Posted by Shes_Initforthemoney on April 1, 2012, at 14:26:49
In reply to Anxiety medication, posted by MelanieG on March 30, 2012, at 21:42:25
> Hi - I am a 46 year old female, in excellent physical health - but dealing with what has been diagnosed as anxiety. I've had some bad 'life events' over the past 8 years. Divorce after a brief/abusive marriage. Then a loved one was seriously injured in an accident that altered their life leaving them severely debilitated forever. I also lost a job. I dealt with each event with the support of a wonderful family and close friends. But then it all caught up to me one day while at work. I began to experience intense dizziness which then caused my heart to raise, my hands to tingle, out of breath. I didn't know it at the time but was having a panic attack.
>
> I had a bunch of tests run to rule out MS, brain tumor etc. Major bloodwork run to rule out immune disorders, etc. But nothing was found and it was quickly determined it was all due to anxiety. I see a therapist - who surmises that it is a form of post traumatic in a way as I did witness and see a lot of bad things happen to people I loved.
>
> I have dizziness every day - but I try to control it and try not to let it cause me to panic. But it's hard. I get relief from moderate doses of xanax which i take only when absolutely necessary.
>
> I been on Ambien for three years - a very slow dose. I was wondering if it's possible that the Ambien is now causing these sensations. The dizziness has been going on now for about 10 months.
>
> I was prescribed Paxil which initally made me feel less anxious and almost like my old self. But then it started making me very sick to my stomach. I was told to stop for a day and then go back on if I felt better - I did but then a few days later it started again. I was on a VERY low dose - I believe it was 5mg! I had to stop taking it.
>
> I have also tried Cymbalta and I had to rush home after taking only one dose because I was so nauseated and felt like I'd vomit for 2 hours. And the remainder of the day I had raising thought - mind would not shut off.
>
> I took Lexapro with minimal side effects for 6 months about 5 years ago. That was for depression NOT anxiety.
>
> I have never felt this anxious in my entire life. Every day I'm on edge and very jumpy, my nerves are shot - I feel like a basket case. And THAT depresses me.
>
> If anyone has any suggestions or can relate to how I feel - please reach out.
>
> Thanks. MelHi,
A small dose of Compazine with the meds that caused your stomach distress may work very well. Compazine can take out the nausea, and in small doses, can even help a bit with anxiety.
A few other suggestions as an alternate or add-on to the Ambien...Clonidine (in small doses) and Prazosin both help with restless sleep.
Let us know how you make out...
Best,
Jay
"Love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic and we'll change the world," ~Jack Layton 1950-2011
poster:Shes_Initforthemoney
thread:1014604
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20120328/msgs/1014714.html