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Anxiety is taking over my life

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Posted 12/15/2015 11:53 PM (GMT 0)
This is my first time posting about my anxiety. My family has been supportive. I just told them how bad it has been the last few weeks.

I had a very stressful few months at work. I started to notice body pains about a month ago, that would seem to move around and started to freak out about that.

I have OCD and am prone to anxiety. But I started to have panic attacks at work. That was a first.

I went to the doctor and he gave me Zoloft which I reacted very badly to. My anxiety was much worse, so he took me off of it.

But everyday now I seem to have a different symptom that makes my anxiety worse. I just want to be my old self again. I am so tired of feeling this anxious and tense all the time. Two days ago it was acid reflux which seems to have improved. Yesterday, it was sinus pain from neck tension maybe. And today my ears are so plugged.

He gave me Ativan for panic attacks, but I only take it when I really need it. I called about therapy and they are going to call me back. I think I need something like Klonopin to get me over the worst of it.

I see my doctor tomorrow. I am at the point that I have trouble working and even driving. Any tips? I no longer enjoy the things I did even a month ago.

Post Edited (Kiwi35) : 12/15/2015 5:06:28 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/16/2015 12:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kiwi and welcome.

I am sorry to hear of your current t struggle...and that your first SSRI attempt was not a good match.

However, there are others you could try...and other A/D's belonging to different classifications to consider...so I encourage you to talk to your doctor about alternatives.

You are already prescribed a benzodiazepine (Ativan) ...so you do not need Klonopin as well...which would be an additional med of the same family...and not safe to take both.

It is great you are getting set up with therapy! This will be a great help!

For now, how about starting some self help? At the top of the main forum page here, you will find our Resources. They are filled with effective coping skill ideas that really help to manage anxiety and symptoms.

Keep posting with us as well. We understand, care and support is key!

Talk soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 12/16/2015 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for responding.

I will look into those resources. I was thinking of doing Klonopin instead of Ativan. But I should ask the doctor about other options.

It is nice to know there are others like me I can talk to, too.
Posted 12/16/2015 4:11 AM (GMT 0)
Kiwi, You are on the best of the two for Panic, my wife uses it,
i on the other hand took xanax for over ten years and feel that
it saved my life.

Ativan is longer acting.
Xanax is quick acting but a shorter half life.
Klonopin is a much longer lasting benzo but doesnt act fast.

Do what your doctor tells you, Peace
Larry ***
Posted 12/16/2015 7:33 AM (GMT 0)
Larry,
Thank you. That is helpful. I will see what he suggests tomorrow.
Kiwi
Posted 12/16/2015 9:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Kiwi

Welcome to the forum I am pleased you have found us but sorry to hear you have been dealing with anxiety we understand what you are going through and are here to support you.

Sorry to hear you had a bad reaction to Zoloft hopefully your doctor can find you something else and well done on looking into therapy which is by far the most effective way of learning to deal with your anxiety.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 12/17/2015 10:29 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor did help me to feel better. Yesterday night I felt very positive.

He gave me more Ativan to use as needed. He wants me to start taking Elavil 10 mg at night. He has had a lot of success with it with other patients. I started it last night and did sleep through the night. I was very groggy this morning though. I have some dry mouth, too.

Anxiety is a little better. I remain hopeful.
Posted 12/17/2015 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
Kiwi,
I will just second what everyone else is saying, and I'm sure you and your doctor can find something that works for you. Anxiety is unique for everyone, in that what may work for me, may not work for you and vice versa!

In the mean time, this is a group of wonderful, supportive people-- I have learned to cope with my anxiety immensely using this fantastic resource. Post here whenever you're feeling badly!

Wishing you luck!
Posted 12/17/2015 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
Kiwi,

Great job on getting in to see your doctor, and getting the help you needed. Well done!

So glad you had a better night's sleep, and that you are feeling less anxious today!

Keep up the good work, and continue to post with us if you find it helpful.:)

Peace and progress,

S.C.
Posted 12/18/2015 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Kiwi, stick with the prograhm give it some time it will work, also get out of the house and go for a walk make yourself stay out at least 30 minutes. Use all the tools SC has shared with you, i bet in no time you kick this anxiety to the curb. Peace

Larry ***
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