Aa
This is my story....
Hello, let me introduce myself. My name is Crystal, and I am a 23 yr. old female, and for the past 3 months I have experienced bouts of clenching chest pain, head vibrations/tingliness, my face feels like it goes numb, there is usually pressure or pain in one spot of my head, I get extremely lightheaded, the numbness/tingliness usually spreads to other parts of the body, and sometimes there is knot pains in the back of my neck and even middle and lower back. The clenching chest pain seems to have subsided in the past month, yet the other symptoms (particularly the head vibrations/tingliness, numbness and severe tingliness/numbness in other body parts) continue. The problems come on sporatically/spontaneously at any time of day..
They are NOT CONSTANT: they usually lasted in bursts from anywhere from 10 min. to an HOUR or more! As you can imagine, it was EXTREMELY stressful when I fely the physical symptoms come on so abruptly! It made me return to my parents' home several times (I am living in an apartment with my fiancee), I took trips to the doctor's and emergency room, where I was hooked up to TONS of EKG's, had both head and chest CAT Scans, lots of bloodwork, and even an echo. I started getting the head numbness, tingliness, lightheadedness, dizziness, etc. about a month ago after 2 days of starting on Zoloft, which my doctor had put me on when she assumed I had panic disorder.
They are NOT CONSTANT: they usually lasted in bursts from anywhere from 10 min. to an HOUR or more! As you can imagine, it was EXTREMELY stressful when I fely the physical symptoms come on so abruptly! It made me return to my parents' home several times (I am living in an apartment with my fiancee), I took trips to the doctor's and emergency room, where I was hooked up to TONS of EKG's, had both head and chest CAT Scans, lots of bloodwork, and even an echo. I started getting the head numbness, tingliness, lightheadedness, dizziness, etc. about a month ago after 2 days of starting on Zoloft, which my doctor had put me on when she assumed I had panic disorder.
I am bumping this up for you carebear. Please read....maybe it will sound like what you went through. I am also bumping up "the truth about panic attacks", so please read BOTH. :) Let me know what you think, and you can ask your shrink about it. It is possible you have an overly stimulated Autonomic Nervous System and have sufficient serotonin in your sys., so a SSRI would do no good for you but cause you more pain....but I don't want to frighten you. Read my story first and see if it relates to you, and also read the link on the findings on the effectiveness of SSRI's and Panic Attacks.
*Nods* I have to agree with you that I will definately NEVER forget the experiences anxiety put me through. But you know what? I feel like a stronger person because of it. It has taught me something. That is how I look on my past. Sometimes it just frustrates me and makes me want to cry that I had to suffer through all that. But dwelling on the "torment I went through" doesn't make anything better. It only makes you go into that same darn loop that we both know all to well. We fear what happened to us, and them BOOM it hits us again. Panic all over again. I think that is why it sometimes becomes a constant struggle for some people, but I could be wrong. But it makes sense. The more you worry over what happened or what COULD happen based on what you went through in the past, the more likely you are to build up your anxiety levels again so it DOES happen all over again. Get my drift?
I never got suicidal, fortunately. I basically became really depressed though. I just felt like, "why is this all happening to me?" and became depressed and stressed and worried it would never go away. And then the whole thing with my ex made me give up and feel like my life was worthless, no one would love me with my problems, and all this other stuff. It was like a living nightmare....for that whole year and more.... which it is for all of us....the physical symptoms I cannot even imagine anymore. But what I do is try not to think about them. Instead I enjoy just being panic-free at the moment, much as you yourself do! :) And I finally got enough confidence in myself to leave my ex. It was hard, but I did it. I was sick of dealing with his ****, and I eventually grew emotionally null around him. I just could NOT love him anymore, of the little love I had left. So I left. He cried, but I could barely shed a tear, nor could I smile nor frown. I was that traumatized by him....
Once I left though, I was a wreck. All of the emotions finally poured out of me, wondering why he had done that to me and stuff, and of course my panic attacks, which WERE in remission before, RESURFACED from all the emotional trama and stress I went through from him. But then my new BF came along....and I swear if it wasn't for him I do not know what kind of shape I would be in now. :)
So for now I continue to stand strong. I have a job finally now (I didn't work that whole year) and am looking for a full-time position now, as the one I have now is a part-time retail position. I can go out there, drive around without fear of leaving my home, and I feel like a stronger person on all I went through. Yet only people like us can fully understand it. No matter how hard my parents try, they cannot imagine the torture I went through that year.
Yet it is always great to talk to somebody who can understand, and relate, and who went through the same mental and psychological torment as well, even though different in their own ways, they are still similar. I wish yo uthe best of luck too Erin, and I hope you overcome your panic and anxiety fully as well!
~Crystal~
I never got suicidal, fortunately. I basically became really depressed though. I just felt like, "why is this all happening to me?" and became depressed and stressed and worried it would never go away. And then the whole thing with my ex made me give up and feel like my life was worthless, no one would love me with my problems, and all this other stuff. It was like a living nightmare....for that whole year and more.... which it is for all of us....the physical symptoms I cannot even imagine anymore. But what I do is try not to think about them. Instead I enjoy just being panic-free at the moment, much as you yourself do! :) And I finally got enough confidence in myself to leave my ex. It was hard, but I did it. I was sick of dealing with his ****, and I eventually grew emotionally null around him. I just could NOT love him anymore, of the little love I had left. So I left. He cried, but I could barely shed a tear, nor could I smile nor frown. I was that traumatized by him....
Once I left though, I was a wreck. All of the emotions finally poured out of me, wondering why he had done that to me and stuff, and of course my panic attacks, which WERE in remission before, RESURFACED from all the emotional trama and stress I went through from him. But then my new BF came along....and I swear if it wasn't for him I do not know what kind of shape I would be in now. :)
So for now I continue to stand strong. I have a job finally now (I didn't work that whole year) and am looking for a full-time position now, as the one I have now is a part-time retail position. I can go out there, drive around without fear of leaving my home, and I feel like a stronger person on all I went through. Yet only people like us can fully understand it. No matter how hard my parents try, they cannot imagine the torture I went through that year.
Yet it is always great to talk to somebody who can understand, and relate, and who went through the same mental and psychological torment as well, even though different in their own ways, they are still similar. I wish yo uthe best of luck too Erin, and I hope you overcome your panic and anxiety fully as well!
