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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 8:45:37
Has anyone else reached the point of anxiety where it seems that all your nerve endings are unbelievably stimulated? My bangs are hurting my forehead where they touch. My dress is irritating my legs where it touches. A light breeze feels like my skin is being scraped. I feel like I need to wrap myself up tightly like a mummy so that no stimulus can reach me. It often comes in the days after a panic attack, but sometimes on its own. It can last for days and what seems like weeks. My pdoc just looks at me and nods (like he does for everything). I'm sometimes not sure how much doctors know about the physical symptoms of being anxious or depressed or withdrawing from meds. So I'm not sure if what if this is just my imagination or if I am really feeling it.
Thanks,
Dinah
Posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 8:51:54
In reply to Overstimulation and anxiety, posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 8:45:37
It would help to know what meds you are taking, and what your DX is. We can take it from there.
PAX
Posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 9:09:26
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety » Dinah, posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 8:51:54
> It would help to know what meds you are taking, and what your DX is. We can take it from there.
>
> PAXMy dx is OCD and depression, with some rule-out personality disorders. I am currently taking .5 to 1 mg of Klonopin as needed (usually .5 mg at bedtime) and (a placebo dose) 62.5 mg Depakote. I felt the overstimulation for 2 months straight after withdrawing from Luvox, but I have also felt it before, while, and after taking Luvox.
By the way, it isn't all bad, since it also results in a female version of a perpetual erection, but overall it is more uncomfortable than pleasant. It is definitely related to anxiety and agitation.Dinah
Posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 9:42:32
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety » paxvox, posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 9:09:26
No Paxil or other SSRI? Klonopin (clonazepam) is the gold standard benzo for panic disorders, usually along with Paxil. I don't understand your placebo dosing? What's up with that? Sounds like your doc is skeptical? Would you explain that? The Depakote seems to be a low dose, which is good, because I personally did not like Depakote.
You mention OCD more so than panic, which, I guess explains your doc's use of a "mood stabilizer" like Depakote. I'm curious why you are not getting any antidepressant...even if you are *just* OCD. I am DX as OCD, and I take Wellbutrin and Tranzene. More questions than answers.PAX
Posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 10:01:02
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety » Dinah, posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 9:42:32
I guess, from what you are saying, that the overstimulation is not one of those "Oh, everyone has that!" sort of things.
The low doses of everything is my idea. My doctor doesn't really say anything about the Klonopin dose, since he knows I won't take too much. The placebo dose I was referring to was on the Depakote. I'm not sure that does anything at all for me, but there's no harm in it. The pdoc has me on such a low dose because I'm medication sensitive. I was on Luvox for four years, and finally went off because I felt "stupid" (cognitively dulled) and because I felt emotionally flattened with no good feelings as well as no bad feelings.
Thanks,
Dinah
Posted by kid47 on September 27, 2001, at 12:02:04
In reply to Overstimulation and anxiety, posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 8:45:37
Hi. My panic/anxiety is a circus of physical symptoms. Sometomes I itch all over. Other times I can't swallow. My arms & legs get numb. Lump in the throat, Chest pain, dizzines, yada, yada, yada. I never have figured out if the physical symptoms cause the panic/anxiety or the anxiety causes the physical symptoms. My pdoc says you can't seperate them as they are all a part of the total illness. You're right though. Docs don't understand how scary & debilitating & REAL psych related physical symptoms can be!! I try & avoid things that exacerbate the problem. I avoid caffeine & alcohol, try & exercise & eat right. Of course sometimes I can't even get out of bed so the phrase "Do what I can when I can" is my mantra. I'm no doctor, but I did play "doctor" quite a bit when I was younger (sorry) but even being med sensitive it doesn't sound like you are on adequate medication. The Depakote dose seems REALLY low. There are some newer mood stabilizers like Neurontin, Topomax, Lamictal that seem to be effective with a fairly benign side fx profile. (the rash thingy with Lamictal is easily remedied) You might benefit from an AD also. If your doc just nods & patronizes you I'd think about finding a new doc who will take care of you (I think that's what they're supposed to do). Sorry about the length of this (I'm a little manic today) Hope you can gleen something that might help. Take care.
kid
> Has anyone else reached the point of anxiety where it seems that all your nerve endings are unbelievably stimulated? My bangs are hurting my forehead where they touch. My dress is irritating my legs where it touches. A light breeze feels like my skin is being scraped. I feel like I need to wrap myself up tightly like a mummy so that no stimulus can reach me. It often comes in the days after a panic attack, but sometimes on its own. It can last for days and what seems like weeks. My pdoc just looks at me and nods (like he does for everything). I'm sometimes not sure how much doctors know about the physical symptoms of being anxious or depressed or withdrawing from meds. So I'm not sure if what if this is just my imagination or if I am really feeling it.
