Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 1095046

Shown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm

Posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 7:52:19

I just pulled out of another job application today.

The anxiety waiting for the interview was excruciating. I couldn't sleep. I was thinking about it (with adrenaline surges) every 2 seconds of the day. Anxiety meds doing zip.

Breaking out of the cycle is virtually impossible.

Linkadge

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm

Posted by Lamdage22 on September 19, 2017, at 8:42:13

In reply to My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 7:52:19

> I just pulled out of another job application today.

Hi linkadge, so you didnt go?

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by pedr on September 19, 2017, at 9:07:58

In reply to My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 7:52:19

> I just pulled out of another job application today.
>
> The anxiety waiting for the interview was excruciating. I couldn't sleep. I was thinking about it (with adrenaline surges) every 2 seconds of the day. Anxiety meds doing zip.
>
> Breaking out of the cycle is virtually impossible.
>
> Linkadge
>

Agreed. When my anxiety was worse nothing could touch it. No cognitive or pharmaceutical approaches helped appreciably. Do you have OCD? If so I would recommend ERP Exposure Response Therapy.

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » Lamdage22

Posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 10:10:18

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by Lamdage22 on September 19, 2017, at 8:42:13

That's right. I emailed and just said that the job wouldn't be a good fit (even though I know I would do it very well and wanted it).

Multiple medications (and emergency medications) were doing zip. Surges of anxiety, stomach pain, back pain, palpitations, lack of appetite, you name it. Torture. I went through it for a week, but couldn't stand it any longer.

Back to nowhere.

Linkadge

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm

Posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 10:23:07

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge, posted by pedr on September 19, 2017, at 9:07:58

I probably have OCD. However, I'm to afraid (or obsessive) to take SSRIs in a full therapeutic dose.

Meds do something for my depression but zip for anxiety.

Linkadge

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by beckett2 on September 19, 2017, at 14:26:34

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 10:23:07

I understand. I'm sorry that your anxiety is that severe. Would you consider emergency xanax? That's the only thing that's ever worked for me. It would clear my mind whereas I felt I was going insane.

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm

Posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 15:24:20

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge, posted by beckett2 on September 19, 2017, at 14:26:34

Here's what I was taking:

Effexor 37.5
Lithium 300mg

-----------------

AND here's the *additional* stuff I added in recent days to try and control the anxiety surges.

lorazepam (2mg)
cyproheptadine (antihistamine) (2mg)
atenolol (25mg) (beta blocker)
melatonin 5mg
Magnesium (150mg)
Gaba powder (500 mg)
Niacin 250mg
Chamomile Tea
(and probably a whole lot more I forgot about)


Dispite all of this, I was in agony. As soon as I send the email that "I'm out" the anxiety is gone - vanished and I have zero withdrawal from the above crap.

My mind has locked me in a cage.

Linkadge


 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by pedr on September 19, 2017, at 16:05:03

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 15:24:20


> My mind has locked me in a cage.
>
> Linkadge
>

man, I'm sorry to hear this and unfortunately can empathise all too well.

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by baseball55 on September 19, 2017, at 19:51:37

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 15:24:20

I know this is the medication board, but... If medication isn't working and anxiety is ruling your life and future, maybe you should try therapy. CBT therapy is very successful in helping people learn to sit through anxiety and come out on the other side. Dynamic therapy can also be worthwhile if the anxiety is long-standing and has deeper childhood roots.

Just saying...

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm

Posted by rjlockhart37 on September 19, 2017, at 23:54:02

In reply to My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 7:52:19

i have high anxiety levels, exactly what you described adrealine, and on edge, i have the stomach anxiety feeling where it feels stomach is also burning, it's a nerve reaction.....

what you can do is ask about propranolol, it is a direct adrenaline/noradrenaline blocker, it is very effective, even when a benzo doesn't seem to work. I'm very serious, propranolol would rid this.