~Crystal~
Thanks for your reply - I didn't want to scare you by saying you may have it all your life - one thing I am is realistic and once someone experiences anxiety you will never forget it therefor live with it for the rest of your life. My anxiety maybe effects me 5% of the time, and I don't have much fear of it, I know it can't kill me etc. etc.....but I know I'm prone to it therefore never take my un-anxious time for granted. Does that make any sense?
It's excellent to be positive, which I said in my first post, I am as positive as they get and FOR ME admitting this is "my cross to bear" in this lifetime isn't being un-optimistic it's being brave and prepared for what ever **** gets thrown at me.
When I was a teen it hit me so bad I became depressed and suicidal - I know how much it hurts and being around people who don't get it is almost unbearable. For me it never seems to stem from anything that's why I feel it's a physical thing and it definitely runs in my family. It hits me out of no where, it's a major bummer and I think the key (for me) is to not panic that I may panic - sounds funny but I am sure you know what I mean. I just have to let myself feel it and most of the time it comes and goes very quickly within seconds. Like you with your meds, mine too have helped me so once I get off them it may or may not come back full force, but at least I have found one more powerful tool to work with.
Anyways, I appreciated your response. Erin
It's excellent to be positive, which I said in my first post, I am as positive as they get and FOR ME admitting this is "my cross to bear" in this lifetime isn't being un-optimistic it's being brave and prepared for what ever **** gets thrown at me.
When I was a teen it hit me so bad I became depressed and suicidal - I know how much it hurts and being around people who don't get it is almost unbearable. For me it never seems to stem from anything that's why I feel it's a physical thing and it definitely runs in my family. It hits me out of no where, it's a major bummer and I think the key (for me) is to not panic that I may panic - sounds funny but I am sure you know what I mean. I just have to let myself feel it and most of the time it comes and goes very quickly within seconds. Like you with your meds, mine too have helped me so once I get off them it may or may not come back full force, but at least I have found one more powerful tool to work with.
Anyways, I appreciated your response. Erin
I apologize if I seemed a little conceited or like a know-it-all. That is not the impression I wanted to get across to you, and I apologize if it seemed that way. I was just feeling as though you were acting as if I was just some "kid" who knew nothing about the drugs I am taking and should know about them because you have suffered longer than I have, and I am sorry you have had to suffer so long. I do get that sometimes, but I have been to what I felt was hell and back and I feel like people still treat me as if I know absolutely nothing about what I have or my disorder nor the meds I am taking (as if I am just naive about the whole thing), and I just don't take it lightly, and I was trying to show you that I am well-versed in what I have and how I am going about taking care of it. However, I did not mean to come across as harsh or mean or demeanering, and if I did then I am truly sorry.
Nobody knows what I have been through in the past year. An abusive ex, panic attacks, the side effects of the Zoloft on my overly stimulated ANS, crying every day due to my easily sensitive emotions due to all of this (my panic disorder and the trama my ex put me through), feeling as though my hopes and dreams were crushed as well as my very heart and soul....having him laugh at how pathetic I was to my face while I just cried on the floor....so please understand I don't take things lightly anymore. I am sick of people using me....laughing at me....treating me as something inferior.....doctors do, my parents do, and my ex sure as hell did. I just felt that you were beginning to act as though I was just some "youngun' who doesn't know what she is talking about or still has a lot to learn and who really knows nothing as to what she is experiencing," when that is far from the reality. In the past year 1/2 I have suffered from panic attacks, I am learning more about my body, myself, and I feel like I am becoming a stronger individual as I continue to learn more about my condition and what brought it about.
I think it is GREAT Zoloft has done you wonders, and I am sorry to hear that you had to suffer with anxiety/panic attacks for a lot longer than I have....that I cannot even fathom!! But not everyone suffers anxiety their entire life. It depends on the circumstances I believe. Certain individuals I think are more prone to anxiety and panic, and will have to learn to just live with it. For me, I have never been the overly anxious or nervous type. It all started one day, and BOOM, I had panic attacks, and then I started getting more anxious, nervous, etc. due to the panic and excessively higher levels of adrenaline and anxiety in my system. However, maybe I am wrong....maybe I will have to deal with panic attacks off and on my entire life, and just learn to cope and be as happy as I can be with it. I won't know though until I get off of the meds though, I suppose.
However, I just personally think I will be able to conquer my panic attacks, as I was never the anxious type up until I started getting panic attacks. First, I flipped out very easily, and it didn't take much to make me cry over the silliest things. Then the panic attacks came on, and BOOM, every day after that it happened. It all kind of 10-folded after that. They all kind of followed in sync with each other. My emotions and me being overly sensitive to things seemed to be the indicator that some mood disorder was about to occur, but I had no idea it would end up becoming panic attacks and eventual panic disorder.
And besides, what is so wrong with staying positive and optimistic and hoping that it will all go away? It gives me hope, aspirations, and it is a dream I want to achieve and make happen, and I plan on making it come true. It is something I am striving for every day, and in the mean-time I am living life, and loving it to the best of my ability, even when going through my roughest of times. And if it doesn't, then I will stay happy because I have loved ones who care for me and want to see the best in me.
~Crystal~
Nobody knows what I have been through in the past year. An abusive ex, panic attacks, the side effects of the Zoloft on my overly stimulated ANS, crying every day due to my easily sensitive emotions due to all of this (my panic disorder and the trama my ex put me through), feeling as though my hopes and dreams were crushed as well as my very heart and soul....having him laugh at how pathetic I was to my face while I just cried on the floor....so please understand I don't take things lightly anymore. I am sick of people using me....laughing at me....treating me as something inferior.....doctors do, my parents do, and my ex sure as hell did. I just felt that you were beginning to act as though I was just some "youngun' who doesn't know what she is talking about or still has a lot to learn and who really knows nothing as to what she is experiencing," when that is far from the reality. In the past year 1/2 I have suffered from panic attacks, I am learning more about my body, myself, and I feel like I am becoming a stronger individual as I continue to learn more about my condition and what brought it about.