> Thanks,
> Dinah
Posted by kid47 on September 27, 2001, at 12:11:21
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety » Dinah, posted by kid47 on September 27, 2001, at 12:02:04
I am dx Bipolar II. Currently taking Wellbutrin, Neurontin, & Klonopin (Thank God for Klonopin)
kid
> Hi. My panic/anxiety is a circus of physical symptoms. Sometomes I itch all over. Other times I can't swallow. My arms & legs get numb. Lump in the throat, Chest pain, dizzines, yada, yada, yada. I never have figured out if the physical symptoms cause the panic/anxiety or the anxiety causes the physical symptoms. My pdoc says you can't seperate them as they are all a part of the total illness. You're right though. Docs don't understand how scary & debilitating & REAL psych related physical symptoms can be!! I try & avoid things that exacerbate the problem. I avoid caffeine & alcohol, try & exercise & eat right. Of course sometimes I can't even get out of bed so the phrase "Do what I can when I can" is my mantra. I'm no doctor, but I did play "doctor" quite a bit when I was younger (sorry) but even being med sensitive it doesn't sound like you are on adequate medication. The Depakote dose seems REALLY low. There are some newer mood stabilizers like Neurontin, Topomax, Lamictal that seem to be effective with a fairly benign side fx profile. (the rash thingy with Lamictal is easily remedied) You might benefit from an AD also. If your doc just nods & patronizes you I'd think about finding a new doc who will take care of you (I think that's what they're supposed to do). Sorry about the length of this (I'm a little manic today) Hope you can gleen something that might help. Take care.
>
> kid
>
>
>
> > Has anyone else reached the point of anxiety where it seems that all your nerve endings are unbelievably stimulated? My bangs are hurting my forehead where they touch. My dress is irritating my legs where it touches. A light breeze feels like my skin is being scraped. I feel like I need to wrap myself up tightly like a mummy so that no stimulus can reach me. It often comes in the days after a panic attack, but sometimes on its own. It can last for days and what seems like weeks. My pdoc just looks at me and nods (like he does for everything). I'm sometimes not sure how much doctors know about the physical symptoms of being anxious or depressed or withdrawing from meds. So I'm not sure if what if this is just my imagination or if I am really feeling it.
> > Thanks,
> > Dinah
Posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 12:27:53
In reply to BTW-Dinah, posted by kid47 on September 27, 2001, at 12:11:21
Here here for the benzodiazipines! Yes, I think kid47 is on target about the meds, or lack thereof. Sometimes you have to "shop" around to find the right pdoc you "click" with, or at least one that is willing to try YOUR ideas as opposed to HIS agenda. Some in the medical field act as demigods. Here's a secret....they're just people too! No square holing for me!
PAX on the round
Posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 12:41:16
In reply to Re: BTW-Dinah, posted by paxvox on September 27, 2001, at 12:27:53
Actually, I gave you all the wrong impression about my pdoc. I actually like him quite well and I've been through a few others, so I know. He's just rather vague and noncommittal. But he's very sensitive to the pros and cons of medication, and feels it's up to me to decide which is more useful to me at any given time.
I was just wondering if the overstimulation was relatively common or if it is just one of those "unusual somatic complaints."
Thanks for your responses,
Dinah
Posted by tina on September 28, 2001, at 7:53:12
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety, posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 12:41:16
Yes, Dinah, I have it too. Sometimes I feel like a silk blouse is made of sandpaper.
I think it is an anxiety-related problem. Perhaps not for everyone, but I have read many posts in the last year and a half that mention it as well.
I hope you and your pdoc figure out something to help with it. So far, I haven't. My doc's never thought it to be a "problem" and just sort of told me to deal with it. Hence, I no longer have a doc.
good luck
T> Actually, I gave you all the wrong impression about my pdoc. I actually like him quite well and I've been through a few others, so I know. He's just rather vague and noncommittal. But he's very sensitive to the pros and cons of medication, and feels it's up to me to decide which is more useful to me at any given time.
> I was just wondering if the overstimulation was relatively common or if it is just one of those "unusual somatic complaints."
> Thanks for your responses,
> Dinah
Posted by Roo on September 28, 2001, at 9:18:41
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety » Dinah, posted by tina on September 28, 2001, at 7:53:12
Yes, I've had something similar. I'll feel really
itchy. Like when I'm sleeping and my hair gets on
my face--like just one single strand of hair-=-it
will make my face feel itchy and drive me crazy. Also
my legs will start feeling like there's too much
energy and sensitivity there and I just have to shake
them out b/c i can't stand the feeling. all of this
mainly happens at night.
