Feel like I'm losing progress

I have had the migraines before unrelated to medication, when I went to the doctor because I was so scared, it was like I could see a fan movement in my eyes, he said it was a migraine coming on, and gave me a shot to help me not get a full blown migraine.

The doctor told me that a mere reflection in my eyes, for example from a light shining on a car for example can cause a migraine.

I was on lexapro, and it did seem like I would get headaches a lot at first, they did subside, but never completely went away.

Wondering how long you have been on 20 mg's(which is the therapeutic dose) but my Psychiatrist explained that some peoples doses are different, I believe he said they can only go up to 40 mg's, they did up me to 30 mg's after being on 20 mg's for about 5 months, unfortunately for me I had little success on lexapro, but I do hear that some people do very well.

Best regards.

Teach,

Definitely call your doctor for some guidance today.

Do you think that you are (subconsciously?) nervous about starting the school year again?

I know for me...the physical symptoms of stress often precede any conscious awareness that I am anxious.

So many of our worries lie beneath the surface. We become so adept at 'dealing' with our anxiety...but our bodies know what it going on!

How are you doing with your coping skills currently?

S.C.

When my anxiety is rough I notice that sitting quietly can sometimes cause my pulse rate to go up. I think this is because when your relaxed and sitting still it is easy to feel your pulse rate and so you are more likely to focus on it. What helps me is to check my pulse when this happens, then do some slow deep breathing, try to focus my mind on something else, and then check my pulse again in a couple minutes. It almost always brings my pulse rate down a bit, and then I know for sure that it's just anxiety and I am able to relax and shortly after my pulse rate goes back to normal. The more times I've done this the easier and quicker things seem to go back to normal. I think the ability to calm yourself and to be able to realize that you have that ability can be very empowering when it comes to anxiety.

Teacher, did you have the the same symptoms before you started the Lexapro? Curious if they were there before or after you started the medication.

Keep posting here. You know by now we are all supportive of eachother & keep us updated!

Paddi- I'm so sorry you're struggling right now too. I can't remember, do you take an antidepressant or Xanax prn when you get anxiety?

Hugs to all of you!

Lisa

Lisa,

A pounding heart has NEVER been a symptom of anxiety for me until now. I have been on the lexapro for about a month and a half. I did talk to my doctor yesterday. She felt like the 10 mg wasn't doing it for me anymore and that I needed to go up to 20 mg. So, last night (I always take mine at night), I took 20 mg for the first time. I was up the entire night. I didn't feel anxious at all, but my heart was pounding out of my chest and I could not sleep. I finally gave in and took a xanax (I use them sparingly), but it didn't even begin to relieve the pounding. I finally dosed off, but I have no clue what time. Today I have the pounding heart a couple of times, but it's went away almost immediately. The pounding heart doesn't scare me, but I have to be able to sleep. I'm worried the lexapro is causing it and now I just want to ditch it. But I'm considering skipping my dose tonight and taking it first thing in the morning.....maybe switching to mornings would help because I'm busier during the day. My heart didn't start pounding until I got into bed.

Paddi, I hope you're feeling better. I feel like I'm dealing with my anxiety better.....but just when I think I have a good hold on....it's back again. My doctor said that the pounding heart could be my anxiety's way of trying to manifest itself since I'm now on medication.

Teacher,

When my anxiety gets bad I get shaky, lightheaded, and a pulse that feels like I'm going to explode. I take clonazepam for immediate relief and when my anxiety is really bad I can't tell I've taken it. You seem to have a lot going on and I'm sure that's making things worse. I don't have much advice but you aren't alone. The main thing that helps me is thinking to myself there's no reason to be scared because nothing's wrong with me. Then I focus my attention on something else. If I'm really bad I try to get on the treadmill ASAP because it helps calm me down the most.

Good Luck and hope you get better soon!