I think it is GREAT Zoloft has done you wonders, and I am sorry to hear that you had to suffer with anxiety/panic attacks for a lot longer than I have....that I cannot even fathom!! But not everyone suffers anxiety their entire life. It depends on the circumstances I believe. Certain individuals I think are more prone to anxiety and panic, and will have to learn to just live with it. For me, I have never been the overly anxious or nervous type. It all started one day, and BOOM, I had panic attacks, and then I started getting more anxious, nervous, etc. due to the panic and excessively higher levels of adrenaline and anxiety in my system. However, maybe I am wrong....maybe I will have to deal with panic attacks off and on my entire life, and just learn to cope and be as happy as I can be with it. I won't know though until I get off of the meds though, I suppose.
However, I just personally think I will be able to conquer my panic attacks, as I was never the anxious type up until I started getting panic attacks. First, I flipped out very easily, and it didn't take much to make me cry over the silliest things. Then the panic attacks came on, and BOOM, every day after that it happened. It all kind of 10-folded after that. They all kind of followed in sync with each other. My emotions and me being overly sensitive to things seemed to be the indicator that some mood disorder was about to occur, but I had no idea it would end up becoming panic attacks and eventual panic disorder.
And besides, what is so wrong with staying positive and optimistic and hoping that it will all go away? It gives me hope, aspirations, and it is a dream I want to achieve and make happen, and I plan on making it come true. It is something I am striving for every day, and in the mean-time I am living life, and loving it to the best of my ability, even when going through my roughest of times. And if it doesn't, then I will stay happy because I have loved ones who care for me and want to see the best in me.
~Crystal~
I agree you should not take a stimulant because you are quite uptight, no wonder you have anxiety....just trying to help out - I get the impression you think your issues are so much more difficult I couldn't POSSIBALLY COMPREHEND let alone give you suggestions. Guess you have it ALL under control, can't understand why you need to take anything, you've mastered it.
it's obvious you have allot to learn.
Take Care, Erin
it's obvious you have allot to learn.
Take Care, Erin
Another note: I also understand that the Zoloft worked for you. If you read my posts, though, you will have realized that while I acknowledge it can work for some, it is not for everybody. Not everyone who suffers from Panic Attacks and anxiety benefit from SSRI's, and for others such as myself it can have the OPPOSITE effect and can aggravate symptoms of Panic Attacks. SSRI's were not actually made for people who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, it just proved to also be effective since it targets the mood and helps to stabilize the mood in patients with panic disorder and panic attacks, basically overcoming the SECOND FEAR (read my other post if you are uncertain what I mean), but it exacerbated the "FIRST FEAR" or rather, the COMPLETELY PHYSICAL/PHYSIOLOGICAL and neurological symptoms that are part of the disorder. I have a sufficient amount of Serotonin in my body, and not only that but I also have an OVERLY stimulated Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), while other suffers who suffer from PD can have too little Serotonin and a stable or under-stimulated ANS, so the SSRI drugsactually help improve their disorder. However, SSRI's are a stimulant, and are known to be, and with people such as myself with an overly sensitive and overly stimulated ANS it only aggravates my physiological symptoms and in turn makes things worse rather than better.
I honestly don't believe that I will have Panic Disorder my entire life. And what you have told me are things I know well enough about. I know how addicting benzodiazephines are, like Xanax, Klonopin (Clonazepam), Ativan (Lorazepam), and Valium. I DO plan on weaning off of the drug once my body is in remission for over 4 months time. And I am well aware of the effects of quitting the drug cold-turkey, as 50% of patients quitting it cold turkey are likely to get seizures and other nasty side effects, since benzo's, much like anti-depressants or antiepileptic meds, are mind-altering drugs that can have serious side effects on your mind and body when coming off of it so quickly.
So you don't need to "educate" me on the addictiveness or effectiveness of these drugs. I am well aware of this already, having been a year on the Lorazepam and a year 1/2 on the Toprol. Heh, and with the way I am about medications, I FEAR getting on any new meds (since I have had a couple of meds. already aggravate my panic attacks) and with the side effects I got from quitting the Zoloft cold-turkey and being ON the Zoloft I am also afraid of quitting drugs so quickly, so that is the LEAST thing you have to worry about. I am surprised you even came to me about this. Trust me sweetie, you may have had 30 years of Panic Attacks but I think mine can compare to your 30 some years with the myriad of symptoms I had to go through...and of course I obsessed over every symptom and looked for explanations for each and every symptom, and finally deduced what was causing my symptoms, the meds that were the best for my symptoms, as well as how I will eventually wean myself off of the drugs completely.
Along with the fact that I have Panic Attacks, I was found to be vitamin deficient (PARTICULARLY IN VITAMIN D), and am now taking a multi-vitamin daily which helps alleviate any symptoms that were not already being treated by the Toprol and Lorazepam combo. I also used it as a treatment when I was suffering from the effects of the Zoloft. It actually alleviated almost ALL of the symptoms brought on by the Zoloft. Remember those head electrical sensations I told you about? After taking a mult-vit. for 2 weeks and having suffered attacks EVERY DAY prior to that point, they made the attacks null and nonexistant.
Magnesium isn't the only nutrient found to improve anxiety. B-vits are also vital for mental and psychological health, and have been proven to be effective in the treatment of panic and anxiety sufferers. Vitamin D is also effective in treating depression (along with the B-vits), with significant studies showing its effectiveness in treating patients with a slight Vit. D deficiency and depression.
So you don't need to "educate" me on the addictiveness or effectiveness of these drugs. I am well aware of this already, having been a year on the Lorazepam and a year 1/2 on the Toprol. Heh, and with the way I am about medications, I FEAR getting on any new meds (since I have had a couple of meds. already aggravate my panic attacks) and with the side effects I got from quitting the Zoloft cold-turkey and being ON the Zoloft I am also afraid of quitting drugs so quickly, so that is the LEAST thing you have to worry about. I am surprised you even came to me about this. Trust me sweetie, you may have had 30 years of Panic Attacks but I think mine can compare to your 30 some years with the myriad of symptoms I had to go through...and of course I obsessed over every symptom and looked for explanations for each and every symptom, and finally deduced what was causing my symptoms, the meds that were the best for my symptoms, as well as how I will eventually wean myself off of the drugs completely.
