Anxitey or something else

[Mike2581]

Hi, I am 25 yr old male, who has had severe anxiety disorder? for about 6 years now.  This is a result I beleave to be attributed to the severe tremors thatIhave.  The major symptoms that concern me the most, are my intense shaking (tremor), and rapid heartbeat.  I was the first person to diagnos myself with the dissorder, and after telling my physician and former therapists about my symptoms they also agreed.  I have tried many of the cognitive strategies, such as possitive self talk and exposure therapy.  Neither one of these seem to help my tremor at all.  I do take Xanax on an AS-NEED BASIS, and it does seem to control my symptoms to some degree.  I take 3X.25 mg tablets when I need to do something out of the ordinary (although I found that 4 or 5 (1-1.25 mg) works more effectivly during tremor and rapid HB.  I have taken many anti-depressants in the past, and none have controlled my rapid heart beat or tremors.  Prior to taking the Xanax I used to self medicate with 2-4 beers.  Now that I have the Xanax, I only drink for recreation and not to medicate.  Although I must admit that a few drinks does in fact calm my symptoms as does the Xanax, and I can perform any task that comes along.  I guess, what I want to know is, do I really have anxiety or something else.  I would like to get my life back and not have to depend on drugs (perscrition) and alcohol.  I am a drinker, and I know that to some degree that may have an impact on my tremor, but my symptoms were basically the same when I was not a drinker at all.  Any suggestions would be much appreciated.  Thanks, Mike

[fearfactor]

Hi, Mike - I am a life long anxiety sufferer (had my first panic attack at age 11).  I, too, have had anxiety states where I shake uncontrollably and my heart beats super-fast (around 130-140 bpm).  I never quite figured out why it was happening.  My Xanax helped somewhat, too, but I got on beta blockers and that is what really stopped the problem for me.  It would always happen when I woke up in the middle of the night or in the morning for some reason.  Maybe beta blockers might help - they are often prescribed for anxiety issues and work well for mine.

[Mike2581]

It was on toprol for a bit, and it didn't help, but maybe I should give it anohter shot.  Thanks for your time

[ScottN]

Hi Mike, this is Scott. I was reading entry about your tremors or shakiness. I was interested if any current treatments that you are currently on is helping out? I too have been experiencing this tremor/vibration type sensation what seems to be in my upper torso area for over a week now. It is very aggravating when you are trying to sleep and feel this vibration feeling. It has impacted my sleep at times. The latest doctor that I have seen thinks it is G.A.D (generalized anxiety disorder) so he prescribed me Zoloft. As with that, it takes a while to take affect, which is to say if it will even help me. What kind of doctor(s) have you seen. I am not so sure if this is Anxiety, having these sensations for this period of time seems too long for anxiety. My doctor wants me to do a follow up in about 2 weeks. I would appreciate any further information about your situation. If you want to discuss if offline then that is okay also. Thanks, I appreciate it

Scott