What do you guys think?

[Brian0357]

Ok I have been having some strange things lately. This may all be from something I had when I was a little kid but who knows. I remember two things. I always used to (and still do) hate throwing up and it scares me to think about it. The other was I recall always having an upset stomache as a kid as well as some mild anxiety with school and being away from my parents (age 10). I am now 20 graduated highschool a few years ago and havent pursued much career wise. I dont feel stressed about it, but in the back of my mind who knows. Anyways lately I have been having these symptoms: stomache uneasyness, gassy feeling, foggy head all day (like I feel like I am not quite aware of my surroundings), I get random spells of panic, my heart starts beating i cant sit down and stay calm, my breathing becomes heavy and usually the stomache gets worse. I am taking xanax (.25 now .5mg) for about 3 weeks. My doctor prescribed me for lexapro and I feel a bit worse so far but it has only been a few days and I hear thats normal. My mother who swears this is the problem because she went through the same panic attacks (minus the stomache gas). My main concern is what if I dont get better. That really frightens me because all I want is a normal life, wake up early (which I cant do if my life depended on me) go ride my bike and stay active. I dont want to do any of these things and its really hard sometimes.... What do you guys think?

[Suey39]

I think I have been suffering from stress/anxiety. About 2 months ago I went to my Doctor with pains in the back of my legs, burning type pain and electric shock zaps as well as tingling. I wake up in the morning as there is no pain at all but as the day progresses it creeps in. The pains go as quickly as they appear and I only get them occasionally. I had an MRI scan which was normal, there was no nerve compression. My Doctor expected this to be the case as just by examining me he could see that there was nothing wrong with my back, I can even touch my toes with no pain. I have started to notice other symptoms like shaking/trembling inside, electric shock pain anywhere in the body, even in my groin. No one has diagonosed me as suffering from Anxiety, perhaps if I knew for certain that this was Anxiety then perhaps I would be able to get over it. My Doctor doesn't seem to know what's wrong with me which doesn't help. The back of my legs also get very sensitive when I wear jeans, I get an awful prickling pain sensation, but when I take them off it goes away. Does anyone else have any of these symptoms related to anxiety. I wish someone could just tell me what is wrong..........I'm going mad as this is all I can focus on.

[Brian0357]

Little update. I am two weeks in, starting to feel like I am normalizing.. I went down, now I feel about back to where I started and am hoping to start feeling better soon. My main side effect now seems to be insomnia!! I cant go to sleep at night and I cant wake up in the morning. I have been sleeping till 1-2 pm and not going to bed until 4-6 am. I am trying but I just cant get myself on a normal sleep pattern! Would it be ok to take some melotonin?

[Brian0357]

I know I have been trying but lately I have very little energy and I feel out of it. I developed the habit of making myself burp thinking it would make me feel better but it usually makes me more nervous... Its easier said than done though hah.

[cnote]

Nervous stomach is also a common anxiety issue. I used to get it BAD. You need to get out and do something relaxing... instead of being all cooped up. That gives you too much time to THINK. lol.

Even if its hard.. you'll find it not as hard as you think to go out and do something... like go to a local ymca or gym and sit in a hot tub... or go play a little basketball... just something. =)

[Brian0357]

Yeah I am taking 10mg. Some days are just better than others. I just have this feeling where sometimes I feel so spaced its kind of scary. I dont remember what seeing "normal" and feeling normal is like. Its odd but I am just trying not to think about it too much. I have been coopd up in the house which I know isnt helping but I just cant do much and everytime I go out I feel very anxious and just strange like I need to get out of here. My stomache gets all anxious and jittery too. Ill keep you guys posted hopefully I can start my class next week because I already missed the first week :( I hope that you start feeling better. Then everyone can have a feeling better party haha!

[cnote]

How many mg of Lexapro are you on? 10mg?

Sometimes starting an anti-depressant can give you a little more anxiety at first... but it fades. It will help.

Also, it could just be your anxiety. And you could be thinking way too much about "what the lexapro is going to do to you".

Really, you won't feel the lexapro doing anything... it will take time 2-6 weeks to build in your blood stream and you'll just feel better usually.

Your appetite issue, I still lack an appetite, have been for about 2 months now. It *****. But I know its just anxiety. So I do make myself eat... even if I don't feel very hungry. But there are days/nights where I am hungry and stuff does sound good. It's wierd. But its all anxiety.

I also get a tight tight throat and sensitive gag reflex. (seeing the dr. again for this this monday just to rule anything else out... even though i should just believe him when he says its anxiety)

Your stool issue doesnt sound like an issue to me.