Along with the fact that I have Panic Attacks, I was found to be vitamin deficient (PARTICULARLY IN VITAMIN D), and am now taking a multi-vitamin daily which helps alleviate any symptoms that were not already being treated by the Toprol and Lorazepam combo. I also used it as a treatment when I was suffering from the effects of the Zoloft. It actually alleviated almost ALL of the symptoms brought on by the Zoloft. Remember those head electrical sensations I told you about? After taking a mult-vit. for 2 weeks and having suffered attacks EVERY DAY prior to that point, they made the attacks null and nonexistant.
Magnesium isn't the only nutrient found to improve anxiety. B-vits are also vital for mental and psychological health, and have been proven to be effective in the treatment of panic and anxiety sufferers. Vitamin D is also effective in treating depression (along with the B-vits), with significant studies showing its effectiveness in treating patients with a slight Vit. D deficiency and depression.
Hi, good job taking your own health into your own hands! Anxiety and Panic have been a part of my life for 30 years (I'm 43) and I have still managed to live a wonderful life and will continue to!
I have had a prescription for Klonopin (pretty much the same thing as Lorazepam - just longer acting) for 10 years and take about 10 of them a year. Many times I have been told to take them daily but refuse to - don't be fooled they can be physically addicting and it will sneak up on you - you may soon need more to get the same effect and you may get very sick when you quit so be CAREFUL! I come from a family of 12 women all suffer from Panic disorder so I have seen allot. All meds come with draw backs and I believe the benefits out weigh the draw backs at times.
I started taking Zoloft a few months ago and it has worked great for me - I felt really yucky at first too (not as bad as you though) but after about a month I don't have any side effects. I have never taken an SSRI before, always refused to but now that I am a mother, I needed to get through this bout of anxiety quick to be there for my kids. My doctor told me to take Xanax or Lorazepam daily with the Zoloft - I inquired with 3 other doctors including my brother (a neurologist) they all said not to, that they are very physically addicting. Notice I say "physically" because I am not worried about getting emotionally addicted, I would not let that happen. I am not trying to tell you to quit - not at all, the relief you can get from these meds are amazing, I say just be very cautious.
A couple other suggestions - make sure you are getting enough Magnesium, it is very important and being deficient in it will give you anxiety. Also take an Omega 3 or Fish Oil supplement another very important tool. Maybe get a book on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which can be very helpful. Now, since you are feeling better is the time to learn all the tools to get through this cause you can't take Loraxepam forever and most likely your anxiety will be with you for the rest of your life. Don't let that scare ya - because of it you will explore and learn many ways to live in this world - think of it as a challenge!
I hope you continue to feel good and stay as optimistic as you are! Erin
I have had a prescription for Klonopin (pretty much the same thing as Lorazepam - just longer acting) for 10 years and take about 10 of them a year. Many times I have been told to take them daily but refuse to - don't be fooled they can be physically addicting and it will sneak up on you - you may soon need more to get the same effect and you may get very sick when you quit so be CAREFUL! I come from a family of 12 women all suffer from Panic disorder so I have seen allot. All meds come with draw backs and I believe the benefits out weigh the draw backs at times.
I started taking Zoloft a few months ago and it has worked great for me - I felt really yucky at first too (not as bad as you though) but after about a month I don't have any side effects. I have never taken an SSRI before, always refused to but now that I am a mother, I needed to get through this bout of anxiety quick to be there for my kids. My doctor told me to take Xanax or Lorazepam daily with the Zoloft - I inquired with 3 other doctors including my brother (a neurologist) they all said not to, that they are very physically addicting. Notice I say "physically" because I am not worried about getting emotionally addicted, I would not let that happen. I am not trying to tell you to quit - not at all, the relief you can get from these meds are amazing, I say just be very cautious.
A couple other suggestions - make sure you are getting enough Magnesium, it is very important and being deficient in it will give you anxiety. Also take an Omega 3 or Fish Oil supplement another very important tool. Maybe get a book on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which can be very helpful. Now, since you are feeling better is the time to learn all the tools to get through this cause you can't take Loraxepam forever and most likely your anxiety will be with you for the rest of your life. Don't let that scare ya - because of it you will explore and learn many ways to live in this world - think of it as a challenge!
I hope you continue to feel good and stay as optimistic as you are! Erin
I am bumping this to the top, so those of you who are suffering through the same thing as I am don't feel so alone, and to know there is hope....
I also have an update. When I posted this I was engaged to my now EX fiancee... well I broke up with him after a lot of psychological torment he put me through (long story), so needless to say I am back at home with my parents, and I again had a bout of panic attacks....brought on by the turmoil and trama he put me through (my ex).
I am now seeing somebody else, and he has helped me to turn my life around again for the better. He too gets occassional panic attacks and gets spasm-like symptoms (where he will have uncontrollable jerks/muscle and arm spasms that will last 30 seconds tops and whatnot), so we nurture and share each other's experiences and help each other through the worst. He has been like a gift from God truly, I dunno where I would be without him. He has listened to my story and always lended me a shoulder when I would cry out in tears from the frustration, sadness and trama my ex put me through and the recurring panic attacks.....but I am now close to remission again (almost completely) thanks to him!! He has been my saviour....truly....
I also have an update. When I posted this I was engaged to my now EX fiancee... well I broke up with him after a lot of psychological torment he put me through (long story), so needless to say I am back at home with my parents, and I again had a bout of panic attacks....brought on by the turmoil and trama he put me through (my ex).
I am now seeing somebody else, and he has helped me to turn my life around again for the better. He too gets occassional panic attacks and gets spasm-like symptoms (where he will have uncontrollable jerks/muscle and arm spasms that will last 30 seconds tops and whatnot), so we nurture and share each other's experiences and help each other through the worst. He has been like a gift from God truly, I dunno where I would be without him. He has listened to my story and always lended me a shoulder when I would cry out in tears from the frustration, sadness and trama my ex put me through and the recurring panic attacks.....but I am now close to remission again (almost completely) thanks to him!! He has been my saviour....truly....
I am bumping this up to the top, since some people have asked about it. Also read my post: "The TRUTH about Panic Attacks," if ya wish.