Posted by Dinah on September 28, 2001, at 9:41:31
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety, posted by Roo on September 28, 2001, at 9:18:41
Thanks for your responses. It is reassuring that others have had the same experience and it is not all in my head. My therapist, pdoc, and family all seem to have no idea what I'm talking about.
It can be quite maddening after a while and has led to a few instances of cutting (very lightly) in an effort to rid myself of the sensations.
Posted by susan C on September 28, 2001, at 12:06:36
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety - tina and roo, posted by Dinah on September 28, 2001, at 9:41:31
ouch, cutting, I am not familiar with that one, it is on my list of things I dont have or do... but encourage you to get help...
I refer to the other feelings described here as "ants in my pants"
mouse swatting at the flies
Susan C> Thanks for your responses. It is reassuring that others have had the same experience and it is not all in my head. My therapist, pdoc, and family all seem to have no idea what I'm talking about.
> It can be quite maddening after a while and has led to a few instances of cutting (very lightly) in an effort to rid myself of the sensations.
Posted by Krazy Kat on September 28, 2001, at 12:45:15
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety - tina and roo, posted by Dinah on September 28, 2001, at 9:41:31
> Dinah:
If you haven't, I would post this also on the med board.
I don't understand taking a dose of Depakote that low. It wouldn't do anything, would it?
It's a strong drug when taken at higher doses (I take 1000 mg right now). My pdoc is pretty laid back, but he got really frustrated with me for missing my liver test after starting Depakote.
Anyway, Depakote seems like a strange med to me for this. What about Neurontin? It's used for pain as well as hypomania/anxiety. I have taken that as well - very few side effects in general, I believe. Very gentle drug.
It's just a thought.
My pdoc wouldn't take my complaints about sedation seriously. Otherwise I really liked him. About a month and a half ago, I went in in a horrible depressive state and said, "Fix me or put me in the hospital. And the sedation goes, without anxiety." (Welbutrin had sent me through the roof).
It seemed to take that to get him to recognize the magnitude of the problem...
Good luck.
- K.
Posted by Maisy on September 29, 2001, at 15:07:27
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety - » Dinah, posted by Krazy Kat on September 28, 2001, at 12:45:15
Dinah, I had a lot of what I call "hypersensitivity" when I went thru two different episodes of anxiety and panic (the first episode lasted about 10 days, the other shorter.) I could not stand the feel of the shower on my skin, it was so annoying, the mint in my toothpaste was overwhelming and God forbid a bird chirped outside my window while I was trying to get a little sleep. And what is with that sexual feeling? Not that I'm complaining about that one, mind you. It was just strange that in the midst of all my suffering that I felt like I could have an orgasm at the drop of a hat. After I took my benzos for a week or so all my symptoms subsided. IMHO, I think that my brain could not properly synthesize external stimulation. So, no, you are not alone!!
Posted by Drew02 on September 30, 2001, at 10:22:10
In reply to Overstimulation and anxiety, posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 8:45:37
Some researchers suspect that PTSD/Panic disorders may involve the opioid system. hypersenitivity is a classic symptom of opioid withdrawl. Both aerobic exercise (ie; running) and capsicum are known to promote the bodies production of endorphins. Endorphin release may be the bodies response to pain, but you don't have to bit into a habanero pepper. Taking capsules of capsicum will also work. Capsicum may irritate the stomach lining so be sure to take it on a full stomach. It might be an iexpensive all natural fix. If you decide to give it a try, let me know how it works.
> Has anyone else reached the point of anxiety where it seems that all your nerve endings are unbelievably stimulated? My bangs are hurting my forehead where they touch. My dress is irritating my legs where it touches. A light breeze feels like my skin is being scraped. I feel like I need to wrap myself up tightly like a mummy so that no stimulus can reach me. It often comes in the days after a panic attack, but sometimes on its own. It can last for days and what seems like weeks. My pdoc just looks at me and nods (like he does for everything). I'm sometimes not sure how much doctors know about the physical symptoms of being anxious or depressed or withdrawing from meds. So I'm not sure if what if this is just my imagination or if I am really feeling it.
> Thanks,
> Dinah
Posted by Emme on September 30, 2001, at 17:53:00
In reply to Overstimulation and anxiety, posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 8:45:37
Hi Dinah,
Yes. Although I don't have problems with tactile oversensitivity. It's noises for me. Under normal conditions I'm sensitive to really loud noises like trucks and horns and rock bands. When I'm under stress, I really need a lot of quiet to work. But for a couple of hellish days this past week I couldn't tolerate the sound of a phone ringing or other people's voices. I though I was going to just disintegrate. I understand exactly what you mean about feeling like your nerve endings are raw. As if all the wires in my nervous system are pulled too tightly. Some Neurontin and Klonopin have helped quite a bit.
