New here...

Hi! Newbie here! Unfortunately, I am not new to anxiety and panic attacks. I've had panic disorder since I was 19, I'm now 31. I've had seasons where its been not good but almost always really good. Back in April my son was sick for about 6 weeks. Once he got better I started getting extreme anxiety and felt like I was going crazy. My xanax wasn't even working. I tried zoloft, lexapro, viibryd and idk what else. All of them made me feel so ugly. I felt not like myself like I was living in my body but things were slowly happening. Each had their own set of symptoms that came along with that. So I tried going back to just Xanax with my doctors guidance. I did do a few counseling sessions but not sure if they worked. Last week I started liquid fluoxetine due to my inability to tolerate any antidepressants. Doc had me on 1mg and that made me feel high as a kit and unable to concentrate. So i literally am taking 1/2 of that and it still makes me feel weird but tolerable.

Anyone else so screwed up? BTW, anxiety runs in my family so I supposed it was bound to happen. I've read a lot after a few weeks symptoms go away. I'm hopeful that this will kick in and I'll start feeling like myself again.

My G.P recommends I run especially in the am. Does anyone have any luck with this?

Thanks for responding! Sometimes I feel like no one truly gets its. I was doing good for a period of time then I had a work meeting that caused a panic attack. From there it was like my body was in this mode. I am generally anxious all day...constant anxiety for the most part. I do get breaks throughout the day where I feel fine. I just feel so defeated. Up until May I was feeling fine with having to take a xanax periodically. I don't know why all of a sudden I am in this hole.

I plan on running because what else do I have to lose besides some weight and my anxiety. I also started reading this book on anxiety and that's helped. It talks about us being afraid of how anxiety makes us feel. For me, the meeting was important and I had a fear of failure which caused panic. I am afraid of that feeling because I know how awful it is. I think understanding my panic will help more. I just don't know if the antidepressant is worth it. I'm literally taking less than 1mg of liquid fluoxetine and feel it! Soo crazy....

Hi and welcome!

We are glad you've found us, though sorry it is due to your current challenges. It sounds as if you suppressed a lot of anxiety during the time your son was ill...pushing through the tough time, only to have it all come down on you once the crisis had passed. This then set the increased anxiety cycle in motion.

Fortunately, you have sought to get back on track...so with some more time and effort, you will get back from this temporary detour.

Giving your new med regimen time to come to therapeutic levels, and working some self help should help you to be feeing good again soon. You can find great coping skills instructions in our Resources at the top of the main forum page here, so be sure to have a look...

...and if you feel that you need further help, then I do strongly encourage the step of returning to therapy. If you feel your previous sessions were not beneficial, then seeking another professional to help you would be worth your time.

Finally, as far as exercise for relief? Yes! Absolutely one of the best things you can practice! It need not be overly strenuous. Unless you have already been a runner...this may be overwhelming...so walking, riding your bike, taking a yoga class (or do a video!) may be an easier start.

Please post with us anytime if you find it helpful. We care, understand and support is key!

Scaredy Cat

yes most of us here are as screwed up -lol otherwise we would not be here. it took 4 tries to find the right anti depressant/anxiety med for me this last go around. sometimes it takes a lot of trials till you find a med that works that you can tolerate . buspar is a non addictive anxiety med that you could look into. you cannot take zanax long term with out risk of addiction. atarax is another non addictive antihistamine based med too consider. but a ssri type med is best for long term control. if your anxiety comes and goes-you can control it with short term rescue type meds but if its constant-you should look for a ssri type med. anxiety is so miserable that no one should have to suffer it

Thanks KellyinCali. I've tried "CBT" with 2 counselors and it hasn't helped. I think the workbook may give me some helpful tools. Has anyone ever used anything that's helped?

Thanks Super20dan! Do you still take the otc anxiety meds? Any side effects from those?

Super20dan...thanks for the info! Yes, I definitely feel it at 0.5 mg. I feel crazy saying that but I definitely do. I wonder how long it'll take to kick in? I honesty feel less anxiety but I still feel it there. My goal is to get to 1mg in the next week. My doctor is great and wants me to do what works for me. Liquid so far is definitely the way to go.