BUMP!! I think all need to read my story to understand....you are not alone....and you think you got it bad??? Read my story above....for even more horrific stories of what I had to endure....from the horrific effects of the SSRI drugs in my body, the first onset and fear, as well as the horrific withdrawal effects once I quit the SSRI....which proved to be only MORE horrific than the first. Some doctors suspected I was having seizure auras or partial seizures, and sent me to the ER. That is how bad....YES just how bad....my physical symptoms became. Here is MY STORY!!!!!
Just putting this thread up to the top for new-comers who are suffering from Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder.
Here is a quote from my last posts on the medications I am taking:
"But now, I have upped the Lorazepam to 2MG 3 times a day, and am also taking a beta-blocker, namely the Toprol XL 50 MG I may have briefly mentioned before, which I started that last November."
"But now, I have upped the Lorazepam to 2MG 3 times a day, and am also taking a beta-blocker, namely the Toprol XL 50 MG I may have briefly mentioned before, which I started that last November."
I forgot to mention something to you. If you believe that Lorazepam is an addicting med, then I am afraid you are wrong. It CAN be addicting, but since I am taking it on a regular basis like you are with Klonopin it does NOT become addicting. Plus, since like most MVPS and Panic attack sufferers I dislike taking medications, so I am not prone to getting addicted at all. I have taken it since March/April, and it has been working GREAT!! You can use Klonopin, since it has a longer half-life than Lorazepam, but Lorazepam specifically targets anxiety which is what I needed, whereas Klonopin is specific more for seizure disorders but can also work for anxiety since it uses the same GABA chemicals. I asked my psych, and he has been in the business for YEARS, and he said he has found Lorazepam to be the best choice in people who are suffering from Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder, and also the least likely to even GET addictive if you could, and also since it only targets anxiety it is the least likely to cause side-effects. The worst I had at the beginning was break-through panic attacks, but that subsided and now I only get panic attacks in between med. doses if I DO get any attacks.
congrats so happy to see you doing great. what meds are you on and how much do you take that will help others to .
Hello heartflutters, and hellow again tanns.
Don't worry heartflutters, you need to read ALL of my posts to get the full story, and if you read it all then you will see that I am in remission now, so my panic attacks are null to almost nothing. For instance, I had a MINOR attack yesterday, and it was basically just some brief lightheadedness, hot flashes and feeling nauseated/feverish . I just kept it in my mind that it was just a hot flash, and it helped me to cope with the attack and it went away pretty quickly. I still felt flushed and like I had a fever for awhile (hot flashes raise your external and internal body temps.), but I knew it was from anxiety, and stayed calm. And that is the WORST I have been through in MONTHS!! Most of my attacks like that are minor, and that was the worst of attacks in a long time, and it was still like nothing. I just felt like I had a cold, and waited it out until my body temp. returned to normal (I took my temp. twice: not long after the attack and again 30 min. later and it had dropped back down to normal, where it read 99.1 before).
And thanks tanns. I just wanted to post my story so people don't feel so alone in all of this. Yes, I am still minorly suffering from my panic attacks which have just recently surfaced again since I have been under a lot of stress, but I expected it to happen. Yet I went a few months now with NO ATTACKS, and it felt wonderous. I know I will get to that state again, and in the meantime I just have to overcome the minor obstacles/attacks that plague me.
Also, my story is a classic example on how SSRI's are not the cure-all for panic attacks. In fact, I would highly advise against it for Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks sufferers, for it has been proven in many instances to inhibit Panic/Anxiety attacks and just make symptoms worse. Just read my story: it is proof right there, and if that is not enough for you than e-mail me and I will tell you more about it in detail, yet I think I made it pretty clear on here. My psych. was surprised at my adverse reactions to both Zoloft and Lexapro, but I wasn't. That is why the beta-blocker and the benzo. to me are THE best combo. to fighting panic disorders, and I still get the emotional mood-swings from panic attacks, but aside from that my life is pretty much normal again! It feel so good to not have to feel like I have to live in fear every day: "Will I get an attack today or not?" I no longer have that fear, and perhaps that is the greatest gift of all thanks to the meds. I am on, and eventually once I am in full remission I will be able to get off the meds. and live my life like I was before. :)
Don't worry heartflutters, you need to read ALL of my posts to get the full story, and if you read it all then you will see that I am in remission now, so my panic attacks are null to almost nothing. For instance, I had a MINOR attack yesterday, and it was basically just some brief lightheadedness, hot flashes and feeling nauseated/feverish . I just kept it in my mind that it was just a hot flash, and it helped me to cope with the attack and it went away pretty quickly. I still felt flushed and like I had a fever for awhile (hot flashes raise your external and internal body temps.), but I knew it was from anxiety, and stayed calm. And that is the WORST I have been through in MONTHS!! Most of my attacks like that are minor, and that was the worst of attacks in a long time, and it was still like nothing. I just felt like I had a cold, and waited it out until my body temp. returned to normal (I took my temp. twice: not long after the attack and again 30 min. later and it had dropped back down to normal, where it read 99.1 before).
And thanks tanns. I just wanted to post my story so people don't feel so alone in all of this. Yes, I am still minorly suffering from my panic attacks which have just recently surfaced again since I have been under a lot of stress, but I expected it to happen. Yet I went a few months now with NO ATTACKS, and it felt wonderous. I know I will get to that state again, and in the meantime I just have to overcome the minor obstacles/attacks that plague me.
Also, my story is a classic example on how SSRI's are not the cure-all for panic attacks. In fact, I would highly advise against it for Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks sufferers, for it has been proven in many instances to inhibit Panic/Anxiety attacks and just make symptoms worse. Just read my story: it is proof right there, and if that is not enough for you than e-mail me and I will tell you more about it in detail, yet I think I made it pretty clear on here. My psych. was surprised at my adverse reactions to both Zoloft and Lexapro, but I wasn't. That is why the beta-blocker and the benzo. to me are THE best combo. to fighting panic disorders, and I still get the emotional mood-swings from panic attacks, but aside from that my life is pretty much normal again! It feel so good to not have to feel like I have to live in fear every day: "Will I get an attack today or not?" I no longer have that fear, and perhaps that is the greatest gift of all thanks to the meds. I am on, and eventually once I am in full remission I will be able to get off the meds. and live my life like I was before. :)
I am so glad you posted back. There are so many of your posts when all this started happening that I wondered how you weredoing now. I'm glad things are leveling out for you.