When my anxiety is poorly controlled, I sometimes just feel generally overstimulated, like a little kid who's all wound up. It seems like anxiety can manifest itself in so many ways and I do think your nervous system can become sensitive to too much input. I hope your pdoc can help you find something to ease your discomfort. Ask him about Neurontin.Emme
> Has anyone else reached the point of anxiety where it seems that all your nerve endings are unbelievably stimulated? My bangs are hurting my forehead where they touch. My dress is irritating my legs where it touches. A light breeze feels like my skin is being scraped. I feel like I need to wrap myself up tightly like a mummy so that no stimulus can reach me. It often comes in the days after a panic attack, but sometimes on its own. It can last for days and what seems like weeks. My pdoc just looks at me and nods (like he does for everything). I'm sometimes not sure how much doctors know about the physical symptoms of being anxious or depressed or withdrawing from meds. So I'm not sure if what if this is just my imagination or if I am really feeling it.
> Thanks,
> Dinah
Posted by Dinah on October 1, 2001, at 8:24:41
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety » Dinah, posted by Emme on September 30, 2001, at 17:53:00
Thanks everyone. It always helps to find out I'm not as odd as I was afraid I was.
I've always had a tendency to be overstimulated by noise, lots of visual input, etc. It always reminded me of a dog I had that could only be played with or petted for so long before running to a quiet place to pant and wind down. I guess this is just my nervous system getting completely overwhelmed.
It first happened when I was successfully using cognitive behavior techniques to deal with a panic attack. This, and a few other experiences, has led me to have my doubts about CBT and how often it just leads to symptom substitution. (Sort of like the arcade game called Whack the Mole????)
Thanks again,
Dinah
Posted by Noa on October 4, 2001, at 16:01:56
In reply to Overstimulation and anxiety, posted by Dinah on September 27, 2001, at 8:45:37
Sometimes I do get overstimulated, either from an overstimulating environment, or because I seem to resonate to other people's anxiety and excitement, etc., or because I have too much on my mind.
When I have a lot of anxiety I get overwhelmed and need to go into "shut down" mode, either by going to sleep or doing something that facilitates a kind of dissociation (like compulsive computer game playing, or eating a lot).
Essentially, when I feel a lot of anything, I can get overstimulated and need to shut down. Without shutting down, I feel like I can't manage the overstimulation at all.
Even a stimulating and energetic discussion, which I find enjoyable, can cause me to feel overstimulated, like my nerves are working past their capacity, and I just don't know what to do with the energy.
I also have become more aware of how sensitive I am to environmental stimuli--lights, colors, noises, etc. When I go to the movies, I sometimes have to put cotton in my ears because the sound literally hurts my ears and makes my nerves feel totally overloaded. No one else seems to mind the high volume (I really do think movies have gotten louder in recent years). Loud announcements over loudspeakers (as in stores, for example) jangle my nerves. I have a hard time focusing if I hear people talking near where I am working. Sometimes I can't bear to have the radio on in the car (while at other times I enjoy it). TV commercials are too loud for me and rattle my nerves. All of these things are much worse when I am depressed.
Several things help me: Cutting out caffeine--I can't say enough about the value of this. Also, just being aware of the kinds of situations that are overstimulating for me and anticipating them better so I can manage them better. It even means avoiding certain types of situations if I can (like big crowds, for example, which causes me to feel extremely uncomfortable with physical "flight" symptoms). I think also that my antidepressants help as does the adderall. Finally, and I think this is a very important one---exercise. Exercise really helps calm my nerves a lot.
Posted by Dinah on October 4, 2001, at 19:11:01
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety, posted by Noa on October 4, 2001, at 16:01:56
Boy, does that sound like me.
I do avoid caffeine like the plague when I am in this state, although I rely on it at those times I can barely drag myself out of bed. I know I should exercise more. I wish I could resolve to do that, but I know I probably won't follow through. Maybe I'll at least try to garden more. My neighbors would appreciate that.
Thanks,
Dinah
Posted by Noa on October 5, 2001, at 15:40:44
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety » Noa, posted by Dinah on October 4, 2001, at 19:11:01
Gardening sounds great--if you enjoy it, do it!
BTW, have you seen An Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne? It is a helpful resource, using a multifaceted approach.
Posted by Dinah on October 5, 2001, at 19:03:02
In reply to Re: Overstimulation and anxiety » Dinah, posted by Noa on October 5, 2001, at 15:40:44
> Gardening sounds great--if you enjoy it, do it!
>
> BTW, have you seen The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne? It is a helpful resource, using a multifaceted approach.I sure have. It was the first thing my therapist "prescribed" for me. A really useful book. I refer to it often.
This is the end of the thread.
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