I know what it feels like, but it happens to me everyday when i have to go to class and envolved, if i don't have the adrealine in me i mess up, or im unprepared, the adrenaline is more like getting ready for things, but it can also go overbioard to where it makes you sick....there'a other things like cortisol stress hormone that can cause anxierty, and some others that are not named. I suffer from anxiety,

my doctors appointments is a joke, i go in smile, yup doing great, moving along....that's it...I deal with severe anxiety and other things later...i've had trauma happemed to me, i realized that after a while ...that's why i'm different, something happened, and i have relapses, with anxiety off the charts. I found phenibut Russian supplement/med , has good effects for anxiety, there's nothing my doctor will do, i've had to resort to various treatments

ask your doctor about propranolol, it will do good, it directly blocks epinephrine

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » baseball55

Posted by linkadge on September 20, 2017, at 17:05:35

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge, posted by baseball55 on September 19, 2017, at 19:51:37

Sounds great, but therapy is very expensive. In Canada, you can be on a very long waitlist for very limited therapy support. I have no insurance, so private therapy is not an option.

Linkadge

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm

Posted by linkadge on September 20, 2017, at 17:07:34

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by rjlockhart37 on September 19, 2017, at 23:54:02

Hey RJ,

I have both propranolol and atenolol. Nothing were working. After I pulled out of the interview, the anxiety is gone (vanished) and I'm fine.

My anxiety is, apparently more situational, but when it hits, it is like being hit by a truck.

Linkadge

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by Phillipa on September 20, 2017, at 22:35:05

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 20, 2017, at 17:07:34

Hi Link been reading this and reminds me a lot of myself. It's the thought of the job that creates the anxiety. When you chose to say no you release yourself from the anxiety. This has happened to me when in the past someone suggested surgery for something my gut said wasn't right. When I made the decision and cancelled it the anxiety was gone and at the that time wasn't anxious was working and functioning very well. So to me that job was your gut telling you it just wasn't the right one for you. Phillipa

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by beckett2 on September 21, 2017, at 17:12:31

In reply to My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 7:52:19

Lorazapam. Is that Ativan? For me it had to be xanax. Magic. Ativan makes me feel weird. I'm not sure it should.

When I did cbt, it was in group-- but it was for social anxiety, which sounds like you have a dose of too.

I forget if you teach. I'm looking for something online. Chin up.

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » Phillipa

Posted by linkadge on September 21, 2017, at 17:18:52

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge, posted by Phillipa on September 20, 2017, at 22:35:05

Thanks for that Phillipa,

I do agree that this job may not have been for me. However, I have done this with more than a few jobs.

I do have a job, but for some reason, the thought of advancing creates tremendous anxiety.

I am a lot more capable than my current job requires. However, the thought of additional responsibility causes me to panic in ways that I can't seem to control. I did try - for at least a week to manage the anxiety, but it just kept escalating - to the point that my thoughts were not even making sense.


I don't know, my brain is just EXTREMELY sensitive to change. I can work with low anxiety as long as I stay in my zone. Trying to push for more is very difficult.

The downside is that I just don't advance, and I don't really feel fully fulfilled. However, I do have more time to engage in the activities that make me feel fulfilled.

Who knows. Maybe my gut knows more, maybe I'm just a wimp.

Linkadge


 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by Phillipa on September 21, 2017, at 18:08:49

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » Phillipa, posted by linkadge on September 21, 2017, at 17:18:52

Link no you are not a wimp. Maybe those activities which do make you feel fulfilled are a subject which could become a job for you. What are your interests? Are they something that could lead you to try a different field of work. You are very scientific from what I've read in the past. I remember you teach Math? Would something scientific be a possibility? Research? Phillipa

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by rjlockhart37 on September 21, 2017, at 21:56:05

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 20, 2017, at 17:07:34

there's a technique....where you regulate your own nuerotransmitters, well....not that, but it's kinda like meditation, but you use it to soothe the nerves.... I've had the anxieety that you have said, even when i was on xanax, and ativan, they would not totally stop it, only very high doses, when i have that dehabiliting anxiety, it's from 2 factors: not feeling im in control, so that anxiety is the only way to deal with things, or thinking about memories or getting around people I know that don't have good opinions of me. It's weird, but if i don't have anxiety to keep me sharp, i sluggish through things.

maybe try a view point on how to change the way you see things, and that could maybe lessen anxiety, it has a little bit for me, but it took a long time

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by SLS on September 21, 2017, at 23:24:38

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 20, 2017, at 17:07:34

What are your reasons for taking such a low dosage of Effexor? I can't imagine that you are getting much positive effect from it. You could be a Effexor + nortriptyline responder, but your dosages might have to be increased to standard therapeutic levels.