Best of luck to you!
t.
Best of luck to you!
t.
hi dragon, so sorry your going through all of this but it sounds just like anxiety and you do need to be on meds for a while just to get under control. i cant take ssri either , so when really under bad anxiety i start on klonopin, its a great med and really does help. ask your dr about taking it because with the lorasapam your body will keep wanting more with the klonopin it will not if you take it twice a day and it will be a lot easer to come off of when the time comes if you every do . but the klonopin is made for long term anxiety , search it out on here lots take it . wishing you the best , try and relax looks like this has been going on for a while now , so nothing to kill you just drive you crazy. ive been ther a few times. we are here for you this is a great site so welcome and read about others you will see many go through what you have . have a great weekend . barbara
I apologize, when I said 3 months at the beginning, it has been 11 months now since the Panic Attacks first started.
Well, needless to say it made my head attacks TEN FOLD!! Sometimes they were mild and bearable, like before. And there were days I went without attacks. But when the bad ones struck, they left me PARALYZED in certain limbs, my head felt like it was going to go into convulsions or something, and it was just like PURE HELL!! I was completely conscious during these attacks, so you can imagine the FEAR I was under during this time.
After about a month 1/2 or so, and after starting on a mult-vitamin since I thought maybe I had some vitamin deficiencies that were attributing to my problems, my problems not only began to dissipate, but the head zings almost vanished COMPLETELY!! I still got the dizziness/lightheadedness and my head would feel quooky/odd still at times during some of my Panic Attacks, yet NOTHING like I had to endure before!! And sure, I still got heart palps and anxiety, but NOTHING like the torment and torture I had to go through getting ON and then OFF the Zoloft!!!
I am now seeing a Psychiatrist, who prescribed me with Lorazepam and also prescribed me with Lexapro, even though I TOLD him about my reaction to Zoloft. He was STILL convinced, however, that it was just Zoloft and that another SSRI should do the trick. Well guess what happened???
I took it on a Saturday, and for most of the day I was fine (aside from feeling a little tired). I thought maybe I was HOME-FREE and found a med. that would work GREAT!! I took it at NOON along with the Lorazepam, which I take 2-3 times daily. After 6 HOURS of the med. being in my system (Lexapro), I got ANOTHER head-related attack of the electrical vibrations, ten-fold pins and needles feeling, and getting sweaty and clammy, then cold. I immediately called my doctor, and STOPPED taking the med from there on out.
My doctor called me back ASAP on that Monday, and just agreed with me to STOP the med. He told me to continue the Lorazepam and see how that works, as so far there has been no adverse effects, aside from a full-blown attack when first popping the med. one day, but I think that was because I hadn't had the drug in my system all night long, and thus was just prone to a panic attack.
But now, I have upped the Lorazepam to 2MG 3 times a day, and am also taking a beta-blocker, namely the Toprol XL 50 MG I may have briefly mentioned before, which I started that last November.
It has not only lessened my attacks, but made me feel like I can finally enjoy life again!! I am in remission now, and am still taking the Lorazepam and Toprol long-term. Once my doctor and shrink (psychiatrist) feel it is time for me to get off the meds., then they will SLOWLY ween me off of the meds.
I hope my story enlightens some of you, and makes you feel like you are not alone and that there IS hope at the end of the tunnel. You just have to keep reaching for it, and eventually you will get there! Trust me, I never thought I would with all of the hell I had to go through to get to where I am today! Now I am living life larger than ever, and proud of it!! :)
~Crystal P.~
After about a month 1/2 or so, and after starting on a mult-vitamin since I thought maybe I had some vitamin deficiencies that were attributing to my problems, my problems not only began to dissipate, but the head zings almost vanished COMPLETELY!! I still got the dizziness/lightheadedness and my head would feel quooky/odd still at times during some of my Panic Attacks, yet NOTHING like I had to endure before!! And sure, I still got heart palps and anxiety, but NOTHING like the torment and torture I had to go through getting ON and then OFF the Zoloft!!!
I am now seeing a Psychiatrist, who prescribed me with Lorazepam and also prescribed me with Lexapro, even though I TOLD him about my reaction to Zoloft. He was STILL convinced, however, that it was just Zoloft and that another SSRI should do the trick. Well guess what happened???
I took it on a Saturday, and for most of the day I was fine (aside from feeling a little tired). I thought maybe I was HOME-FREE and found a med. that would work GREAT!! I took it at NOON along with the Lorazepam, which I take 2-3 times daily. After 6 HOURS of the med. being in my system (Lexapro), I got ANOTHER head-related attack of the electrical vibrations, ten-fold pins and needles feeling, and getting sweaty and clammy, then cold. I immediately called my doctor, and STOPPED taking the med from there on out.
My doctor called me back ASAP on that Monday, and just agreed with me to STOP the med. He told me to continue the Lorazepam and see how that works, as so far there has been no adverse effects, aside from a full-blown attack when first popping the med. one day, but I think that was because I hadn't had the drug in my system all night long, and thus was just prone to a panic attack.
But now, I have upped the Lorazepam to 2MG 3 times a day, and am also taking a beta-blocker, namely the Toprol XL 50 MG I may have briefly mentioned before, which I started that last November.
It has not only lessened my attacks, but made me feel like I can finally enjoy life again!! I am in remission now, and am still taking the Lorazepam and Toprol long-term. Once my doctor and shrink (psychiatrist) feel it is time for me to get off the meds., then they will SLOWLY ween me off of the meds.
I hope my story enlightens some of you, and makes you feel like you are not alone and that there IS hope at the end of the tunnel. You just have to keep reaching for it, and eventually you will get there! Trust me, I never thought I would with all of the hell I had to go through to get to where I am today! Now I am living life larger than ever, and proud of it!! :)
~Crystal P.~
Now, I want to relate to you my experience with doctors and SSRI's:
I was at first given Zoloft, since I was complaining of having heart palps and racing heart beats and of course, Panic Attacks. My GP promptly wrote me a script for Zoloft at 25 MG, and told me, "take this, you will be fine and it will do you wonders!"
So I left, of course stupididly believing every word she said. I went and filled the prescription, and the next day popped my first pill...