When you start having diarhea and actual food not degesting correctly, like me... then you can say your stool has changed. Light brown doesnt mean anything. =)

You are gonna be okay. It's just anxiety. Just accept it. And you will be alright. =)

[Brian0357]

Well I am a ltle over a weeks into my treatment and I am still feeling pretty zombie like. I have been getting some scary panic attacks but I am able to stay calm because I know that I am having a panic attack. Last night I had one and once it was over it felt like I had ankle weights on. Anyways I have noticed my stool has been a bit different lately. It seems to be a much lighter brown than normal for me. It comes out relatively easy but it just looks kind of different. My diet has been different though so that could be it. I have just been snacking on things that I feel like eating now because of my lack of appetite. I dont think its anything serious, just wondering if anyone else has experienced the same?

[Brian0357]

I have been on the lexapro for a week now (tommorow) and I just dont feel like I want to do ANYTHING. I have had a few bad panic attacks but generally I just dont feel well. I dont want to to much and havent had much of an appetite, although so far today I think I am feeling better. Is this normal for the first few weeks? I just dont feel like leaving the house and when I do I just feel like I want to go back in most of the time. I have been trying not to use my xanex but its the only way I can get a good nights sleep right now :(

[Brian0357]

Thanks cnote. I try to calm my self down but the gas triggers something or visa versa I dont know. My heart just races and it gets really scary. I just had another one but I am feeling better now. Just reading that people care on here helps out alot. Thanks

[cnote]

Anxiety def causes digestive issues. That's what I've been struggling with the past 2 or 3 months with. I get gassy... Diarhea on and off... My biggest symptom is a tight throat. It's scary. But I'm not as scared now bc my dr assured me it was anxiety. I wanted him to do every test in the book. But he said no need. And I trust him.

The brain makes seratonin in the brain and the stomach believe it or not. Nerves and anxiety can cause sooo many physical symptoms. Good luck to you. Keep ur mind distracted from your fearful irrational thoughts. It will help.

[Brian0357]

It seems liek many times after eating I just feel sick and gassy. I dont think its related to a food type because it is random. I just keep dwelling on this and its driving me nuts.. I have my endoscopy on monday and I hope I can meet the requirements for not drinking water before the appointment. When I get like this I get really thirsty and its going to be hard not to drink...

[Brian0357]

What effects can anxiety have on your digestive system?

[Brian0357]

Thanks for the motivation everyone. I just had a hard time waking up this morning and I just dont feel good. I will try and go out and do something today. I went for a walk last night which actually made me feel much better. You guys sure are a big help though I just need some positive influence once in a while. My mom sure helps too.

[cnote]

All common symptoms of anxiety. I've had em all. Sounds like you already know you have anxiety. Your Dr. has told you thats what it is... so you should ACCEPT it... Accepting anxiety is the 1st step in treating it.

Do things you enjoy. Even if you don't feel like it. It will help. Go ride your bike... see how you feel afterwards... you'll find out probably that it wasnt that hard to do. =)

Give the Lexapro about 3-4 weeks. Even though I bet you'll be feeling better before that.

I used to take Lexapro, now Paxil... you'll be fine. Lexapro has less side effects than most anti-depressants... and if you are having a little side effect, it will subside. =)

Welcome to the forum. Write if you need to talk . =)

[john4791]

It certainly sounds like you suffer from anxiety and panic disorder.  Try to hang in there while your body gets adjusted to the medication because it may help you.  I just started seeing a therapist and I would suggest trying that too, especially while you're young.  I don't believe in simply relying on the medication anymore.  I do some simple breathing exercises that sometimes help calm me down and I think you should try doing that too to see if it helps you when you feel the onset of the anxiety.  

[frue13]

I think if your doc said it is anxiety, thats what it is.   The sooner you except what your doctor said the sooner you can get on with dealing with your problem.   After had said that,  Your body is producing a chemical called adrenalin this in turn is causing the symptoms you are having.  You are not going to die but it may feel that way.  You body is just overeacting to stimuli wether it be someone getting out of bed or just something as a bad dream.   See your body is saying there is a mac truck coming toward you move out of the way.  But in reality there is nothing there.  See as soon as you realize that the mac truck is not there your body will calm down.  The problem with anxiety induced adrenalin is your mind is constantly alert looking for danger and any little stimuli like a slamed door sets the fight or flight in motion.  You will get over this but you must except first that it is anxiety.  

[Brian0357]

Anybody? I am scarred right now I just woke up sweating and sick feeling. My girlfriend got out of bed and I think thats what woke me up. I am so sensitive to waking up, especially now....