Help Please...Similar Issues?

[cbarlow1016]

I just went away to college, and I've been dealing with anxiety issues for a long time. I'm on Zoloft and I take Lorazapem every once and a while. This sounds really stupid, but lately I've been worried about how my voice sounds and how I talk and I feel like it's hard for me to communicate clearly and articulately exactly what I want. I also pay close attention to other people's voices and how they talk. I know it's really stupid and I feel like I'm being ridiculous, but I don't know exactly what to do to stop it. It's like I judge people by how articulate they are. I keep reminding myself that I'm irrational, but I can't stop myself. Any ideas? I'm driving myself crazy here...I just want to enjoy people for their personalities.

Oh, and also, what is the effect of mixing Lorazapem and alcohol? I know you're not supposed to, but does the Lorazapem just intensify the alcohol's effect or could it potentially be more harmful than that?

Oh, and one more question, sorry. I read something online about how caffeine stays in your system for longer when you're on zoloft, meaning that it has more of an effect. Is that true?

[russtoo]

Hi;

   I sure do wish all us anxious or panicky people could just stop. It's called 'rumination'.

   Have you seen a Dr. for the problems? I don't believe you actually said you are currently taking the meds you mention?

   I've taken up to 40 mg Valium a day and my mind is still busy ruminating. It's anxiety; A very difficult thing indeed to control.

   You may not feel OK, but I think you're certainly within the realm of normal reactions for your age and circumstance.

   Maybe once classes are really in swing and you've become used to being in college, some of the feelings and constant rumination over them will diminish.

   Russ

[cbarlow1016]

thanks for your help. i appreciate it. do you have any suggestions as to how to stop obsessing about it? i'm doing my best to just forget about it and stop worrying, but it's hard. are there any especially helpful strategies?

[primetime21]

dont worry that ur obsessing over things like that..its a part of living with anxiety. the way u stop it is to not try and stop it..ya get me? the thoughts are actually normal but instead of just letting the thoughts fly past anxiety grabs hold of em..

1. never mix benzos and alcohol..it could be fatal..
2.if u have anxiety, alcohol is a big NO NO
3.if u have anxiety, caffiene is a big NO NO

and if u read the last part then ur last quistion shoudnt be a problem..no caffiene no reaction with zoloft..
but yes caffiene should be avoided when on zoloft..cause more nervousness..and restlessness..

take care

[russtoo]

Hi;

   It is not an uncommon side effect for the benzo class of meds to cause paranoia.

   Mixing any benzo with alcohol can be deadly. The combination causes a 'synergistic effect'; E.G., 1 + 1 = 3 or more. Both the benzo and alcohol are potentiated.

   Re, Zoloft; Whatever you read but you may wish to read the actual product label supplied by the manufacturer.

   Russ

[cj29]

First of all what you describe is not stupid.  Anxiety can reveal itself in many ways and can really come out in stressful social situations.  I remember my freshman year of college and while it was fun it definitely can raise your anxiety level.  Zoloft is an SSRI that I actually prefer and I bet I drink way more caffeine than you do:)  While I have not researched that, I will tell you it has not given me any problems.  Lorazepam is a benzo and should not be mixed with alcohol.  You must be careful with medications like these and take them as prescribed and heed the warning labels (which is true for any medication).  Good luck with school and keep us posted to how things are going!