About a few hours into taking it, I had the WORST feeling in my life (well, it only got WORSE from there). I felt severely woozy and lightheaded, and had to sit down to balance and keep myself together. It felt like the entire room was spinning, and my head just felt BLAH all together, like I was getting a head illness or something. I was in a store that day, since I assumed everything with the med. would be fine, and was getting ready to check out when it just HIT me like a ton of bricks. Now, I have had lightheaded spells TONS of times in the past as well as Panic Attacks and Chest Pains, and it was NOTHING like those I had experienced before!!
After that ONE day of taking the pill, I deviated away from taking it again! My symptoms improved, and I no longer had any more of those light headed spells after that one day..
However, as I was STILL suffering from the severe heart palps and anxiety/panic attacks, my mother convinced me to give the med. another try, since my "sis was on another SSRI for her GAD and it was working her WONDERS." Still skeptical about taking the med., but DESPERATE to get rid of my other symptoms, I again popped the med...
Now, the first day I was fine, and this was on a Friday. I was back in the apartment with my fiancee, and it was late one Saturday night, and I was just lying in bed waiting for my man to finish getting ready for bed so I could follow up as well. I then all of a sudden felt this ELECTRICAL SURGE seem to vibrate throughout my head/brain, along with a ten-fold pins-and-needles feeling that surged through my head. I then felt the electrical surge feeling continue to surge through me, even going up and down my spinal cord. I PANICKED, of course, not knowing WHAT was happening to me. I started seeing blotches, and I PANICKED that I was going to pass out, have a seizure or SOMETHING!! I ran around the apartment, the feeling still going on through my head. I then tried sitting on the bed to calm myself down and regain myself, and it seemed like it started to pass. Then, I felt ANOTHER attack, worse than the first, which truly caused me to have blotchy vision and just go into utter chaos.
My fiancee drove me to the hospital in case by the time we got there my symptoms worsened or progressed. Eventually, the off-and-on symptoms DID pass, after about 45 min. to an hour of pure hell.
We just went back to the apartment, and I went to bed that night.
The next morning, I woke up, and probably a mix between me having the attack that night and due to the fact I didn't get much sleep, I felt completely SLOW and BLAH the entire day. I could barely bring myself to speak, I dragged myself slowly across the room, and I just overall felt like a complete pile of ****!!
I called the doctor-on-call (since it was a weekend) and told him about my horrific experience. You know what he did?? He "Poo-Pooed" me away and told me "Oh, it's not the medicine, just you. It was probably just a bad Panic Attack." I was SO mad....he also told me to "continue on the med." >:(
I continued taking the med., and that following week, on a Wednesday, I had ANOTHER milder, but more PROLONGED attack that lasted off-and-on for about 2 HOURS!! :( :( It kept me up until like 1:30 a.m., so needless to say I slept in late the next day...
The problems FINALLY seemed to dissipate, for about 2 weeks. However, after those 2 weeks were up (and I was still on the med.), I AGAIN began getting the weird head attacks!! Most were not as severe as the first, but they were still attacks nonetheless. Now, I have had Panic Attack, and know what those were like, and sure these caused me to have Panic Attacks also, but moreso since I didn't know WHAT THE HELL was going on!!! :(
I was then getting head-related zings/buzzings/electrical sensation attacks EVERY DAY, sometimes mild and bearable and other times not.
I eventually STOPPED the med. after having it in my system for a month, but my stupid GP (she is a good doctor, but not for things like this) told me to QUIT IT COLD TURKEY. She said I should not experience too much side effects, if any.
I was at first given Zoloft, since I was complaining of having heart palps and racing heart beats and of course, Panic Attacks. My GP promptly wrote me a script for Zoloft at 25 MG, and told me, "take this, you will be fine and it will do you wonders!"
So I left, of course stupididly believing every word she said. I went and filled the prescription, and the next day popped my first pill...
About a few hours into taking it, I had the WORST feeling in my life (well, it only got WORSE from there). I felt severely woozy and lightheaded, and had to sit down to balance and keep myself together. It felt like the entire room was spinning, and my head just felt BLAH all together, like I was getting a head illness or something. I was in a store that day, since I assumed everything with the med. would be fine, and was getting ready to check out when it just HIT me like a ton of bricks. Now, I have had lightheaded spells TONS of times in the past as well as Panic Attacks and Chest Pains, and it was NOTHING like those I had experienced before!!
After that ONE day of taking the pill, I deviated away from taking it again! My symptoms improved, and I no longer had any more of those light headed spells after that one day..
However, as I was STILL suffering from the severe heart palps and anxiety/panic attacks, my mother convinced me to give the med. another try, since my "sis was on another SSRI for her GAD and it was working her WONDERS." Still skeptical about taking the med., but DESPERATE to get rid of my other symptoms, I again popped the med...
Now, the first day I was fine, and this was on a Friday. I was back in the apartment with my fiancee, and it was late one Saturday night, and I was just lying in bed waiting for my man to finish getting ready for bed so I could follow up as well. I then all of a sudden felt this ELECTRICAL SURGE seem to vibrate throughout my head/brain, along with a ten-fold pins-and-needles feeling that surged through my head. I then felt the electrical surge feeling continue to surge through me, even going up and down my spinal cord. I PANICKED, of course, not knowing WHAT was happening to me. I started seeing blotches, and I PANICKED that I was going to pass out, have a seizure or SOMETHING!! I ran around the apartment, the feeling still going on through my head. I then tried sitting on the bed to calm myself down and regain myself, and it seemed like it started to pass. Then, I felt ANOTHER attack, worse than the first, which truly caused me to have blotchy vision and just go into utter chaos.
My fiancee drove me to the hospital in case by the time we got there my symptoms worsened or progressed. Eventually, the off-and-on symptoms DID pass, after about 45 min. to an hour of pure hell.
We just went back to the apartment, and I went to bed that night.
The next morning, I woke up, and probably a mix between me having the attack that night and due to the fact I didn't get much sleep, I felt completely SLOW and BLAH the entire day. I could barely bring myself to speak, I dragged myself slowly across the room, and I just overall felt like a complete pile of ****!!
