck again. I wasn't doing well these two days. It started with some chest discomfort, then I began to relate it with acid reflux, and think my old problems could return, then I had a panic attack. And my old problems returned like i thought.

Breathing exercise, meditation, physical exercise, reframing or letting go of negative thoughts do help to some extent but do not eliminate the anxious sensations completely. Because the sensations return after the feel-good feeling from the activity is over.

Xanax helps alot. But I do not wish to depend on the drug all the time. I wonder what have caused the relapse?

1. Obsessive behavior? Concentrated in an exciting activity like gaming, playing with iphone, watching sexy photos for a long time.
2. I didn't sleep well, so I get anxious easily
3. The fear that the problems might return.
4. The stress from wanting to go back to work

Which one..... I wonder

Post Edited (WJF) : 12/29/2011 2:55:45 AM (GMT-7)

Yes. I talked to my girlfriend, and she said 3 and 4 are most likely. It was work stress that brought me all these problems some months ago. I begin to take work stuff slowly and easily now. It also helps to reassure myself all these problems are not going to kill me, I can deal with them should they return. I will talk to my doctor about the current status of my MOTN insomnia and see if I should resume Valdoxan.

Do you anyone here has MOTN insomnia too?

WJF,

I am so sorry that you are dealing with the nocturnal panic! I never actually experienced this until I was getting a handle on the daytime episodes...then wham! It seems that it is going to get us when our defenses are totally down. It made me so angry that just when I could effectively stop a regular daytime attack, that the sneaky nightime ones appeared!

I still occasionally will wake up and start to get anxious in the middle of the night. If I am fully awake, I realized that getting up is sometimes the only thing to do...a way of distracting myself with some reading or television. If I am really still sleepy though, I try this:

I take a few deep breaths (not any formal breathing exercises, you're right too much work for 3 a.m.!) and repeat a reassuring mantra like "I am okay, it is only fear that is making me fee this way."

It really does work for me. I can get back to sleep without the panicky feelings taking over and starting my mind into a cycle of worry.

Give it a try and see if it works for you too. The words that we tell ourselves really do have the power to change how we feel!

Good luck and Happy New Year!

Scaredy Cat

Well, I am glad that it helped a bit:) Keep practicing it...it is the kind of thing that does improve with time. Our brains our pretty wired up in negative thinking, but if you keep repeating the positive phrases, they will eventually sink in!

As far as the natural suppliments, have you tried any of the following?

*Gaba
*L-Theanine
*Melatonin

They are all recommended and I use the first two and they are good

The sleeping in stages plan sounds interesting. I have never heard of it and it sounds like it could work. I can't take naps during the day...my schedule doesn't allow it and I wake up way too groggy...but if you are able, I would say go for it!

Good luck and good rest:)

S.C.

Hi WJF,

I am glad to hear that things are starting to improve for you recently! I am also glad that you are aware that natural suppliments can interact with your current Rx...it is always important to check on that. Most of the time they are fine, but even natural meds should be checked against what one is currently taking, so well done on your research!

I am suprised by your doctor's statement as well. I am assuming this is your PCP, and not a therapist/P-doc? I have always had the understanding that while you can get better and enjoy life, anxiety is a chronic condition that one always has a tendency toward. This is not to say that once you have some recovery that you have to anticipate a future attack, or relapse...just that you are aware that you need to daily manage your stress levels.

The best example I can give you is my own experience. I used to suffer daily panic attacks, and I was suffering greatly. After therapy, I no longer suffer the attacks, but I still have days when I feel anxious, and have random physical symptoms. I function fully...have great personal relationships, and a successful business, and I am happy. I do however still have an anxiety issue that I have to manage. (BTW...I can't remember if you said if you are in or have had therapy for the anxiety? If not, I can really recommend it for a great long-term aid for GAD/panic!)

So, I would question a statement such as the one your doctor made, but this is only my opinion. I think that finding a balance between hopefullness and what are typical results (after treatment) is important for any recovery from any illness:)

Continue to feel well, and thanks for the update...keep posting.

S.C.