Physical Symptoms

[NelsonAAA]

I am a sufferer of occasional GAD with HVS (overbreathing).

At present, for little reason, my physical symptoms have 'switched on' - they include weakness, fatigue, aches, pains in my joints, headaches, eyesight problems and tightness in my neck. This is accompanied by some breathing difficulties.

Q . Can you suggest how I might relieve these symptoms most effectively?

I have recently had full tests and my heart, lungs, blood pressure and the rest are fine. My problem appears to be just hyperventilation syndrome with physical and emotional problems caused by anxiety. I was prescribed Buspar, which I take when needed.

I look forward to your kind reply. THANKS.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

my favorite remedy would be counseling but you can also ask your doctor about klonopin to relieve the anxiety temporarily. The combination would be ideal.

[wxci]

Buspar usually takes weeks to show effects, like SSRIs such as Prosac. Not sure what benefit "as needed" would give you but that's left up to you and your doctor.

I would caution you strongly about taking any benzodiazepine such as klonipin. I was prescribed Xanax and developed a very severe dependency. It took me years of slow withdrawal and rebound panic attacks to get off them. I finally found relief once I was off all medications. In my experience therapy works the best and is the safest. My therapist and I both believe that suppressing my emotions with drugs only prolonged my torment. It's often normal to be anxious about life situations--extreme anxiety indicates a serious problem in one's life that probably has been brewing for years. For short-term relief from anxiety there are many relaxation techniques. A great book is called "Instant Calm" is meant just to teach people how to calm down in crisis situations.

Sorry about being a nay-sayer, but I wouldn't want anyone to go through the years of torture and torment I did with those benzos--prescribed by well-meaning physicians who were unaware of the severe potential for addiction. AFTER I was prescribed my first benzo, I had hundreds of panic attacks and dozens of emergency room visits until I was finally able to wean myself off. Perhaps you would do better than I did on them, but either way, best of luck!