I called the doctor-on-call (since it was a weekend) and told him about my horrific experience. You know what he did?? He "Poo-Pooed" me away and told me "Oh, it's not the medicine, just you. It was probably just a bad Panic Attack." I was SO mad....he also told me to "continue on the med." >:(
I continued taking the med., and that following week, on a Wednesday, I had ANOTHER milder, but more PROLONGED attack that lasted off-and-on for about 2 HOURS!! :( :( It kept me up until like 1:30 a.m., so needless to say I slept in late the next day...
The problems FINALLY seemed to dissipate, for about 2 weeks. However, after those 2 weeks were up (and I was still on the med.), I AGAIN began getting the weird head attacks!! Most were not as severe as the first, but they were still attacks nonetheless. Now, I have had Panic Attack, and know what those were like, and sure these caused me to have Panic Attacks also, but moreso since I didn't know WHAT THE HELL was going on!!! :(
I was then getting head-related zings/buzzings/electrical sensation attacks EVERY DAY, sometimes mild and bearable and other times not.
I eventually STOPPED the med. after having it in my system for a month, but my stupid GP (she is a good doctor, but not for things like this) told me to QUIT IT COLD TURKEY. She said I should not experience too much side effects, if any.
BEFORE starting on the Zoloft, the problems were situated more with the heart clenching pain. It was then that I was put at FIRST on Toprol XL since I had been previously diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse, and my doctor, assumming possibly the MVP would be causing my symptoms, put me on the Toprol.
It seemed to work GREAT for awhile, and there was maybe a whole week I had NO PROBLEMS since the start of the symptoms. However, the problems continued, so they UPPED my med. to 50 mg of the Toprol from 25 mg. Again, the problems seemed to decrease, yet STILL the problems continued...
This all started back in November, and the heart related problems continued well into December. It was at this time that my doctor recommended being put on Zoloft, since ALL my bloodwork, echo, and EKG's were coming back fine, so she assumed it was Panic Disorder or Anxiety. The ONLY thing that had come up was a slight hear murmor, along with my minor case of Mitral Valve Prolapse.
I started on the Zoloft sometime at the beginning of Jan. About 2 DAYS of taking the Zoloft is when I began experiencing my FIRST symptoms of the head dizziness, tingling, numbness, my body and limbs would shake, my hands would get clammy, the tingling and numbness spread to other parts of the body, etc. Of course, I PANICKED, since all that was knew for me, and I was wondering WHAT THE HECK WAS GOING ON!!! It was all completely new for me, and totally petrified me.
Since then, I started getting problems maybe once a week. The SAME symptoms would occur. It also makes it hard to walk/wobbly in my legs, and I also get electrical surges, pain, and tingling sensations up and down my spine during episodes. The episodes last for maybe as short as 10 min. (usually the more minor ones) to OVER AN HOUR!! :(
The symptoms then INCREASED, and I was getting it EVERY DAY for about a week!!! :( Sometimes it wasn't so bad, but other times it was UNBEARABLE!! :(
I got taken OFF THE ZOLOFT, and boy was that hell.
A few times it led to fear/panic, yet most of the time it was just the pure physical symptoms which debilitated me. After the first episode I got, I felt EXTREMELY tired, blah, and like I had NO energy and I could barely do anything!! I felt like tha the next morning too!! :( I would walk slowly, felt like I could barely talk or want to talk, etc. However, rarely does it result in that.
Sometimes (also rarely) I felt weird emotions during attacks, anywhere from anger, depression, fear, etc. Yet I acknowledged the emotions weren't real, even though it seemed to try to convince me they were. I experienced the anger one time after waking up from dreaming, and I felt the anger and anxiousness and then an attack came on. :(
Usually though, as I said, the attacks are more PHYSICAL. It can sometimes lead to fear/panic, yet only in rare instances.
But once I quit the Zoloft, I thought I was in a living hell before, but it just became MORE of a living hell after quitting the Zoloft cold-turkey!
It seemed to work GREAT for awhile, and there was maybe a whole week I had NO PROBLEMS since the start of the symptoms. However, the problems continued, so they UPPED my med. to 50 mg of the Toprol from 25 mg. Again, the problems seemed to decrease, yet STILL the problems continued...
This all started back in November, and the heart related problems continued well into December. It was at this time that my doctor recommended being put on Zoloft, since ALL my bloodwork, echo, and EKG's were coming back fine, so she assumed it was Panic Disorder or Anxiety. The ONLY thing that had come up was a slight hear murmor, along with my minor case of Mitral Valve Prolapse.
I started on the Zoloft sometime at the beginning of Jan. About 2 DAYS of taking the Zoloft is when I began experiencing my FIRST symptoms of the head dizziness, tingling, numbness, my body and limbs would shake, my hands would get clammy, the tingling and numbness spread to other parts of the body, etc. Of course, I PANICKED, since all that was knew for me, and I was wondering WHAT THE HECK WAS GOING ON!!! It was all completely new for me, and totally petrified me.
Since then, I started getting problems maybe once a week. The SAME symptoms would occur. It also makes it hard to walk/wobbly in my legs, and I also get electrical surges, pain, and tingling sensations up and down my spine during episodes. The episodes last for maybe as short as 10 min. (usually the more minor ones) to OVER AN HOUR!! :(
The symptoms then INCREASED, and I was getting it EVERY DAY for about a week!!! :( Sometimes it wasn't so bad, but other times it was UNBEARABLE!! :(
I got taken OFF THE ZOLOFT, and boy was that hell.
A few times it led to fear/panic, yet most of the time it was just the pure physical symptoms which debilitated me. After the first episode I got, I felt EXTREMELY tired, blah, and like I had NO energy and I could barely do anything!! I felt like tha the next morning too!! :( I would walk slowly, felt like I could barely talk or want to talk, etc. However, rarely does it result in that.
Sometimes (also rarely) I felt weird emotions during attacks, anywhere from anger, depression, fear, etc. Yet I acknowledged the emotions weren't real, even though it seemed to try to convince me they were. I experienced the anger one time after waking up from dreaming, and I felt the anger and anxiousness and then an attack came on. :(
Usually though, as I said, the attacks are more PHYSICAL. It can sometimes lead to fear/panic, yet only in rare instances.
But once I quit the Zoloft, I thought I was in a living hell before, but it just became MORE of a living hell after quitting the Zoloft cold-turkey!
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