Many people use low-dosages (25-50 mg) of Seroquel as a PRN for anxiety.


- Scott

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by pedr on September 22, 2017, at 10:25:06

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » Phillipa, posted by linkadge on September 21, 2017, at 17:18:52

> I do have a job, but for some reason, the thought of advancing creates tremendous anxiety.
>
> The downside is that I just don't advance, and I don't really feel fully fulfilled.

just wanted to say 'ditto'.

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm

Posted by SLS on September 22, 2017, at 14:00:26

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge, posted by SLS on September 21, 2017, at 23:24:38

> What are your reasons for taking such a low dosage of Effexor? I can't imagine that you are getting much positive effect from it. You could be a Effexor + nortriptyline responder, but your dosages might have to be increased to standard therapeutic levels.
>
> Many people use low-dosages (25-50 mg) of Seroquel as a PRN for anxiety.

I have seen promethazine (Phenergan) work for anxiety as a substitute for Zyprexa. I don't know the dosage used.

Again, I would emphasize that unless there is a compelling reason to take a subtherapeutic dosage of Effexor, you might be able to tolerate and benefit from taking 300 mg/day in combination with nortriptyline at a dosage within the range of 75-150 mg/day. The other two antidepressants that come to mind to treat both depression and anxiety would be Nardil and Paxil.

A friend of mine uses Xanax as a PRN for elevated levels of anxiety and panic attacks in certain situations. She doesn't experience euphoria or disinhibition - things that a minority of people demonstrate. Her occasional use of Xanax has not produced tolerance or withdrawal. One could make the argument that Xanax is the most effective benzodiazepine to treat anxiety as long as euphoria and disinhibition don't emerge.

I hope you find a way to treat your episodic anxiety.


- Scott

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm

Posted by linkadge on September 22, 2017, at 19:23:49

In reply to Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by SLS on September 22, 2017, at 14:00:26

Hi all,

Thanks for the feedback.

Linkadge

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm

Posted by phidippus on October 7, 2017, at 18:03:02

In reply to My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 7:52:19

What are you taking?

Eric

 

Re: My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm » linkadge

Posted by Chris O on December 29, 2017, at 10:30:45

In reply to My anxiety meds only work when I'm calm, posted by linkadge on September 19, 2017, at 7:52:19

Man, I so empathize with your situation! I am unable to remain relaxed and non-panic-y when forced into any type of scheduled work situation. In fact, perhaps the biggest stressor in my anxiety-filled life has been an inability to take care of myself, to work, full-time, without having a kind of constant panic attack. As long as my wife takes care of financial things, I am pretty much okay. However, once forced with the prospect of managing my life, everything falls apart. At 50, I have to conclude that I am cursed with the impossible to break habits that my own panic-filled mother modeled for me. Meditation and medication help, but they do not remove the underlying sense of disorder, insecurity, and sense of "I can't deal with this. It's too much!" This ("I can't deal with this. It's too much!") is the world I grew up in and I have to conclude that at my core, that is the modeling that shaped me into the person I am. It's unfortunate (to make a vast understatement) but I suspect this is why medication (and meditation) are only mildly effective for me. I remember your mentioning some years ago a family member worrying that he had committed the "unforgivable sin." This is definitely the type of anxiety territory I have been down many times, so perhaps we share some similar biological markers/modeling from our past. Hope you find some peace of mind at some point! Meditation has been at least doing something for me the past year. Giving CBD oil a go now as well. Be well!

Chris


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