Is is Chronic Anxiety/Depression?

[luvnlife77]

Hello.  I'm a 29yr old male, and I don't know where to begin on this topic since it feels like I've been through hell and back.  I was recently diagnosed with Depression/GAD a few months ago.  Symptoms started when I went to my friend's wedding for the week, and couldn't sleep for 6 days straight, having the feeling of unreality, panic, shakes, etc. .  Can't believe I made it through that.  Starting in November, I was initally put on 10mg/d Lexapro for one week, then 20mg/d.  After about 3 1/2 weeks, I felt a slight improvement, yet still had the tremors and shakes.  Psych decided to switch me to 100mg/d of Zoloft where I really went into a slump.  For that month on Zoloft, I felt like I was going to die!  I pushed through one month of severe anxety attacks, insomnia, and crying spells.  Wasn't a very pleasant Christmas. . .  
So to say, I consulted with the psych. and put myself back on 10mg/d of Lexapro, not bumping it up to the 20mg.  It's been 3 weeks since that has happened, and I feel a slight improvement, but my main concern is I'M AWARE OF MY OWN HEARTBEAT 24/7.  Very frustrating, and hard to concentrate!  My GP performed all the necessary tests to rule out underlying conditions.  Blood work is normal, ECG normal, 24 hr Holter - Normal (hard to believe!).  Yet to hear back from results on CAT scan and Echocardiogram.  
Can anxiety/depression be this bad?

[suzi-q]

Yes, anxiety can definitely do this to you.  That heart beating is a classic sign...Good news is, it will get better.  See what other medications your doctor can give you for that.  Also, talking to a good therapist can also help.  It is important to try to not focus on the beating and get your mind onto something else.  I know that it is very hard to do, but the more you focus, the worse it will get.  I suggest you check out anxietycentre.com.  Click on the symptoms bar on the left of the opening screen.  You can see all the symptoms that anxiety can cause.  Just remember you can get better and you will get better even though right now things don't seem so.

[luvnlife77]

Thanks Suzi, I will definitely check that website out.  All the best to you!

[borninquisitive]

I have glanced through this book and she speaks quite abit in regards to the feeling of heart beats: http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Help-Your-Nerves-Signet/dp/0451167228/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/103-1269357-6956605

Dirt cheap book that you might like to look into.

I will say this, in reading through parts of this...she almost seems too "soft." It seems that most people in my life are on the critical/hard side...therefore, not accumstomed to the authors personality. That said, she does exude a calmness about her and before long, found myself calm in reading.

This is a "dated" book but still applies to the condition.

Here is the book section for anxiety disorders: http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Disorders-Mental-Health-Books/b/ref=dp_brlad_entry/103-1269357-6956605?ie=UTF8&node=11128

Best.

[Lemonhed]

Just an affirmation for you, I have been there and done that with the heartbeat thing.  It does get better, it does go away, and yes, it can be that bad...tho I think mine was not quite as bad, as I managed it without the meds, but probably scared a few coworkers from time to time...lol...anyway, if they've tested you and no problems are there to detect, do your best to relax.  Any stressful situations you can get out of, do it!  I found that my background stress level was a big part of it, as well as current circumstances.  I'm sure your psych will be able to help you work through that part, and as that works through, so will the sensations.

Take care and be well!