is tightness in the chest normal?

This is the first I posted on this forum.  I have suffered with anxiety for 4 years now, after my first panic attack, it always sits in the back of my mind.  I recently came clean off of Vicoden,  I abused back and forth with it for several months.  While I feel good that I am clean i have this overwhelming feeling of anxiety alot of the time.  The tightness is almost unbearable.  After I cant take it any more I take a Ativan .5mg somethimes twice a day.  Just cant seem to shake it.  I really dont want to be on anything anymore.  Any suggestions?

[Ariom63]

Welcome!  Congrats on coming off of Vicoden!!!!  I am not sure about pain killers and what they can do to your body after one stops taking it.  You mention you were not on them for years, so makes it even harder for me to answer!  I would certainly talk to your  doctor about it ...could it be something to do with that?  if it isn't then chest tightness can be the anxiety, as I am sure you are aware of.  benzo's help, but there is something out there that could better suit you since you don't like taking Ativan and don't want to be on meds.  many people do exersise, yoga and deep breathing.  I am sorry I am not being much help....but the medication I take is the only thing I have found that works for me. At least for now!  

Do you still feel the tightness in your chest even after taking Ativan?  

Good luck...others will answer.

[greenlydia]

I would first suggest a visit to your doctor to rule out any underlying health issue and then tackle what's going on in your head.
You don't say why you were on the Vicodin, but I will go ahead and assume it was for a legit reason...........like pain. That you've gotten yourself off it is very good. Easy med to abuse.
The tightness in your chest is a classic symptom of anxiety and the Ativan should help relieve that, but all meds do not work for everyone. You need to take these concerns back to your doctor and let him/her know it's not helping. There are many  other meds they can try. Since you've been dealing with anxiety for four years, you may also want to look into some therapy to get to the root cause of the anxiety. Until you understand where it's coming from, why you're feeling it, taking pills to mask the symptoms will only prolong things. Pills can definitely help during the "search," but they will never "cure" it.
I wish you the very best.
Peace
Greenlydia

[kalie1979]

Right now I am trying to quit hydros, but when i try to quit my anxiety goes crazy. I feel like i might have a heart attack its horrible. Right now i have been taking lexapro for 3 months and all those symptoms are gone..... thank goodness;-) How did you quit?

kalie

[jakegorzen]

How long have you been taking Ativan for?

Sounds like a withdraw from the Vic's.
I suggest writing a your daily eating down, and also write down how you feel after eating.
Could be a food allergy

but I do definently think its from the Vics

[betterdays01]

I dont believe it is a food allergy.  I have the slight tightness when I wake up and by 3pm its horrible, thats when I break down and take the ativan.  I have only taken the ativan for 3 week.  the same amount of time i have been off the vicodin.  just wanting it all to go away without needing a refill of the ativan.